Sentence cohesion, part 1
How do transition signals make our
writing significantly better?
Create the flow
Like a river pounding powerfully through the
rocks and down the hillside, a good argument
flows relentlessly and wears down all obstacles
in its path.
To create such literary fluency, you need to
ensure that each part of your essay is soundly
connected to what has just gone before. Your
work must be seen as having …
The Flow 2 …
- A clear line of argument (a thesis) running
through the middle of your work
- A consistency of style and tone
- Linking words and phrases which make it look
as if one paragraph flows into another as a
result of such links
- A coherent whole, with the introduction
foreshadowing the body paragraphs and the
final paragraphs.
Congruency & Integrity
• Your piece of writing should be congruent in that
all your argument’s parts should fit the whole so
that the text reads like a single piece of work
even though it is broken into parts or chunks.
• Integrity refers to the unity of a text; its coherent
use of form and language to produce an
integrated whole in terms of meaning and value.
The word “integrity” carries an overtone of
morality, and suggests that every writer stay true
to their vision and their sense of destiny.
Pattern
Once you have accumulated experience, your writing will
settle into a pattern which will reflect your personality,
your writing style, your linking style, and your intellectual
style.
Keep a critical eye on your writing and don’t stray from
the path of coherence and logic. Keep to the point and
never allow the question you’re answering to slip onto
the backburner.
Now follow lists of linking expressions on the white
board. Memorise those you’ve seen before and liked. As
practice, please complete the exercise prepared for you.
What are transition signals?
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Transition Signals in Writing. This material has been adapted from the section on Transition Signals by UNSW, whose material – in
turn – overlaps significantly with BOSTES material. This guide has utilised both the copy and formatting of both sources at different
points.
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What are transition signals?
Transition signals are connecting words or phrases that strengthen the internal
cohesion of your writing. Transition signals act like bridges between parts of your
writing. They link your sentences and paragraphs smoothly together so that they
flow and there are no abrupt jumps or breaks between ideas.
Transition signals act like signposts, making it easier for the reader to follow your
ideas. They help carry over a thought from one sentence to another, from one
paragraph to another, or between separate sentences, paragraphs or topics.
There are several types of transition signals. Some lead your reader forward and
imply the building of an idea or thought, while others make your reader compare
ideas or draw conclusions from the preceding thoughts.
In the following passage, note how the highlighted words indicate transitional
(linking) phases in the text, thereby guiding the reader’s understanding of the
text’s direction and meaning.
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Transition signals in action
During [1] the early twentieth century, in addition to [4] industrialisation,
urban growth and technological development, Australian society was
experiencing a transformation of the domestic ideal. Consequently [5],
people were subject to an increasing array of government and
professional programs aiming to manage and regulate life, particularly [6]
family life. Some of these programs were designed to counter social
changes, others were designed to engineer them; overall [2] they each
heralded a growing expert encroachment into the private sphere.
Intervention and influence took three forms [3]. Firstly [3], techniques
designed to maximise efficiency were introduced into the home and
scientific principles were applied to its design. In addition [4], housework
and parenting methods were scrutinised and subject to unprecedented
standards. Secondly [3], all aspects of reproduction attracted increasing
intervention from government and the medical profession. Thirdly [3],
state, professional and philanthropic groups began to usurp the parental
role within the family through instruction and policy. Ultimately [2], the
development of 'modern' social ideals brought regulation, intervention
and ever-increasing unrealistic standards.
[1] Indicating a
specific time
[2] Indicating a
conclusion
[3] To indicate
sequence and
logically divide
an idea
[4] Indicating
extra
information
[5] Indicating a
result
[6] To add
emphasis
Transitions indicating sequence
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The following words and phrases can be used to indicate transitions and to cue your
reader about how ideas are logically connected in your writing. This list is also helpful
for providing alternative options if you find yourself constantly using the same linking
word or phrase. Part of your style as an academic writer will be determined by the
transition signals you choose to use most frequently.
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TYPES OF TRANSITION SIGNALS
To indicate sequence or to order information
First, second, third .. followed by
at this point
next, last, finally
previously, subsequently
after that
initially
and then
next, before
concurrently
simultaneously
meanwhile
To introduce an example
in this case
on this occasion
this can be seen
for example
to illustrate
when / where …
for instance
to demonstrate
take the case of
To indicate time
immediately
thereafter
formerly
finally
prior to
previously
then
soon
during
at that time
before, after
at this point
To logically divide an idea from another
first
firstly
Initially
next
secondly
subsequently
finally
thirdly
ultimately
To compare
similarly
by comparison
similar to
like, just like
whereas
balanced against
To contrast
in contrast to
on the other hand
balanced against
however
on the contrary
unlike
differing from
a different view is
despite
To introduce an additional idea
in addition
also
finally
moreover
furthermore
one can also say
and then
further
another
To introduce an opposite idea or show exception
however
on the other hand
whereas
instead
while
yet
but
despite
in spite of
nevertheless
even though
in contrast
it could also be said that
To give an example
for example
to illustrate
for instance
in this case
to demonstrate
take the case of
To indicate a result / cause of something
therefore
thus
consequently
as a consequence
as a result
hence
To summarise or conclude
in summary
in conclusion
in brief
as a result
on the whole
summing up
as shown
ultimately
therefore
consequently
thus
in other words
to conclude
to summarise
finally
To hedge
This is all very well, but …
To be sure, that is a valid
point, yet we should …
Undoubtedly, Crisp makes
a good point but we
should consider …
Of course we should factor
this in, yet it remains true
that …
Convincing as this might
sound, the argument still
requires defending in
several respects.
