Text as Connected Discourse: Understanding Cohesion, Coherence, and Thematic Consistency, Slides of Astronomy

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Text as Connected

Discourse

"Text as Connected Discourse" emphasizes

the idea that a text should not be seen as

isolated sentences or individual thoughts but

as a continuous flow of ideas that work

together to create meaning. This approach

helps readers recognize how different parts of

a text relate to each other and contribute to

the overall message.

2. Coherence :

Coherence is the logical flow of ideas in the text, making sure that

the information is presented in a way that makes sense to the reader.

A coherent text will have a clear structure, allowing readers to follow

the argument or narrative easily.

Coherence can be achieved through:

Organizing ideas logically : from general to specific, or

chronologically.

Using familiar ideas : to connect new information with what the

reader already knows.

Clear focus : maintaining a central theme or argument throughout

the text.

3. Thematic Consistency

In connected discourse, the text maintains consistency

around a central theme or subject. Each part of the text

should support or relate to the main idea, avoiding

digressions or irrelevant details.

For example, in an argumentative essay, all paragraphs

should contribute to supporting the thesis statement, and

in a narrative, the plot should align with the main

storyline.

5. Role of Paragraphs

Each paragraph in connected discourse should introduce a

distinct idea, building on the previous paragraph. Ideally,

transitions between paragraphs should be smooth, guiding

the reader from one idea to the next seamlessly.

A topic sentence often helps establish the theme of a

paragraph and how it fits into the broader discourse of the

text.

How to Approach Connected Discourse as a Reader

1. Identify the main idea : Find the central theme of the text and track how the author

develops it across the text.

2. Look for transitions : Pay attention to words or phrases that signal connections between

ideas (e.g., "for instance," "in addition," "consequently").

3. Understand the structure : Recognize the organization of the text (e.g., introduction,

body, conclusion) and how each section contributes to the overall message.

4. Recognize coherence : Ensure that each paragraph or section logically follows from the

previous one and contributes to the larger argument or narrative.