Cohesive Devices: Techniques for Clear and Logical Writing, Study Guides, Projects, Research of Medicine

Download Cohesive Devices: Techniques for Clear and Logical Writing and more Study Guides, Projects, Research Medicine in PDF only on Docsity! COHESIVE DEVICES Writers use transitional words and phrases to achieve a clear, logical flow of thought from sentence to sentence and from paragraph to paragraph. Listed below are some of the techniques that help the reader follow the writer’s train of thought. 1. USE THE SAME SUBJECT IN SUCCESSIVE SENTENCES This does not mean that you should begin each sentence with the same word or phrase, because this will only get repetitive; be sure to vary your sentence structure. When possible, also avoid repeating the same words incessantly. Use synonyms (see below). o Example: Slum clearance is one of the solutions to the problems no faces by large cities. Although it is not the total answer, slum clearance is a necessary first step. 2. REPEAT OR USE A SYNONYM OF SOME KEY WORD OR PHRASE FROM THE PREVIOUS SENTENCE Again, avoid repeating the same words constantly if you can. Synonyms are an excellent alternative. Simply be careful when choosing a synonym, because there may be slight variations in meaning. o Example: The liberally educated man is not afraid of change because he has knocked down the prison walls and is ready for a life of learning. We may be on our way to a learning, instead of a working, society. o Example: One of the solutions to the problems that large cities now face is slum clearance. Although it is not the total answer, rehabilitation of blighted areas is a necessary first step. 3. USE A PRONOUN REFERENCE Instead of repeating the same nouns, replace them with pronouns. Take special care, however when using pronouns as transitions. The pronoun must be as close as possible to the noun or nouns to which it refers or the reference will be ambiguous or unclear. o Example: Medical researchers seek new discoveries in the treatment of human disease by experimenting on animals. This practice is called inhumane by antivivisectionists. o Example: Most doctors defend vivisection. They claim that the practice is necessary if medicine is to make inroads upon human disease. 4. USE PARALLEL CONSTRUCTION IN SUCCESSIVE SENTENCES Occasionally use similar sentence structures to show that sentences relate to each other. o Example: If we win, we will have found our victory. If we lose, we will have deserved our defeat.