Unit 5: Coherent Arguments Flashcards
What is coherence in writing and how can an argument be coherent?
Coherence: A text is coherent when sentences and ideas are connected and flow together smoothly. Coherence allows the reader to move easily throughout the text from one idea to the next, from one sentence to the next, and from one paragraph to the next. An essay without coherence can inhibit a reader’s ability to understand the ideas and main points of the essay.
A coherent argument:
-Makes sense on a fundamental level
-Recognizes available and known facts
-Is internally consistent (the evidence presented supports the argument)
What is an example of coherence?
Many students believe they cannot write a good essay because they are not writers. However, as they practice writing and work on developing their writing skills, most students are able to gain the needed confidence to start thinking of themselves writers.
This argument works because the logic behind the argument is reasonable. If students practice more, they’re capable of associating themselves with the term “writer” because they’ve gained necessary skills to write a good essay.
How can repetition develop a relationship between elements of a text?
Repetition: The reoccurring sounds, words, and phrases in a piece of literature that aim to create an intended effect. The purpose of its use may be to engage or slow down the reader, create rhythm, or to make the text easier to remember. Specific devices that include repetition include alliteration, anaphora, and epistrophe.
What are useful cause-effect transition words?
Transition words for cause-effect include: accordingly, consequently, hence, so, therefore, thus
What are useful comparison-contrast transition words?
Transition words for comparison / contrast include: but, however, in spite of, on the one hand … on the other hand, nevertheless, nonetheless, notwithstanding, in contrast, on the contrary, still, yet
What are useful process analysis transition words?
Transition words for analysis often involve indicating the sequence of events / the order in which things happen.
What are useful narration transition words?
Transition words for narration / narrative often indicate the passing of time.
What are transition words indicating similarity?
also, in the same way, just as … so too, likewise, similarly
What are transition words indicating exceptions / contrast?
but, however, in spite of, on the one hand … on the other hand, nevertheless, nonetheless, notwithstanding, in contrast, on the contrary, still, yet
What are transition words indicating examples?
for example, for instance, namely, specifically, to illustrate
What are transition words indicating emphasis?
even, indeed, in fact, of course, truly
What are transition words indicating place / position?
above, adjacent, below, beyond, here, in front, in back, nearby, there
What are transition words indicating additional support or evidence?
additionally, again, also, and, as well, besides, equally important, further, furthermore, in addition, moreover, then
What are transition words indicating conclusion / summary?
finally, in a word, in brief, briefly, in conclusion, in the end, in the final analysis, on the whole, thus, to conclude, to summarize, in sum, to sum up, in summary
What is parallel structure?
Parallel structure means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance. This can happen at the word, phrase, or clause level. The usual way to join parallel structures is with the use of coordinating conjunctions such as “and” or “or.” To ensure parallelism, keep all list items in the same form.
