AP English Language AMSCO Guided Notes
5.2: Maintaining Coherence and Using Transitions
AP English Language Guided Notes
AMSCO 5.2 - Maintaining Coherence and Using Transitions
Essential Questions
- How does a text create unity and coherence and use transitions to guide readers through a line of reasoning?
I. Levels of Coherence
1. What is coherence and what are the three main qualities that maintain it in an argument?
2. How do writers create coherence at the sentence, paragraph, and text levels?
A. Coherence within Sentences
1. What is the difference between an independent clause and a dependent clause?
2. How do dependent and independent clauses work together to create coherence within a sentence?
1. Logically Linked Clauses within a Sentence
1. How does a dependent clause create a logical link to an independent clause in a sentence?
2. Simple Sentences
1. When is a simple sentence an effective choice, and what happens when writers use only simple sentences?
3. Compound Sentences
1. What is coordination and how do punctuation and coordinating conjunctions create compound sentences?
2. How do semicolons, colons, and conjunctive adverbs function differently in compound sentences?
4. Complex Sentences
1. What is a subordinate clause and how does it show the relationship between ideas in a complex sentence?
2. How do subordinating conjunctions indicate different types of relationships such as cause-effect, contrast, or chronology?
B. Coherence between Sentences
1. What are transitional elements and how do they help link sentences within a paragraph?
2. How do connecting words like 'first' and 'second' create coherence by drawing readers back to previous ideas?
C. Coherence between Paragraphs
1. How do repetition and transitional elements tie paragraphs together in an essay?
2. How does a line of reasoning create coherence by logically connecting paragraphs in a text?
II. Repeated Words and Patterns that Strengthen Coherence
1. How does repetition of words, phrases, and structures help maintain logical coherence in an essay?
A. Using Synonyms
1. What are synonyms and how do writers use them to avoid monotony while maintaining coherence?
2. How can synonyms provide additional meaning or nuance beyond simply repeating the same word?
B. Using Pronouns and References
1. What is a pronoun and what is its antecedent, and how do they create coherence in writing?
2. How should writers balance the use of pronouns and repeated antecedents to maintain clarity and flow?
C. Using Repetition and Parallel Structure
1. What is anaphora and how does the repetition of phrases at the beginning of clauses emphasize ideas?
2. How does parallel structure show that ideas have equal importance and strengthen coherence?
3. What effect does breaking a repetitive pattern have on readers and the argument?
III. Transitions
1. What are transitional elements and what is their primary purpose in creating coherence?
2. How do transitional elements help introduce evidence and show its relationship to other ideas?
A. Transitional Language
1. What are the different categories of transitional language and what relationships does each category establish?
2. How should writers choose appropriate transitional language based on the relationship they want to show between ideas?
B. Logically Linked Ideas
1. How can phrases, clauses, sentences, and paragraphs all function as transitional elements?
2. What does it mean for ideas to be logically linked and how does this help readers follow an argument?
Key Terms
clause
phrase
sentence
coherence
pronoun
synonym
parallel structure
repetition
transitional elements