MODULE 1 – SEARCHING FOR KNOWLEDGE

QUARTER 1

Learning Area: ENGLISH

Year Level: 8
Time Allotment: 60 minutes/session

I. Learning Competency
Note implicit signals used by the writer to indicate coherence

Objectives
At the end of the session, the learners shall be able to:
1. identify how to achieve coherence in writing;
2. note signals for coherence used in a paragraph; and
3. develop the value of organization for effective communication.

II. Subject Matter

1. Topic: Coherence in Writing
2. Instructional Materials: Copy of the text, Activity Sheets

III. Lesson Procedure

A. Preliminary Activities
1. Greetings
2. Announcements, if any.

B. Activating Prior Knowledge

The learners will complete the Anticipation – Reaction Guide Matrix on
Coherence in writing.

Say:
1. What do we mean by Coherence? Check your prior knowledge about coherence by
answering the Anticipation – Reaction Guide Matrix on Coherence in writing.

Instructions: Read the statements about coherence in writing and tick if you Agree
or Disagree about the statement. After the session, go back to this to compare your
previous and post ideas about coherence.

AGREE About Coherence DISAGREE

Coherence is the easy flow of ideas in
a paragraph.
Coherence refers to the oneness of
ideas in a writing.
It is important to express ideas in a text
disregarding the organization of ideas.

A good paragraph presents a main

topic and supporting ideas clearly and
effectively.

Phrases like in addition, therefore

and even though help connect ideas
in writing effectively.
 MODULE 1 – SEARCHING FOR KNOWLEDGE
QUARTER 1

C. Lesson Proper
1. Presentation
The learners will read and learn about Coherence in Writing.

What is Coherence in Writing?

Coherence is achieved when sentences and ideas are connected and flow together smoothly. An essay
without coherence can inhibit a reader’s ability to understand the ideas and main points of the essay. Coherence
allows the reader to move easily throughout the essay from one idea to the next, from one sentence to the next,
and from one paragraph to the next. Following are several methods that can be used to achieve coherence in
writing:

How to observe Definition Sample Sentence

coherence in writing?
Use Transitional Transitional expressions, such as Many students believe they cannot write a good
Expressions to Link however, because, therefore, and in essay because they are not writers. However, as
Ideas, Sentences, and addition, are used to establish they practice writing and work on developing their
Paragraphs relationships between ideas, writing skills, most students are able to gain the
sentences, and paragraphs. They needed confidence to start thinking of themselves
serve as signals to let the reader know writers.
the previous idea, sentence, or
paragraph is connected to what
follows.

Use Pronouns to Link Pronouns are used to link or connect Mr. Thompson agreed to meet with members of the
Sentences sentences by referring to preceding worker’s union before he signed the contract. He
nouns and pronouns. was interested in hearing their concerns about the
new insurance plan.

Use Parallel Structures Parallelism is the use of matching Usually, the children spend the summer weekends
to Link Ideas, words, phrases, clauses, or sentence playing ball in park, swimming in the neighbor’s
Sentences, and structures to express similar ideas. pool, eating ice cream under the tree, or camping
Paragraphs Parallel structures allow the reader to in the backyard.
flow smoothly from one idea,
sentence, or paragraph to the next and
to understand the relationships and
connections between ideas.

Use Repetition to Link Repeating key words or phrases helps Most students are intimidated by the works of
Ideas, Sentences, and connect and focus idea(s) throughout William Shakespeare. They believe
Paragraphs the essay. Repetition also helps the Shakespeare’s sonnets and plays are far to
reader remain focused and headed in complicated to read and understand.
the right direction.

Use Synonyms to Link Synonyms are words that have the Teenagers face an enormous amount of peer
Ideas and Create same or nearly the same meaning as pressure from friends and schoolmates. As a result,
Variety another word. They provide alternative many young adults are exhibiting signs of severe
word choices that can add variety to stress or depression at an early age.
an essay and can help eliminate
unnecessary repetition.

