Reading and Writing

1. WRITING
COHERENT
PARAGRAPHS

2. Coherence in a paragraph is the technique of making
words, phrases, and sentences move smoothly and
logically from one to the other. In other words, the ideas
are interwoven and “glued” together that the reader will
be able to see the consistent relationship between
them.

3. Transitional words and phrases often indicate the
relationship among sentences. By establishing the time
order, spatial order, and sequential order of the ideas in
a paragraph, these words and expressions enable
readers to see the connection among ideas.

5. In Ms. Kane’s classroom we see a lot of things. To the
left of the class we see 20 posters in the colors of the
rainbow. In front of us is a white, square projector
shade. In back of it is a green, rectangular chalkboard.
To the right of the room is a black radio on top of the
silver file cabinets.

8. 1.Spatial order- used in descriptive writing
2.Time order- used in writing narratives and
instructions to signal chronological sequence
3.Numerical order- used in expository writing to
signal order of importance

9. 4. Cause/effect order- used in expository writing to
signal casual relationship
5. Comparison/contrast order- used in expository
writing to signal similarities and differences
6. General/Specific order- used in descriptive
reports and arguments to signal

10. 1.Words and Phrases That Signal Time Order
After later afterward next at first now
Before soon earlier then finally dates

11. 1.Words and Phrases That Signal Sequential Order
Although not only… but also consequently
Equally important on the one hand… on the other hand
Similarly furthermore the least important
The most important last therefore
One..another first..second..third.. In addition
Next

12. Paragraph without and with Transitional
Words and Phrases

14. Original: Michael didn't have enough money to buy his
mom flowers. He wasn't old enough to get a job. He felt sad
on Mother's Day.
With transitions: Michael didn't have enough money to buy
his mom flowers because he wasn't old enough to get a
job. Nevertheless, he felt sad on Mother's Day.