3. Unity and coherence

Unity in writing is the connection of all ideas to a single topic. In an essay, all ideas should relate to the thesis statement, and the supporting ideas in a main body paragraph should relate to the topic sentence.

One way to keep unity in an essay is to edit the outline for ideas that are not relevant to the thesis statement or topic sentences. Likewise, after you have written the essay, it is helpful to review the text and look for ideas that do not relate to the thesis or the topic sentences.

Coherence is related to unity. Ideas that are arranged in a clear and logical way are coherent. When a text is unified and coherent, the readers can easily understand the main points.

Cohesive devices

Cohesive devices are words and phrases that connect sentences and paragraphs together, creating a smooth flow of ideas. Some cohesive devices are: transitions, pronoun references and repetition of key ideas.

Transitions

Here are several types of writing and some common transitions that are used with them:

Chronology- before, after, next, since, first, second, while, when

Comparison-likewise, compared to, similarly, as…as, and

Contrast- however, on the other hand, but, yet, in spite of, in contrast, although, instead

Additional information- and, also, in addition, in fact, furthermore, moreover, another…is/was

Examples-for example, for instance, in general, generally, specifically, in particular

Cause and effect- therefore, so, thus, as a result, since, because

Concluding ideas- in conclusion, in summary, finally, therefore, to conclude, to summarize

Review

Write a simple outline of yourself or your life. First, outline only the main body paragraphs. Your main ideas could include physical characteristics, your personality, your habits, your family, places you have lived, jobs you have done, things you like and dislike and so on.

Explain your outline to a partner. Your partner will then add a thesis statement and concluding statement.

Join another pair and present your complete outlines.

Writing an opinion essay

(lessons 19-20)

An opinion essay is a written work in which the writer expresses an opinion and supports that opinion with facts and examples.

An essay consists of:

1. introduction, where the topic and the author’s point of view are presented clearly. The author’s opinion is formulated in the thesis statement.

2. body, where the opinion is supported by reasons and examples. This part also has the opposing point of view, which is proved to be unconvincing.

3. conclusion, where the main points of an essay are summarized and the author’s opinion is restated in other words.

4. The following expressions are used to give opinion:

I am convinced that…

In my opinion…

In my view…

My opinion is that…

I (firmly) believe that…

I feel (think) that,…

I (definitely) feel that…

Techniques to begin the essay are:

1. Address the reader directly- If you take time to train your dog, it will learn to obey you.

2. Include a quotation/direct speech- As George Orwell wrote: All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.

3. Include a rhetorical question- Is it true that a dog is man’s best friend?

The body consists of 2-3-4 paragraphs. Each paragraph presents a different view point, supported by reasons/examples.

Each paragraph begins with a topic sentence. The purpose of a topic sentence is to sum the paragraph’s main point. It should be written as clearly as possible.

Example of a paragraph:

Travelling by train has a lot of advantages. First of all, it is comfortable, as trains are spacious, so there is plenty of room to walk about. What is more, trains are convenient. For example, you do not have to take any food or beverages with you, because most trains have a restaurant. Finally, when you travel by train, you reach your destination fairly quickly.

If the essay consists of four paragraphs in the second and third paragraphs writers present their viewpoints and give reasons/examples. In the fourth paragraph writers present the opposing viewpoint and give examples/reasons.

In conclusion the writer restates his opinion, using different words. In conclusion the writer shouldn’t introduce a new idea.

Techniques to end the essay are:

1. Address the reader directly

2. Include a quotation/direct speech

3. Include a rhetorical question

Also:

4. Ask a provocative question

5. End with a warning

6. Suggest results or consequences

While writing it is necessary to pay attention to the following:

-tenses (usually present tenses)

-linking words (firstly, also, besides, however, although, therefore… )

-use formal vocabulary. Don’ t use colloquial expressions, idioms or phrasal verbs.

-use formal structures (passive constructions, subordinate clauses).

MODEL ESSAY

The plane is the most convenient means of travel. Give your opinion on this statement.

Over the past few years, people have begun to travel to places they would only have dreamt of visiting thirty years ago, thanks to the possibilities offered by air travel. In my opinion, travelling by plane cannot be compared with any other means of transport.

Firstly, it is the fastest way to travel. Passengers can go from one country to another in a few hours which gives them more time to enjoy the actual purpose of their trip, rather than waste time travelling and dragging their luggage around. Furthermore, people always feel well looked after on the plane. They are served drinks and meals and offered newspapers and blankets which all help to make the journey more comfortable and enjoyable.

Of course, there are people who argue that travelling by plane can be a nightmare, with airport delays, cramped seats and turbulence to put up with. Moreover, planes and airports are often targeted by terrorists, which makes some people think that travelling by plane is unsafe. They forget, however, that the number of deaths caused by cars is larger than that caused by planes.

To sum up, I firmly believe that air travel will always remain popular. Its speed, comfort and convenience are hard to beat.

Task: Write an opinion essay on one of the following topics:

1. Dogs are considered as best friends. Explain why.

2. If you were asked to send one thing representing your country to an international exhibition what would you choose? Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice