Writing - COHERENCE - COHESION

NGUYEN H.
HUY 1
Weekly Seminar: Coherence and Cohesion
Coherence refers to the clarity and logical flow of your ideas throughout the
essay. A coherent essay is easy to read and understand because the ideas are presented
in a logical sequence and are well-developed.
Cohesion, on the other hand, concerns the connectivity of your text. It's the 'glue'
that holds your sentences and paragraphs together, achieved through cohesive devices
like linking words, pronouns, and conjunctions.
Coherence Strategies
1. Logical Sequence: Arrange your ideas in an order that makes sense. Start with a
general idea and then provide specific details or examples.
2. Paragraphing: Each paragraph should contain one main idea. Begin with a
topic sentence that introduces the idea, followed by supporting sentences, and a
concluding sentence if necessary.
3. Idea Development: Expand your ideas fully. If you mention a problem, explain
why it's a problem, provide an example or evidence, and discuss possible solutions.
Cohesion Strategies
1. Linking Words: Use words like 'however', 'furthermore', 'therefore', and
'meanwhile' to connect sentences and paragraphs.
2. Pronouns: Use pronouns to refer back to previously mentioned ideas without
repeating them. For example, "Many people are obese. They face numerous health
problems."
3. Repetition and Synonyms: Repeat key terms occasionally or use synonyms to
reinforce an idea without redundancy.
Low vs. High-Level Coherence and Cohesion
Consider these two sentences:
- Low-level: "Many people have become obese nowadays. It has devastating
effects on society."
- High-level: "The prevalence of obesity is rising alarmingly. This public health
crisis not only strains healthcare systems but also hinders societal progress through the
loss of productivity and escalating medical costs."
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NGUYEN H. HUY 2
The high-level sentence uses more complex structures and vocabulary. It also
connects ideas more effectively with the inclusion of the consequences of the problem.
Applying Coherence and Cohesion in Task 2
Prompt: "Many high-level positions in companies are filled by men even though
the workforce in many developed countries is more than 50 percent female. Companies
should be required to allocate a certain percentage of these positions to women. To what
extent do you agree or disagree?" (Write this and submit)
A coherent and cohesive essay would have:
Introduction
- Paraphrase the prompt.
- Provide a clear thesis statement with your view.
Body Paragraph 1
- Topic sentence about the current state of gender imbalance.
- Explanation and example.
- Concluding sentence with a transition to the next idea.
Body Paragraph 2
- Topic sentence about the necessity/impact of mandating female representation.
- Explanation and example.
- Concluding sentence summarizing the argument.
Conclusion
- Restate your thesis.
- Summarize the main points.
- Provide a final thought or recommendation.
In-Depth Example
Introduction
"The business world has long been dominated by male leadership, despite a
workforce that is often predominantly female. I strongly advocate for mandated quotas
to ensure a fair representation of women in top corporate roles."
Body Paragraph 1
"The glass ceiling remains intact in many modern enterprises; women are
conspicuously absent from the boardrooms and executive suites where crucial decisions
are made. For instance, despite constituting over 50% of the workforce, women hold less

NGUYEN H. HUY 3
than a quarter of senior management positions globally. This disparity not only reflects
a gross inequality but also disregards the diverse perspectives that women bring to
leadership."
Body Paragraph 2
"Enforcing a quota system for female participation in upper management is not
merely about equity; it harnesses the full potential of the talent pool. Diverse executive
teams are shown to be more innovative and more reflective of the customer base,
leading to better business outcomes. For example, companies with significant female
representation at the senior level outperform their competitors by 15%, according to a
Peterson Institute for International Economics study."
Conclusion
"In conclusion, while some may argue that enforced quotas are an artificial
intervention, the evidence supports their effectiveness in promoting gender equality and
enhancing business performance. Therefore, it is imperative that companies take
proactive steps to redress the gender imbalance in high-level positions."
More examples on how to formulate g0od cohesion:
Example 1: Discussing Health Issues
Low-Level:
"People eat more fast food than before. This is bad. Health problems like heart
disease and diabetes are now common. We need to stop this trend."
High-Level:
"The burgeoning consumption of fast food has precipitated a plethora of health
concerns, with heart disease and diabetes becoming increasingly prevalent. Addressing
this alarming trend necessitates a multifaceted approach, encompassing both public
health initiatives and individual dietary changes."
Example 2: Environmental Conservation
Low-Level:
"Forests are important. They are being cut down. Animals lose homes. We should
do something."
High-Level:
"Forests represent crucial ecosystems, providing habitat to countless species. The
rampant deforestation observed globally not only deprives these animals of their natural

NGUYEN H. HUY 4
homes but also disrupts delicate environmental balances. It is imperative that

conservation efforts are intensified to safeguard these verdant havens."
Example 3: Technology in Education
Low-Level:
"Schools use computers now. It is good for learning. Some students don't have
computers. It's not fair."
High-Level:
"The integration of computers into educational settings has revolutionized
learning modalities, offering interactive and personalized educational experiences.
However, the digital divide remains a pressing issue, with students from
underprivileged backgrounds often lacking access to such technology, thereby
perpetuating educational inequities."
Example 4: Job Market Trends
Low-Level:
"Many jobs today weren't there in the past. This is because of the internet and
computers. Some old jobs are not needed anymore."
High-Level:
"The contemporary job market has been transformed by the advent of the
internet and advanced computing, giving rise to an array of new professions.
Concurrently, this technological evolution has rendered certain traditional roles
obsolete, necessitating a workforce that is adaptable and proficient in digital skills."
Example 5: Public Transportation
Low-Level:
"Buses and trains are used by people to go to work. Traffic is bad and makes
pollution. We should use them more."
High-Level:
"Public transit systems, such as buses and trains, offer a viable solution to the
twin challenges of traffic congestion and urban pollution. By increasing the utilization of
these mass transit options, cities can significantly mitigate environmental degradation
while improving the daily commute for their inhabitants."
In each high-level example, notice the use of complex sentences, precise
vocabulary, and a clear connection between ideas. The use of linking words (e.g.,

NGUYEN H. HUY 5
"however," "therefore," "consequently") and referential pronouns (e.g., "this," "such,"

"these") enhances cohesion, while the logical presentation and expansion of ideas
improve coherence.

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NGUYEN H.

Weekly Seminar: Coherence and Cohesion

ALL COPYRIGHTS RESERVED.

ALL COPYRIGHTS RESERVED.

ALL COPYRIGHTS RESERVED.

homes but also disrupts delicate environmental balances. It is imperative that

ALL COPYRIGHTS RESERVED.

"however," "therefore," "consequently") and referential pronouns (e.g., "this," "such,"

ALL COPYRIGHTS RESERVED.

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