VCE English Language Units 3 & 4: Cohesion and Coherence Key Concepts

What is cohesion?

The connections within a text that help to bind or link different parts of the text together.

What is coherence?

A 'coherent' text is one that can be understood, makes sense, is logical, and the ideas presented are related.

Can a text be cohesive without being coherent?

Yes, a text can be cohesive without coherence.

What is the role of inference in coherence?

Inference involves using prior or contextual knowledge to make sense of a text where something is not explicitly stated.

What is logical ordering?

The organization of a text in a way that is easy for the reader to follow, such as chronological ordering or TEEL structure.

What is formatting in a text?

Visual presentation and typographical features used to help readers find information and focus attention.

What does consistency in a text refer to?

Features of the text remain the same throughout, making it easy to follow.

What are conventions in text?

The text adheres to the expected format and content of that type, aiding interpretation.

What is lexical choice?

The simplest method of achieving cohesion by including related lexical items.

What is synonymy?

The use of words with very similar meanings to create links and avoid repetition.

What is antonymy?

The use of words with opposite meanings to create links through contrast.

What is hyponymy?

Words whose meaning falls under a broader category, called a hypernym.

What is hypernymy?

The broader category that encompasses subcategories known as hyponyms.

What are collocations?

The tendency for words to go together and be strongly associated.

What is information flow?

Manipulating the order in which information is presented to create links between information.

What is the information flow principle of 'Given (old) before new'?

Given information should be placed at the start of the sentence, with new information at the end.

What is an example of a cohesive text?

John typed on his computer. He made many errors whilst typing because he types too fast.

What is an example of incoherence?

She loved to exercise so she always drove to work is not logically consistent.

What is a feature of coherence?

Logical ordering of ideas and information in a text.

What does the term 'cohesive' compare to?

Cohesive is compared to 'adhesive' - adhesive means glue.

What is the importance of headings and subheadings?

They help organize the text and guide the reader through the content.

What role do bullet-point lists play in a text?

They help to present information clearly and concisely.

What is the function of images and graphics in a text?

They help readers find information and highlight important aspects.

What is the significance of typography in a text?

Typography includes fonts, colors, sizes, and styles that enhance readability.

What is clefting?

Clefting is a structure that highlights a particular constituent of a sentence, typically the new information.

What is it-clefting?

It-clefting reorganizes a sentence into the structure: It is/was X that/who Y.

What is pseudo-clefting?

Pseudo-clefting uses a relative pronoun (e.g., what/where/who/when) to create prominence, placing the important information at the end.

What is end focus?

End focus is the placement of new or important information at the end of a sentence.

What is anaphora?

Anaphora is a word (usually a pronoun) that refers to something earlier in the text.

What is cataphora?

Cataphora is a word (usually a pronoun) that refers to something later in the text.

What is deixis?

Deixis refers to words that point to something outside of the text but within the context.

What is repetition in text?

Repetition is the use of the same or similar lexical choices to reinforce or maintain a topic.

What is ellipsis?

Ellipsis is the omission of certain words or phrases that are easily inferred to avoid repetition.

What is substitution in grammar?

Substitution replaces a constituent of a sentence with something shorter, aiding cohesion.

What are conjunctions?

Conjunctions are words that join phrases or clauses, creating links within sentences.

What are adverbials?

Adverbials are phrases that tie ideas together in structured and meaningful ways at the paragraph level.

What are the four main functions of conjunctions and adverbials?

1. Additives, 2. Contrastives, 3. Causes and effects, 4. Sequences and timing.

What is an additive conjunction?

An additive conjunction provides additional information.

What is a contrastive conjunction?

A contrastive conjunction contrasts ideas or statements.

What is a causal conjunction?

A causal conjunction links causes and effects.

What is a sequential conjunction?

A sequential conjunction places information in appropriate sequences, typically in relation to time.

What is the purpose of end focus?

End focus creates suspense and drama by delaying the mention of new information.

What is the role of an anaphor?

An anaphor creates clear links back to earlier information in the text.

What is the role of a cataphor?

A cataphor generates suspense and interest by referring to forthcoming information.

How does deixis function in language?

Deixis relies on the knowledge of the people involved, as well as the context of the text.

What is the effect of ellipsis on text?

Ellipsis promotes economy of form and avoids cluttering the text with unnecessary words.

How does substitution aid cohesion?

Substitution creates a link across the text between the original constituent and the substitute.