Texts rely on inference, rather than expressly using it (I mean, the very definition of inferring is to draw on external knowledge to interpret and read a text). Or even worse (also a major issue with the formatting): An illogically ordered version of the above may look like this: For example, the above text is ordered logically as the sequence of the text is the order in which the process of boiling an egg occurs, so it is easier for readers to follow and understand. When you are analysing a text and you wish to discuss logical ordering (and it is one of the easier elements of coherence to identify and discuss), you need to first explain how the order is logical (briefly), before going onto (also briefly) explain how it enhances coherence, usually by allowing ideas to develop in a way that makes sense and is easy to follow. If a text is structured in an order than makes sense and flows well, it is easier to read and is more coherent. For example, a letter has a greeting and a sign off, doctor’s notes are set out in a certain way, and the above recipe breaks the process down into simple and manageable steps, which is what readers expect of a recipe. Coherent texts usually adhere to the conventions that we expect of texts of that type. If it looked something like the one below, then the lack of consistency clearly inhibits its coherence. The above is consistent as everything relates to the topic of boiling an egg. remaining consistent throughout the text. This primarily relates to the register, topic, tone, etc. Bonus cooking tips now come with my articles now it seems. A coherent recipe for boiling an egg (consistent, well formatted, ordered logically, relies on a degree of inference, cohesive, and adheres to the conventions of a recipe) may look like:įor the record, this is actually the best way to boil a large egg if you’re interested. The main example I will use is a recipe for boiling an egg. I promise that this is a link to my April article about cohesion). Overview of Face Needs for Unit 3 () (I know it says overview of face needs, that is a website issue.

I will not discuss cohesion, but I will be nice enough to link you to the article I wrote about the topic last month.

These are conventions, consistency, cohesion, logical ordering, inference, and formatting.

Whereas cohesion (discussed last month) helps to bind the text together within itself, coherence is a slightly broader concept, that are the features giving it meaning and allowing it to be understood, given the surrounding context, the text’s purpose, and the audience.Ĭoherence encompassed six main features, most of which will be discussed below. Hello everyone, my article for May is here, and as promised, I will be discussing coherence, which is another important discourse feature which you both need to analyse in texts, and demonstrate in your own writing.

Coherence writing examples