Structering an argument: Coherence Flashcards
What is coherence?
The situation when the parts of something fit together in a natural or reasonable way.
How do you set clear goals?
You tell your reader what you are going to tell them, then you tell it to them and after that you tell them what you told them.
By the end of the introduction the reader knows what you’re writing about, why you’re writing about it and how you’re going to write about it.
The rest of your paper should then stick to it. You set clear goals, now make them come true. Every part should contribute to achieving your goal and everything you say you are going to do, should be done.
What is a funnel structure?
In a funnel structure, the information you give goes from general to specific. (Or it can go from stating goals to steps to achieve those goals)
Both the paper and the sections within the paper should follow a funnel structure.
What are the goals of a paragraph?
A paragraph should do something that helps you achieve your goal (like answering the main question of your paper).
A paragraph should provide necessary background information, present an argument, analyze evidence or summarize points
What is the burger structure?
Burger paragraphs start with a topic sentence that states the goal of the paragraph.
After that there are 3 to 5 supporting sentences. These contribute to achieving the paragraph goal.
Lastly there is a concluding sentence. This relates back to the topic sentence.
The burger structure helps to make your text skimmable and scannable. It helps readers determine what paragraphs are most relevant for their goals.
What is reverse outlining?
Reverse outlining is a way to check your text coherence.
After you have written your first draft, summarize each paragraph in 3 to 5 words. Then ask yourself if the paragraph captures your goal, does every sentence in the paragraph fit the description, did you do what you promised to do in the introduction?
If not, revise.
