10. Coherence as a component of a paragraph.

Sequence (последовательность) and connections of the paragraph sentences. Paragraph form. Time order. Space order.

Good paragraphs should have both unity and coherence (логичность). As paragraph is correct when all its parts are so arranged that their relationship is clear to the reader.

Coherence is the 3^rd requirement of a good paragraph (unity is the 1^st, development of the basic material the 2^nd).

Coherence in a paragraph depends on the sequence connection of the sentences. To achieve the sequence you should arrange your sentences so that their sequence will most successfully transfer your thoughts. To achieve connection you should provide in individual sentences with guides. That will keep the paragraph’s thought clear from the beginning to the end.

When you write a paragraph 1^st you must decide in what way to arrange your material. Try to remember the basic material and order, structure of the sentences.

There are several ways of arranging sentences to achieve good coherence of the paragraph. If the controlling idea and the basic materials suggest that the illustrations, details, events happened chronologically that is an order of time development. If they (controlling idea + basic form) suggest a design (структуру) in space you should arrange your sentences in space order.

Time order. In a time order paragraph events step in a procedure, reasons of judgements about a topic, illustrations of happenings or concepts. Any materials are presented in the order in which they occur.

Time is the chief concern of the writer – when a place was reached or a thing happened or should happen.

Space order. The material is arranged according to a predetermined pattern (материал составляется согласно предопределенным моделям). Space is the chief concern where each place was located in relation to other places discussed. The author describes events as if pinning (накалывая) them to the board. If you describe a details of the trip from New York to China in your essay the description of NY must come 1^st description of China last and the middle way through the Europe the second.

You may think that this way of arrangement is the same with time order but don’t forget that the main concern here is space. The “when” is secondary.

11. Order of sentences to ensure the paragraph coherence.

General-to-specific order, specific-to-general order, order of climax as patterns of a paragraph arrangement. The role of transitional expressions in ensuring paragraph coherence.

General-to-specific order. The topic sentence and the controlling idea make the general statement. The most important material comes first.

Specific to genera (or inductive order). The general statement comes last in the paragraph. It increases the reader’s suspense. Specific materials are presented one by one and lead to the general statement. So the topic sentence and controlling idea are in the final sentence of the paragraph.

Order of Climax. Кульминация. The basic materials are presented in increasing importance. The least important idea should be put 1^st the nest more important – second etc. The most important goes the last.

Usually illustration is used in paragraphs with climatic order. The particular order the writer uses at the staff of his paragraph should be followed through that.

Transitional Expressions. To keep your paragraph idea following clearly you should use transilional expressions which are the basis of paragraph coherence. Single words, phrases and clauses and even simples are bridges that make the progress of your thought essay.

Single words: first, second, third, mainly, thus, also, besides, moreover…

Groups of words: at last, in other words, on the contrary, in the fact.

Words and word groups are less conspicuous but they are now used more often.

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