(F 1/2) Day 8: Coherence

 Lesson Objectives

• Understand the meaning of coherent and why it is needed in writing
• Understand basic paragraph patterns that create more coherent texts
• Learn to use those patterns (KNO, Parallel structures, Word Chains, etc) to edit texts that lack coherence  

Part I: Introduction to Coherence  (5 min)
Sometimes, a gap in understanding between how we read our essays and how others read our essays can cause a reader to be confused when a writer feels that the meaning is clear. How can you be sure that your reader will receive the message you are sending and understand your essay?

In this lecture, you will learn two strategies for analyzing your writing and constructing good, understandable patterns. Open the CoherencePowerPoint to follow along and take notes on your own screen.

Part II: Old/New Information patterns (15 min) 10:05-10:20
In this section we will look at examples of paragraphs that do and do not follow Old/New Information structures. Please refer to the handout titled Coherent Lecture Text. and read text 1 and text 2. We will also take a minute to reflect on how Transition phrases assist in creating Old/New Information patters.


Part III: How do we move old/new information? (20 min) 10:20-10:40
Refer to the following handout as we look at devices for moving information to enhance flow.
A comprehensive list of transition words can be found here. 

Now, I would like you to look at an academic text and analyze it in terms of Old/New patterns (Caplan, N.A, 2012, 148-152).


[time permitting]
Part IV: Intro Word chains/Parallel Structures exercise (10 min) 10:40-10:50
One means of assessing whether your paragraphs are coherent is to use word chains. Word chains are a way of categorizing the words you use in your paragraphs to ascertain whether you stay on track as you write, and whether you carry your ideas to the end of each paragrapph. Open the Word chains exercise found below in the coherence practice handout link.

We’re also going to take a look at parallel structures in essays and examine how they contribute to coherence. Practice on parallel worksheet can be found in the coherence practice handout. The key to this handout is given here.

Homework: Refer to syllabus and links under unit 1