IB Docs (2) Team
Coherence
Coherence describes the sytematic connection of ideas in a written piece. Coherence is achieved through the use of linking words and the integration of illustrations. Coherence is what helps an idea become developed in an essay. In a coherent paragraph, one tends to state, illustrate and analyze or explain, usually in that order (see our page on this method for further help).
You will notice that the word coherence often appears under the criteria that deal with 'organization' in almost all forms of assessment in this course. Because coherent writing is a skill that can be developed, it is advized to engage in writing activities regularly. Here is an example of an incoherent paragraph that has been made coherent. Notice how the second paragraph improves on the first.
Incoherent paragraph
The PlayStation Portable AD shows a disturbing photograph of two women advertising PSP White edition. There are two individuals, a black and white person conflicting each other. In that sense, the more dominant, white female is overpowering the colored person. The people in the AD are referring to the slogan on the billboard, which states: “PlayStation Portable White is coming”. The two females that have different skin colors represent the PSP itself as with the tint that it has, the females might also represent the characteristics of the upcoming product. This might mean that the new white edition has more style and aggression when compared to its predecessor. In this ad it is shown that the black female is being marginalized and silenced.
Coherent paragraph
The PlayStation Portable (PSP) ad for the white edition is offensive to black people for several reasons. For example, the two women in the ad, both black and white, are portrayed in a physical conflict, where the white woman appears more dominant, overpowering and fashionable. The black woman, on the other hand, looks submissive, overruled and less fashionable. Even though the women are meant to symbolize an old and new product, their portrayal of race relations is insensitive. Essentially this ad marginalizes and silences black women.
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