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PARAGRAPH
COHERENCE AND
COHESION 1
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TOPIC SENTENCE
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 Topic sentence
◦ The topic sentence states the main idea of the
paragraph.
◦ It not only names the topic of the paragraph, but it also
limits the topic to one specific area that can be discussed
completely in the space of a single paragraph.
◦ The part of the topic sentence that announces the
specific area to be discussed is called the controlling
idea.
Topic sentence = Topic + Controlling idea
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 Topic sentence
◦ The option to start work straight after school is attractive for
several reasons. Many young people want to start earning
money as soon as possible. In this way, they can become
independent, and they will be able to afford their own
house or start a family. In terms of their career, young
people who decide to find work, rather than continue their
studies, may progress more quickly. They will have the
chance to gain real experience and learn practical skills
related to their chosen profession. This may lead to
promotions and a successful career.

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 Topic sentence
◦ A topic sentence is the most important sentence in a
paragraph. It briefly indicates what the paragraph is
going to discuss. For this reason, the topic sentence is a
helpful guide to both the writer and the reader.
◦ The writer can see what information to include (and
what information to exclude).
◦ The reader can see what the paragraph is going to be
about and is therefore better prepared to understand it.

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 Topic sentence
3 important points to remember about a topic
sentence.
✓A topic sentence is a complete sentence; that is, it contains at
least one subject and one verb.
✓A topic sentence contains both a topic and a controlling idea. It
names the topic and then limits the topic to a specific area to be
discussed in the space of a single paragraph.
✓A topic sentence is the most general statement in the paragraph
because it gives only the main idea. It does not give any specific
details.

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COHERENCE AND COHESION

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 The importance of coherence and
cohesion
◦Cohesion and coherence are important
aspects of the structure of academic
writing as they have an influence on the
readability and logical flow of the
argument of a text.

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 What is ‘coherence and cohesion’?
◦ Coherence
◦Band 6 – uses paragraphs, but they are not
always logical
◦Band 5 – paragraphing may be
‘inadequate’ (so maybe no paragraphs or
maybe no clear topic for each paragraph).

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 What is ‘coherence and cohesion’?
◦ Coherence
◦Band 6 – it makes sense, and it progresses
overall.
◦Band 5 – there’s some organisation, but
there’s no progression. The ideas don’t lead
towards a natural conclusion.

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 What is ‘coherence and cohesion’?

COHERENCE is all about logic,

making sense, progression of
ideas leading towards the
conclusion, clear paragraphs
and organization.

framework

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 What is ‘coherence and cohesion’?
◦ Cohesion
◦ Band 6 – where you’re using linking devices, but
mechanically – e.g. just putting a linking word on
the start of every sentence
◦ Band 5 – you may have too many cohesive
devices, which make your writing sound unnatural.
Maybe they’re grammatically wrong (e.g. difficult
link words like ‘although’ or ‘despite’ etc), or
maybe there are not enough, or all three of those.
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 Unity in a paragraph
◦Each paragraph is about ONE idea. This
idea-the main idea-is supported by
supporting details. The supporting details
explain the main idea with reasons or
examples.

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 Sample paragraph

◦Some people believe that studying at university

or college is the best route to a successful
career, while others believe that it is better to get
a job straight after school.
◦Discuss both views and give your opinion.

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 Sample paragraph
◦ The option to start work straight after school is attractive
for several reasons. Many young people want to start
earning money as soon as possible. In this way, they
can become independent, and they will be able to
afford their own house or start a family. In terms of their
career, young people who decide to find work, rather
than continue their studies, may progress more quickly.
They will have the chance to gain real experience and
learn practical skills related to their chosen profession.
This may lead to promotions and a successful career.

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IMPROVING
COHERENCE AND COHESION

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 Avoid repetition
◦ Repetition can also be beneficial sometimes. It refers to
the situation when by using repetition you improve
comprehension. It means that you can repeat key
points of your ideas using synonyms.
◦ Numerous lawyers have proven that global warming is a
dangerous phenomenon. Firstly, they believe it has
accelerated and is becoming ever more unpredictable. These
legal experts believe a global solution is needed, but
unfortunately the globe still consists of individual players .i.e.
nation states. Furthermore, evidence is mounting proving its
severity, yet the law practitioners are painfully aware of the lack
of action from governments.
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 Use linking words
◦ Use linking words firstly, secondly, thirdly etc. These are
quite straightforward and make it easier for the
examiner to follow the progression of your ideas.
◦ Numerous scientists have proven that global warming is a
dangerous phenomenon. Firstly, they believe it has
accelerated and is becoming ever more unpredictable.
Secondly, a global solution is needed, but unfortunately the
globe still consists of individual players .i.e. nation states. Thirdly,
evidence is mounting proving its severity, yet the scientists are
painfully aware of the lack of action from governments.

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