If you have received feedback on your writing that says things like this, your writing may not be coherent:
I can't follow what you are saying
I can't follow what you are saying
Your argument is not clear
What point are you making here?
Your ideas do not progress logically
What is the connection between these ideas?
Task: As a quick self-assessment, can you answer the following questions below about coherence? How many can you get right?
Definition of coherence
We can define coherence in contrast to cohesion:
Cohesion is achieved when sentences are connected at the sentence level
But….
Coherence is achieved when ideas are connected
What does coherence include?
Key features of coherence include:
A clear understanding of the essay question or task/research project.
Logical planning and organisation using established structures such as a general-specific structure.
Dividing ideas into paragraphs with clear topics.
Developing your argument from sentence to sentence and from paragraph to paragraph.
Starting every sentence or paragraph with information that connects to the content of the previous sentence (using given and new information correctly).
Using signposting to connect ideas within paragraphs and between paragraphs.
Using appropriate grammar and vocabulary.
Task: Answer the questions below to check you have understood what coherence is and what features it includes.