CohesionandCoherence的区别[共5页].doc

Cohesion and CoherenceCohesion can be thought of as all the grammatical and lexical linksthat link one part of a text to another. This includes use of synonyms,lexical sets, pronouns, verb tenses, time references, grammaticalreference, etc. For example, it, neither and this all refer to an ideapreviously mentioned. First of all, then and after that help tosequence a text. However, in addition and for instance link ideasand arguments in a text.Coherence can be thought of as how meanings and sequences ofideas relate to each other. Typical examples would be general>particular; statement> example; problem> solution; question>answer; claim> counter-claim.What does cohesion mean?You might think of cohesion as a means of establishing connectionswithin a text at all sorts of different levels, e.g., section, paragraphs,sentences and even phrases.How is cohesion different from coherence? It is difficult to separatethe two. However, think of coherence as the text making sense as awhole at an ideas level, and cohesion as rather more mechanicallinks at a language level. You can imagine that it is possible for apiece of writing to contain plenty of cohesion yet little coherence.Cohesion is the glue that holds a piece of writing together. In otherwords, if a paper is cohesive, it sticks together from sentence tosentence and from paragraph to paragraph. Cohesive devicescertainly include transitional words and phrases, such as therefore,furthermore, or for instance, that clarify for readers the relationshipsamong ideas in a piece of writing. However, transitions arent enoughto make writing cohesive. Repetition of key words and use ofreference words are also needed for cohesion.Cohesion DevicesLexical level:RepetitionWord family repeatedSynonyms, antonyms, other word relationsThematically related words (lexical set)Substations with one/onesGrammatical level:Reference: article, pronouns, normalizationSubstitution of clause elements using so, not, do/does/did, etcEllipsis of clause elementsLinking words: conjunctions and conjunctsComparativesVerb tenseRhetorical techniquesQuestion and answerParallelismCoherenceWhen sentences, ideas, and details fit together clearly, readers canfollow along easily, and the writing is coherent. The ideas tie togethersmoothly and clearly. To establish the links that readers need, youcan use the methods listed here.Repetition of a Key Term or PhraseThis helps to focus your ideas and to keep your reader on track.Example: The problem with contemporary art is that it is noteasily understood by most people. Contemporary art isdeliberately abstract, and that means it leaves the viewerwondering what she is looking at.SynonymsSynonyms are words that have essentially the same meaning, andthey provide some variety in your word choices, helping the reader tostay focused on the idea being discussed.Example: Myths narrate sacred histories and explain sacredorigins. These traditional narratives are, in short, a set of beliefsthat are a very real force in the lives of the people who tell them.PronounsThis, that, these, those, he, she, it, they, and we are useful pronounsfor referring back to something previously mentioned. Be sure,however, that what you are referring to is clear.Example: When scientific experiments do not work out asexpected, they are often considered failures until some otherscientist tries them again. Those that work out better thesecond time around are the ones that promise the most rewards.Transitional WordsThere are many words in English that cue our readers to relationshipsbetween sentences, joining sentences together. Words such as“however ”, “therefore ”, “in addition ”, “also”, “but ”, “moreover ”, etc.Example: I like autumn, and yet autumn is a sad time of the year,too. The leaves turn bright shades of red and the weather ismild, but I cant help thinking ahead to the winter and the icestorms that will surely blow through here. In addition, that willbe the season of chapped faces, too many layers of clothes toput on, and days when Ill have to shovel heaps of snow frommy cars windshield.Sentence PatternsSometimes, repeated or parallel sentence patterns can help thereader follow along and keep ideas tied together.Example: (from a speech by President John F. Kennedy) And so,my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country.。