Coherence

A coherent paragraph flows smoothly, with each sentence clearly related to the next. All of the sentences in a paragraph should be connected in ways that make the whole paragraph hold together. Use the following cues to strengthen coherence:

Germany imports raw materials, energy sources, and food products. It exports a wide range of industrial products, including automobiles, aircraft, and machine tools.

A photograph displays a unique moment. In order to capture that moment....

Because the former West Germany lived through a generation of prosperity, the people developed high expectations of material comfort. Because the former East Germany lived through a generation of deprivation, the people developed disdain for material values.

In the world of photography, critics argue either for a scientific or artistic approach. This controversy....

Compare the following two paragraphs, the first version without transitions and the second, revised version with transitions that connect one thought to another:

FIRST DRAFT

Glaser was in a position to powerfully affect Armstrong's career and his life. Armstrong acknowledged Glaser's importance, referring to him at one point as "the man who has guided me all through my career" (qtd. in Jones and Cilton 202). There is little evidence that the musician submitted to whatever his business manager wanted or demanded. Armstrong seemed to recognize that he gave Glaser whatever power the manager enjoyed over him. Armstrong could and did resist Glaser's control when he wanted to. That may be one reason why he liked and trusted Glaser as much as he did.

REVISION

Clearly, Glaser was in a position to powerfully affect Armstrong's career and his life. Armstrong acknowledged Glaser's importance, at one point referring to him as "the man who has guided me all through my career" (qtd. in Jones and Chilton 202). However, there is little evidence that the musician submitted to whatever his business manager wanted or demanded. In fact, Armstrong seemed to recognize that he gave Glaser whatever power the manager enjoyed over him. When he wanted to, Armstrong could and did resist Glaser's control, and that may be one reason why he liked and trusted Glaser as much as he did.