Week 8 Here is a paragraph that explains a process.
English 8 Here is how sardines are canned. First, the head is removed and each fish is cleaned and
Name: __________________________________Year and Section: _____________
EXPECTATIONS
This is your self-instructional learner module in English 8. All the activities
provided in this lesson will help you learn and understand:
Coherence
Specifically, you will learn about the following:
1. Identify cohesive devices used in writing a sequence and condition
2. Use cohesive devices to achieve coherence
LESSON
Today, you will learn more about transitional devices to achieve coherence in the
paragraph. Read the following paragraph:
NANETTE AND EVELYN
Among my close friends, Nanette and Evelyn appeal to me as interesting subjects
because of their contrasting characteristics, interests and outlook in life. Nanette, who is younger of
the two, is more vibrant and gregarious. She is hardworking and very assertive of her rights. She is
quick to protest against any form of injustice or foul play. Alert to speak her mind, she abides by the
principle that “life is what we make it.” True to this principle, she works really hard to overcome
difficulties.
Evelyn, on the other hand is the silent type whose simplicity is reflected in her
appreciation for a simple, humble and peaceful life. While she may be perceived as aloof or
arrogant, all people who come to her find her warm and friendly. Although she has proved to be as
intelligent as Nanette, she prefers to keep a low profile thus people find her not only charming but
also unassuming. Friends warm up to Evelyn because of her simple yet appealing ways.
This paragraph shows comparison and contrast between Nanette and Evelyn. The underline
words because, and, yet, but are the conjunctions used to connect the clauses. The italicized words,
on the other hand, while, although, thus are some of the transitional devices used in comparing and
contrasting.
gutted. Second, the fish is placed in an enormous pressure cooker to which soya oil, spices, salt, and
artificial flavoring are added. Then, the sardines are placed into cans. Carrots and pickled cucumber are
mixed before the cans are sealed to keep the content contamination-free. Finally, the cans are labeled,
packed in boxes, and dispatched to the shops.
The underlined words in the two paragraphs are called cohesive devices. Cohesive devices,
sometimes called linkers, connectors, transitional words, are words or phrases that help a writer make
a smooth connection of his ideas between sentences and paragraphs. They are like bridges that link
thoughts and take the reader to the writer’s intended meaning.
There are many examples of cohesive devices, two of them are the following:
1. Sequential – words or phrases used in describing a process or event
First, Second, Third, Then, Next, Finally To begin
with, After, In conclusion
2. Conditional – words or phrases used to express conditions
In that case, otherwise
These cohesive devices are used to have a coherence when writing a paragraph. What is
coherence? A paragraph has coherence when its ideas are arranged in a clear order and each
sentence flows smoothly to the next. Writers use transitional words and expressions or cohesive
devices as one way to achieve coherence. These words and expressions help the sentences in a
paragraph flow in a logical order.
Read the following paragraphs.
The digestive system works this way: First, the teeth grind the food. Then, the food is
swallowed. After the food passes through the esophagus and into the stomach, the pancreas churns
the food and adds digestive juice. Finally, the food passes from the small intestine into the large
intestine.
This paragraph tells us about the process of digestion. The underline words are the cohesive
devices used when writing a sequence or process. Other cohesive devices used in writing a sequence
or process are the following:
As a result To start with
Then To begin with
Afterwards When
Before Finally

Nowadays it seems that everything is turning upside down. The usual things we do
before is hard to accomplish today. If you want go to another place whether it is far or near, you
have to wear a mask. You have to bring alcohol wherever you go and wash hands frequently.
We cannot even go to school to attend classes or even have simple gathering because social
distancing is a must nowadays. Proper hygiene and observance of heath protocols can help
eliminate the spread of virus otherwise we’ll get infected.
This paragraph tells us about our present situation. There are conditions we have to follow to
continue living in a new normal.
The underlined words are cohesive devices used to express condition. If you want to go to
another place, you have to wear mask. That is the condition, if you will not wear a mask, you cannot go
to another place. If you will not observe proper protocols, you might get infected by the virus. The word
if indicates that it is a condition.
Other cohesive devices used in writing a condition are the following:
Unless As long as
If Or
ACTIVITIES
Activity 1. Fill in the blanks with the correct cohesive device. Choose your answer inside the box.
Washing the dishes is one of the household chores we can never avoid. We always do it after
every meal. But do you really know how to wash the dishes? Here are the steps in washing the dishes:
________, remove all the leftover food from the plates. ________, wash each item in water starting
from glass, utensils and plates. ________, wash the dishes with sponge and dishwashing liquid,
________ rinse well. _______, let it dry and place it in the dish rack. Your mother would really like it
when you wash the dishes like this. Happy washing!
Then First Finally Second Third
Activity 2. Choose the sentence that is not connected to the rest of the sentences. Encircle the letter
before the sentence.
1. A. The world is composed of individuals with different beliefs and backgrounds. B. We should find a
way to address these differences to avoid any form of conflict. C. One of these is establishing common
ground where we can set aside our differences. D. The beauty of the world needs to be protected
more than anything.
2. A. Thailand is known for its agricultural industry because of its vast land. B. For this reason, many
Thai’s engage themselves in agribusiness, specifically farming. C. They highly respect the role
buffaloes play in the field. D. They never stop working. E. Without the buffaloes, the farmers will not be
able to till the land and plant rice.
3. A. The rite of comforting the buffalo is an important tradition among Thais because they value highly
the role buffaloes play in farming. B. Farming as an important source of livelihood, they want to
maintain a good relationship with the animal that helps them till the land. C. Although they respect
buffaloes, they also take care of other animals like elephants and dogs. D. However, in this age where
machines have taken of animals especially in the field of agriculture, some Thais feel that this tradition
could
1. be lost.
4-5. A. Literature is evident in all societies because it reflects the people’s experiences, values
and customs. B. For example, literary texts may have common and similar general themes. C.
Literature helps us to learn a certain era. D. Nations that underwent colonization may produce
literary texts with historical tones and themes on equality, liberation and independence. E. These
themes are found in Philippine literature and Indian literature because the Philippines, just like
India was once colonized. F. India has a lot of similarities to Philippines. G. Similarly, countries
like South Africa and America have literatures with the same themes because they were once
under British colony. H. On the other hand, the structure, features and styles, may be different. I.
For example, African Drama makes use of chants and songs and musical instrument that are
made of animal skin or bones. J. This is no surprise because chanting is a part of their daily lives.
K. Singing is also a part of Filipino’s lives.
POSTTEST
Arrange the sentences below in proper order by numbering them.
________1. Inside the shell, the larva gradually changes into an adult.
________2. The larva which usually has a big appetite feeds itself by eating leaves.
________3. The next stage is called pupa stage in which the caterpillar or larva is covered by the shell.
________4. A butterfly egg hatches into a caterpillar or larva.
________5. The complete metamorphosis of a butterfly involves four stages of development.