Work in groups or pairs!
COHESION AND COHERENCE
Activity 1: Identifying an effective paragraph
Which one is the most effective paragraph?
Text 1
My favorite color is blue. Blue sports cars go very fast. Driving in this way is
dangerous especially in crowded streets and can cause many car crashes. I had a
car accident once and broke my leg. I was very sad because I had to miss a holiday
in Europe because of the injury. To recover from the injury, I had to stay in the
hospital for two weeks. Being hospitalized is expensive.
Text 1 is (a) effective (b) ineffective
Reason? _________________________________________________________________
Text 2
There are many beautiful colors. I like blue. There are two reasons. Blue is calming.
In the summer, I like to lie on the grass and look up the blue sky. Blue is refreshing.
Summer is hot. I go to the beach to see the blue ocean. I feel more refreshed. Blue
is relaxing. Before going to bed after a hard day of work, I like to sit on the terrace. I
often look up the sky. I see the dark blue sky with the twinkling stars. I feel more
relaxed. Blue is my favorite.
Text 2 is (a) effective (b) ineffective
Reason? _________________________________________________________________
Text 3
Of all colors, I like blue because of two reasons. First, blue is calming. When Im
stressed, I often go outside and lie down on the grass. Then, I look up the clear blue
sky which calms me down. Another reason is because blue is refreshing. Before
going to bed after a full day of hard work, I enjoy sitting by the window in my
bedroom. From the bedroom window, I would look at the dark clear blue sky with
the twinkling stars to make me feel more relaxed. For these reasons, I have to say
my favorite color is blue.
Text 3 is (a) effective (b) ineffective
Reason? _________________________________________________________________
Work in groups or pairs!
Activity 2: Joining Sentences
Part A
Combine the sentences in each number using the coordinating
conjunctions listed below. Use each conjunction only one time.
and, but, or, so, yet, nor
1. Some students stay on the sidewalks. Some students cut across the grass.
2. Students have to park far from their classrooms. They are often late for class.
3. Trash cans have been placed all over campus. Students still throw garbage on the
ground.
4. The administration promised to improve dining hall service. The quality of the
food is actually worse this year.
5. These students do not respect the feelings of others. They don't seem to respect
themselves.
6. We must stand up for our rights today. We may find ourselves with no rights at
all.
Part B
Combine the same sentences above using the conjunctions listed below.
Again, use each conjunction only one time.
unless, because, even though, while, although, though
7. Some students stay on the sidewalks. Some students cut across the grass.
8. Students have to park far from their classrooms. They are often late for class.
9. Trash cans have been placed all over campus. Students still throw garbage on the
ground.
Work in groups or pairs!
10. The administration promised to improve dining hall service. The quality of the
food is actually worse this year.
11. These students do not respect the feelings of others. They do seem to respect
themselves.
12. We must stand up for our rights today. We may find ourselves with no rights at
all.
Part C
Combine each set of short sentences and fragments into one sentence.
13. I always order cheese fries. The reason why is because they're my favorite.
14. Bob was my boyfriend. That was in high school. We dated for about eight
months. Before I met Mike.
15. There was a strong wind last night. The tree fell on my grandmothers house.
But my grandmother wasn't hurt.
16 My dog's name is Jack. He is a Golden Retriever. He loves to play Frisbee. He
loves to swim, too.
17. My parents didnt have money to support my studies. I worked for every
summer in high school. That was why I'm able to afford to go to college.