While willing to concede
one aspect of Smith’s
argument, we should not
be too hasty in …
Unlikely as this hypothesis
may seem, there is reason
to consider it on the basis
that …
These facts
notwithstanding, we
should not be persuaded
that …
In spite of this rejoinder to
our argument, we should
not surrender ground to
our opponents.
Although this philosophical
strategy has some appeal,
it has been shown to lack
flexibility when subjected
to non-normative
perspectives which …
This viewpoint cannot be
ignored. However, we
cannot afford to accord it
more respect than it is due.
Counterintuitive as this
argument might seem, it
nevertheless should not be
dismissed out of hand.
More hedging
The case has been
impeccably argued, yet it
leaves us dissatisfied and
unconvinced.
Quite obviously, this
argument holds sway in
the current intellectual
climate, yet we ought not
to be surprised if it were
to be shown that …
This is a disorienting
perspective and a
thoroughly perplexing one,
but there can be no doubt
that a small enclave of
scholars remains obedient
to its somewhat tortuous
logic.
Agreeable as Nixon’s thesis This argument has obvious
might seem, it will not
strengths and weaknesses.
stand up to the penetrating
gaze of non-conciliatory
approaches.
Respecting the tenor of an
argument is one thing, but
agreeing with it and
endorsing it is quite
another.
Gregory walks a
philosophical tightrope
here, and needs rescuing
from his rather reckless
approach to the text.
Hackman displays an
uncharacteristic lapse in
judgement here, yet we
should not eschew his
overarching thesis.
This is a somewhat
unsatisfactory position to
take, but we should
consider whether we have
better choices to hand.
Sample extract from UNSW student
How do the sections in bold help to make the text cohesive?
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[1] A Critical Review of Goodwin et al, 2000, 'Decision making in Singapore and Australia: the
influence of culture on accountants’ ethical decisions', Accounting Research Journal, vol.13, no. 2,
pp 22-36.
[2] Using Hofstede’s (1980, 1983 and 1991) and Hofstede and Bond’s (1988) five cultural
dimensions, Goodwin et al (2000) conducted [3] a study on the influence of culture on ethical
decision-making between two groups of accountants from Australia and Singapore.[4] This research
aimed to provide further evidence on the effect of cultural differences since results from previous
research have been equivocal. [5] The study reveals that accountants from the two countries
responded differently to ethical dilemmas in particular when the responses were measured using
two of the five cultural dimensions. The result agreed with the prediction since considerable
differences existed between these two dimensions in Australians and Singaporeans (Hofstede 1980,
1991). [6] However the results of the other dimensions provided less clear relationships as the two
cultural groups differed only slightly on the dimensions. [7] To the extent that this research is
exploratory, results of this study provide insights into the importance of recognising cultural
differences for firms and companies that operate in international settings. However, several
limitations must be considered in interpreting the study findings.
….
[8] In summary, it has to be admitted that the current study is [9] still far from being
conclusive. [10]Further studies must be undertaken, better measures must be developed, and
larger samples must be used to improve our understanding concerning the exact relationship
between culture and decision making.[11] Despite some deficiencies in methodology,[12] to the
extent that this research is exploratory i.e. trying to investigate an emerging issue, the study has
provided some insights to account for culture in developing ethical standards across national
borders.
How is cohesion in the passage created ?
Using Hofstede’s (1980, 1983 and 1991) and
Hofstede and Bond’s (1988) five cultural
dimensions …
The extract here identifies a basis for analysis. It serves as a linking device, uniting the text in
terms of establishing an analytical template – e.g. five cultural dimensions of analysis can be
used
… to provide further evidence
The linking here is by way of creating a further example of a trend or situation.
Since results have been equivocal
Here the link provides a reason or explanation for something.
Since considerable differences …
Here the link provides a reason or explanation for something.
However
To introduce an opposite idea or show an exception, or a hedging gesture
differed only slightly on the dimensions
Provides a basis for close comparison and partial agreement
To the extent that this research
Indicates a measure or degree of validity; indicates some hedging
However
To introduce an opposite idea or show an exception, or a hedging gesture
In summary
To summarise or conclude
Still far from being conclusive
A clear hedge; indicates degree or extent
Further … better … larger
Comparative language indicates size or extent of effort needed
Despite some deficiencies
Preparation for a concession to be made; some hedging evident
To the extent that this research
Indicates a measure or degree of validity; indicates some hedging
Some insights
Indicates a measure of success; language of degree or extent