Organization, Coherence and Cohesion in Texts

Organization, Coherence and
Cohesion in Texts
1.Organization
2.Coherence and Cohesion
3.Language Use
4. Mechanics
ORGANIZATION
Paragraph Order
a. Chronological Order
This pattern of arrangement helps provide

coherence by arranging the details in an
orderly time sequence. If the writer moves
haphazardly from one time to another, he
produces composition.
b. Spatial Pattern
This is useful for a descriptive

composition. This pattern helps provide
coherency by arranging visual details from
left to right, right to left, east to west, west
to east, from the distant to the near or the
near to distant. To produce a coherent
composition, one should be cautious in
moving from one place to another.
c. Logical order
Order that is based from logical reasoning

such as from general to particular
(deductive), particular to general
(inductive),simplest to most complex,most
to the least significant, cause to effect, one
to infinity or vice versa, etc.
COHERENCE
If a paragraph is coherent, each sentence flows
smoothly into the next without obvious shifts or
jumps.
A coherent paragraph also highlights the ties

between old information and new information to
make the structure of ideas or arguments clear
to the reader.
A coherent paragraph is one in which all of the

sentences logically fit together.
•
Techniques to establish coherence in
paragraphs
1. Repeat key words or phrases.
2. Create parallel structures.
3. Be consistent in point of view, verb tense,
and number.
4. Use transition words or phrases between
sentences and between paragraphs.
Transitional Devices
• Connectives (symbols,words, phrases;
sometimes whole sentences and paragraphs)
that make possible a smooth "passing over"
from one idea to the next
• Transitions are made by referring to what you

have said before,establishing cause-and-effect
connections, looking ahead to what you will say,
referring to the present, marking time and place,
qualifying, comparing, contrasting.
LANGUAGE USE AND MECHANICS
• Standard Written English, including

grammar, sentence and paragraph
structure, coherence, and document
design (including the use of the visual) and
be able to use this knowledge to revise
texts.
Achieving an Effective Writing Style
1. Use Positive Language
As much as possible, communicate messages in a

courteous manner with positive language.
Negative
We cannot issue you a refund without a receipt;
you can only receive store credit.
We will not be able to approve the budget until the
analysis is complete.
Positive
We will be happy to issue you store credit.
We will be able to approve the new budget once
the analysis is complete.
2. Use the "You" View
The "you" view refers to a style of writing where

the reader's needs are emphasized, rather than
the writer's.
Writer-Focused Message
To prevent us from losing money, our bank now
requires identification when cashing large checks.
Reader-Focused Message ("You" View)

To protect your account, we ask for identification
when cashing large checks.
3. Use a Conversational Style of Writing
Use conversational, everyday language,

rather than overly formal language.
Too Formal
It will behoove us to henceforth complete all
documentation within two business days.
Conversational
Please complete all forms within two
business days.
4.Use Inclusive Language
As a courtesy to readers, writers should strive to
use language that does not exclude people.
Non-Inclusive Gender-Neutral
Job Titles Substitutes
Mailman Mail carrier

Workman Worker
Waitress Server
Policeman Police officer
5.Use Predominantly Active Voice
Writers should strive to use mostly active voice in
their writing because it is clearer, more vigorous,
and less wordy.
Passive Voice
The proposal was voted upon by the board.
Human Resources was notified of the change in
personnel.
Active Voice
The board voted on the proposal.
The president notified Human Resources of the
change in personnel.
MECHANICS
• Mechanics are the conventions of print
that do not exist in oral language, including
spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and
paragraphs. Because they do not exist in
oral language, students have to
consciously learn how mechanics function
in written language.
• Review the basic rules in spelling,
punctuation, capitalization, abbreviations
and writing numbers, etc.
REFERENCES:
Abelos, A. V. et al., Effective Strategies in Technical Writing. Cabanatuan City: Jimcy
Publishing House. 2005.
Alcantara, R.D. Technical Writing for Filipino Students. Makati City: Katha Publishing Inc.,
2003.
Fenton, Norman. Improving your Technical Writing Skills. 2010.
Casinto C.D.C. . ( 2016) Reading and Writing: Strategies for Critical and Purposeful
Communication. Cebu City: Mega TEXTS Phil. Inc.
Folce K.S. and Pugh T.(2011) .Greater essays. Pasig City: Cengage Learning Asia PTE Ltd.
Garcia, C. A. et al., Technical Report Writing. Manila: Booklore Publishing Corporation. 2009
Menoy J. Z. and Constantino G.F. . (2016). Reading and Writing Skills.Mandaluyong City:
Books Atbp Publishing Corp.
Sebastian E.L. . and Cayao E.A. . (2009). English Communication 2. Quezon City: C & E
Publishing Corp.
Vicente, C. C. et.al, Technical Writing. Manila: Technology Supply, Inc. 1997.
REFERENCES:
https://call-for-papers.sas.upenn.edu/node/39688
http://www.eslflow.com/brainstorming.html
http://www.writedesignonline.com/organizers/sequence.html#
bridging
http://www.writedesignonline.com/organizers/comparecontras
t.html#t-chart
http://www.nyu.edu/classes/keefer/nature/WW2claims.pdf
http://department.monm.edu/cata/mcgaan/classes/cata335/o-
claims.335.html
www.basicknowledge101.com/pdf/literacy/Intertextuality.pdf
https://www.gonzaga.edu/academics/Colleges-and-
schools/School-of-Business-
administration/undergraduate/SBAWR/APWS.asp
• http://www.wheaton.edu/Academics/Servic
es/Writing-Center/Writing-
Resources/Topic-Sentence
• www.durhamtech.edu/cgl/essentialenglish
courseoutline.htm

Organization, Coherence and Cohesion in Texts

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Organization, Coherence and Cohesion in Texts

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Organization, Coherence and Cohesion in Texts

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

What are the three patterns of paragraph order discussed in the text?

What are some techniques to establish coherence in paragraphs?

Organization, Coherence and

2.Coherence and Cohesion

This pattern of arrangement helps provide

This is useful for a descriptive

Order that is based from logical reasoning

A coherent paragraph also highlights the ties

A coherent paragraph is one in which all of the

• Transitions are made by referring to what you

• Standard Written English, including

As much as possible, communicate messages in a

The "you" view refers to a style of writing where

Reader-Focused Message ("You" View)

Use conversational, everyday language,

Mailman Mail carrier

You might also like