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Chapter 5
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When writing descriptively, it can be easy to jump from one idea to another without a clear link, resulting in a jumbled and confusing description. Effective use of cohesive devices can help to ensure that each sentence and paragraph contributes to a clear and cohesive description.
B. Types of Cohesive Devices
There are several types of cohesive devices that writers can use to create cohesion and unity in their writing. Some common types of cohesive devices include:
• Conjunctions: These are words that connect words, phrases, or clauses. Examples include "and," "but," "or,"
and "although."
• Pronouns: These are words that refer back to a noun previously mentioned in the text. Examples include "he,"
"she," "it," and "they."
• Repetition: This involves repeating a word or phrase to create emphasis or to link ideas together.
• Transition Signals: These are words or phrases that indicate a relationship between ideas. Examples include
"therefore," "in addition," "on the other hand," and "as a result."
• Parallel Structure: This involves using a similar grammatical structure for multiple sentences or phrases.
For example, "She likes hiking, swimming, and biking."
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By using these cohesive devices effectively, writers can create a sense of unity and coherence in their writing, making it easier for readers to follow and understand their ideas.
2. Using Transition Signals to Create Cohesion in Descriptive Paragraphs
Transition signals are words or phrases used to connect ideas and provide cohesion between sentences and paragraphs. They help to make writing more coherent, logical, and easier to follow. In descriptive paragraphs, transition signals play an important role in creating a unified and cohesive text. According to Cargill and O'Connor43, transition signals can be used to show different relationships between ideas, such as cause and effect, contrast, and similarity. Some common transition signals used in descriptive writing include:
• Chronological signals: These are used to show the order of events or actions. Examples include "firstly," "then," "next,"
and "finally."
• Spatial signals: These show the location of objects or events.
Examples include "above," "below," "near," and "far."
• Comparison signals: These show the similarity or difference between two things. Examples include "similarly," "likewise,"
"in contrast," and "on the other hand."
43 Margaret Cargill and Patrick O’Connor, Writing Scientific Research Articles:
Strategy and Steps (John Wiley & Sons, 2021).
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• Cause and effect signals: These show the relationship between a cause and its effect. Examples include "because,"
"as a result," "consequently," and "therefore."
• Addition signals: These show the addition of new information or ideas. Examples include "furthermore,"
"moreover," "in addition," and "also."
It is important to use transition signals effectively to maintain the flow of the text and to ensure that the writing is easy to understand. Overuse or misuse of transition signals can disrupt the flow and coherence of the text. In addition to using transition signals, it is also important to maintain unity in writing. Unity refers to the idea that every sentence in a paragraph should be related to the main idea or topic. This helps to ensure that the writing is focused and coherent. To maintain unity, writers should avoid including irrelevant or unrelated information in their paragraphs. They should also ensure that each sentence contributes to the overall message of the paragraph. By doing so, they can create a cohesive and effective piece of writing.
3. Examples of Transition Signals in Descriptive Paragraphs Transition signals are an essential aspect of cohesive writing that helps readers understand the logical connections between different ideas and sentences. By using these signals, writers can create a smooth flow of ideas and provide a clear understanding of the relationships between different parts of the text. In descriptive paragraphs, transition signals play an important role
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in connecting sensory details and other descriptive elements to create a unified whole. By providing a clear sense of the relationships between different ideas, the text becomes easier to understand and more engaging for the reader.
Examples of transition signals in descriptive paragraphs can be found in many works of literature. For example, in Ernest Hemingway's "The Old Man and the Sea," the author uses spatial signals to create a vivid image of the setting:
"He no longer dreamed of storms, nor of women, nor of great occurrences, nor of great fish, nor fights, nor contests of strength, nor of his wife. He only dreamed of places now and of the lions on the beach."44
In this passage, the words "nor" and "only" serve as transition signals that create a sense of contrast and change. The transition from the old man's former dreams to his current dreams of places and lions helps to build a cohesive and unified description of his state of mind.
4. Maintaining Unity in Descriptive Paragraphs: Avoiding Common Errors
Unity in writing is an essential aspect of creating a cohesive and effective descriptive paragraph. It refers to the idea that all the
44 Harold Bloom, Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea (Infobase Publishing, 2008).
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sentences in a paragraph should be logically connected and work together to communicate a single idea or theme. To achieve unity, writers need to avoid common errors that can disrupt the flow of their paragraphs. According to Duncan45, one common error is introducing irrelevant or off-topic information that does not relate to the main idea of the paragraph. This can distract the reader and make the paragraph feel disjointed. Therefore, it is important to stay focused on the main idea and avoid introducing unrelated details.
Another error is the lack of a clear topic sentence. A topic sentence should communicate the main idea or theme of the paragraph and provide a guide for the rest of the sentences in the paragraph. A topic sentence should be clear, concise, and placed at the beginning of the paragraph to establish the paragraph's focus.
Additionally, it is essential to avoid the repetition of ideas or using redundant sentences that do not contribute to the paragraph's overall message. Repetitive sentences can make the paragraph feel tedious and boring, causing the reader to lose interest. Lastly, transitions should be used appropriately to maintain unity in descriptive paragraphs. Transitions are words or phrases that connect one idea to another and create a logical flow between sentences. Transitions can signal contrast, comparison, cause-
45 Mike Duncan, “Understanding the Paragraph and Paragraphing,” Composition Studies 48, no. 3 (2020): 155–62.
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and-effect, and chronological order, among other things, which help to guide the reader through the paragraph.
5. Summary
Cohesive devices, also known as transition signals, are important tools for creating unity in descriptive paragraphs. These signals help connect ideas and maintain coherence throughout the paragraph. Transition signals can be used to indicate a new idea, provide additional information, show contrast, and more. It is important to use them effectively to create a seamless flow of ideas. However, errors can occur if the signals are used incorrectly or excessively. To maintain unity, it is crucial to avoid common errors such as using too many signals, using them incorrectly, or overusing the same signal. By using cohesive devices appropriately and avoiding common errors, writers can create descriptive paragraphs that are coherent and unified.
6. Reflection
Write a descriptive paragraph of 5-6 sentences on a topic of your choice. Use cohesive devices such as transition signals to create unity and coherence in your paragraph. Identify and explain the cohesive devices you used and how they contribute to the unity of your paragraph.
7. Sample Answers
The sun was setting behind the mountains, casting a warm glow on the fields below. As the sky turned shades of pink and orange,
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the birds began to fly back to their nests, chirping in a chorus. The wind picked up, rustling the leaves on the trees and bringing a sweet scent of flowers from the nearby garden. In the distance, I could hear the sound of a river flowing, its gentle murmur lulling me into a peaceful state of mind.
Through the use of transition signals such as "As," "The wind picked up," "In the distance," and "Through the use of," I was able to connect my ideas and create a sense of unity in my paragraph.
These cohesive devices help to guide the reader through the different elements of the scene, creating a clear and vivid picture in their mind.
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