Lesson 11.4: Structure, Coherence, and Style

Introduction

In this lesson, students will learn how to enhance the structure, coherence, and style of an argumentative essay, particularly in the context of the GRE Analytical Writing: Analyze an Issue task. Organizing ideas thoughtfully and presenting them clearly is crucial for effective communication and will directly impact your essay scores. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to structure your essay with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion, use transitions to connect ideas, vary your sentence structure for greater impact, and recognize how adherence to standard written English affects your score.

Objectives

1. Organize the essay with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
2. Use transitions and varied sentence structure for coherence.
3. Maintain standard written English; how serious, persistent errors lower the score.
4. Organize an essay into a coherent, logical structure.
5. Connect ideas with effective transitions.

Understanding Essay Structure

Importance of Structure

A well-structured essay provides a roadmap for the reader, making it easier to understand your argument and follow your reasoning. Structure helps you present your thoughts logically, ensuring that your ideas build upon one another.

Basic Structure of an Essay

An effective essay typically follows this structure:

1. Introduction

• Introduces the topic and your thesis statement.

1. Body Paragraphs

• Supports your thesis with arguments, examples, and evidence.

1. Conclusion

• Summarizes your arguments and reaffirms your thesis.

Example of Essay Structure

To illustrate the importance of clear structure, consider a prompt asking you to analyze the statement: “Success is determined more by hard work than by talent.”

Sample Outline:

1. Introduction

• Paraphrase the statement.
• State your position (for example, you might argue that while both hard work and talent are important, hard work plays a more critical role in achieving success).
• Thesis: “While talent provides a foundation, it is hard work that ultimately leads to enduring success.”

1. Body Paragraph 1: Argument for Hard Work

• Main Point: Hard work leads to skill development.
• Evidence: Discuss an example of a successful athlete who trained tirelessly.
• Analysis: Explain how their dedication improved performance beyond innate talent.

1. Body Paragraph 2: Talent Coupled with Hard Work

• Main Point: Talent without hard work may not lead to success.
• Evidence: Use a historical figure like Thomas Edison, who stated, “Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration.”
• Analysis: Discuss the importance of commitment.

1. Body Paragraph 3: Counterargument

• Main Point: Acknowledge that talent can accelerate success.
• Evidence: Use the example of musicians or actors who have natural abilities.
• Analysis: Illustrate that talent alone is often not sufficient without effort.

1. Conclusion

• Restate the thesis in light of the arguments made.
• Highlight that hard work fosters resilience and adaptability, traits necessary for long-term success.

Summary of Structure

The use of a clear essay structure not only organizes your thoughts but also presents them coherently for the reader, enhancing the overall effectiveness of your argument.

Coherence in Writing

Defining Coherence

Coherence refers to the logical connections and consistency within your writing. A coherent essay is one in which the reader can easily follow your ideas from one sentence or paragraph to the next.

Techniques for Achieving Coherence

1. Use Transitional Words and Phrases: Transitional words like however, furthermore, in addition, consequently, and for example guide your reader through your argument.
2. Repetition of Key Terms: Reiterating central concepts reinforces your argument and shows the relationship between ideas.
3. Logical Ordering: Arrange paragraphs in a logical sequence that best supports your argument.

Example of Coherent Writing

Let’s revisit the sample outline above and incorporate transitional phrases:

• After presenting an argument about hard work, you might say, “Furthermore, success is often a result of relentless effort.”
• When addressing a counterargument, you can introduce it with “Nevertheless, it is crucial to acknowledge the role of natural talent.”

Practice for Coherence

• Take a few sentences from your previous essays and identify places where you could add transitions for clarity.
• Rewrite those sentences to improve the flow.

Sentence Structure and Style

Importance of Varied Sentence Structure

Varying sentence length and structure not only keeps the reader engaged but also emphasizes key points in your writing. A combination of short, impactful sentences with longer, more complex ones can effectively convey your message.

Techniques for Variation

1. Combine Simple Sentences: Look for opportunities to merge simple sentences into complex or compound sentences.
2. Use Different Sentence Beginnings: Experiment with starting sentences in different ways to keep the reader's attention. For example, instead of always starting with the subject, you might begin with a subordinate clause.
3. Incorporate Questions: Rhetorical questions can provoke thought and break up longer paragraphs.

Example of Sentence Variation

• Choppy version: “Success requires hard work. It also needs talent. Many people fail despite having talent.”
• Varied version: “While success requires both hard work and talent, it is the diligent effort that ultimately distinguishes those who achieve their goals from those who, despite possessing natural ability, do not.”

Practice for Style

• Pick a paragraph from your writing and assess how many sentences start with the same word or structure. Aim to revise at least half to make them more varied.

Adhering to Standard Written English

Importance of Grammar and Mechanics

Using correct grammar, punctuation, and mechanics is essential for clear communication. Frequent errors can distract the reader and undermine the credibility of your argument.

Common Errors to Avoid

1. Subject-Verb Agreement: Ensure that subjects and verbs agree in number.

• Incorrect: “The group of students are going.”
• Correct: “The group of students is going.”

1. Run-On Sentences: Avoid merging multiple independent clauses without proper punctuation.

• Incorrect: “I love to write I practice every day.”
• Correct: “I love to write; I practice every day.”

1. Misplaced Modifiers: Ensure modifiers are placed correctly to avoid confusion.

• Incorrect: “I saw the dog running down the street that was barking.”
• Correct: “I saw the dog that was barking running down the street.”

Practice for Writing Mechanics

Review a draft of your essay, focusing on grammar and mechanics. Use tools like grammar checkers or peer reviews to help identify recurring issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, students should recognize that a well-structured, coherent, and stylistically varied essay can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your argument in the GRE Analytical Writing task. By practicing the organization of ideas, improving coherence with transitions, varying sentence structure, and adhering to standard written English, you will build stronger essays that communicate your points effectively and persuasively.

Study Notes

• An effective essay has a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Use transitions to guide the reader through your argument.
• Vary sentence structure to maintain reader engagement.
• Adhering to standard written English is critical for a high essay score.
• Always assess clarity and coherence in your writing and revise accordingly.