​Discussion: In a group of three or four, answer these questions:

​When you write a paper, do you read over it before you turn it in?

​If so, what do you look for while reading?

​

​You should always read over your work for cohesiveness!

• Reading for grammatical correctness is important, but you should make sure your paper is cohesive​.

• Does each sentence clearly relate to the next one?

• ​Does the order of information make sense?

• ​Do you use transition words and pointing words to move from one idea to the next?

​Transition Words

• ​Usually placed at or near the start of sentences so they can signal to readers where your text is going

• ​Tell readers whether your text is

  • echoing a previous idea, ("in other words")

  • adding something to it, ("in addition")

  • offering an example of it, ("for example")

  • generalizing from it, ("as a result")

  • or modifying it ("and yet")

​Pointing Words

• ​Are basically another word for demonstrative pronouns

• ​They point or refer back to some concept or word in the previous sentence

• ​Examples include

  • ​this

  • ​these

  • ​that

  • ​those

  • ​their

  • ​such

​Beware of using pointing words incorrectly!

• ​You should almost ALWAYS avoid using "this" without a noun following it

• ​Why?

• ​It might not be clear what you're referring back to

• ​You don't want your reader to ask "this what"?

​Repetition of Key Words and Phrases

• ​Why repeat yourself?

• ​Allows your reader to identify the main theme(s) of your essay

• ​When repeating yourself, make sure you aren't being redundant: rephrase!

​In-class Activity

​Go to Smaller Assignments and complete the "Connecting the Parts" activity.