Reference:
http://www.southeastern.edu/acad_research/programs/writing_center/handouts/pdf_handouts/coherence.pdf

2. Activity
The learners will answer the following sets of activities for coherence.

Practice Coherence!

A. Identification. Note which method is applied to achieve coherence in the following

sentences. Choose from the selection below.
MODULE 1 – SEARCHING FOR KNOWLEDGE
QUARTER 1

Parallelism Pronouns Repetitions Synonyms

Transitional expressions

_____ 1. Chopsticks are used in many parts of the world. While principles of etiquette are
similar, finer points can differ from region to region.

_____ 2. The traditional dress of Japan is the kimono. It is made of silk, has large sleeves,
and reach from the shoulders all the way down to the heels. It is usually tied with a wide belt
called an obi.

_____ 3. The first documented evidence of tea in Japan dates to the 9th century. It is found
in an entry in the Nihon Kōki having to do with the Buddhist monk Eichū ( 永 忠 ), who had
brought some tea back to Japan on his return from China.

_____ 4. A tea ceremony also meaningful in many other ways. It is a symbol of purity,
stability and fertility. The purity of tea signifies the love is pure and noble; the stability of
tea stands for faithful love; the fertility of tea means that the new couple will have many
children.

_____ 5. Chinese tea culture refers to how tea is prepared as well as the occasions when
people consume tea in China. Tea culture in China differs from that in European countries
like Britain and other East and Southeast Asian countries like Japan, Korea, Vietnam in
preparation, taste, and occasion when it is consumed.

B. Multiple Choice. Supply the correct word/phrases in order to observe coherence in

the following sentences. Choose the letter of the correct answer.

_____ 1. Many Japanese go to visit a shrine on January 1st, 2nd, or 3rd, ______ their
respects and ______ for a happy and healthy year.
a. pay; wish b. paying; wishing c. to pay; to wish d. will pay; will wish

_____ 2. The Japanese New Year is an annual festival with its own customs. ______ 1873,
the official Japanese New Year has been celebrated on January 1 of each year.
a. after b. but c. since d. therefore

_____ 3. Chinese people may be thrifty most of the time, but they seem to spend
______ during their traditional festivals. For example, they buy everyone new clothes for the
festival, whether they need them or not.
a. extravagantly b. frugally c. generously d. meagerly

_____ 4. The traditional Chinese New Year was the most important festival on the
calendar. The entire attention of the household was fixed on the celebration.
______ this time, business life came nearly to a stop. Home and family were the
principal focuses.
a. after b. before c. during d. since

_____ 5. Every New Year, children and adults alike put on ______ clothing. The house is
cleaned, and ______ paper pictures are pasted up to honor the door gods, the stove god,
the animal symbol of the incoming year, and lucky slogans such as “springtime” or “good
fortune arrives.”
a. good b. lucky c. new d. old
MODULE 1 – SEARCHING FOR KNOWLEDGE
QUARTER 1

3. Analysis
The learners will read the informative article about Japanese and Chinese
Traditions. They will note if the article observes coherence by completing the
checklist provided.

Instructions: Read the article and note details for cohesion by answering the checklist
below.

Japanese and Chinese Traditions

In Japan, the celebration of the New Year is the most significant and important holiday. During this
time, they begin the New Year with a clean slate, spend time with family and friends and prepare for the events
of the New Year. Kimono and Yukata are traditional Japanese clothing. Kimono are made of silk and are usually
very expensive. Nowadays they are worn at formal or traditional occasions such as funerals, weddings, or tea
ceremonies. Only rarely kimono can still be seen in everyday life. Sumo is a Japanese style of wrestling and
Japan's national sport. It originated in ancient times as a performance to entertain the Shinto gods. Most houses
in Japan have tatami mats. Tatami were originally a luxury item for the nobility. During the Heian period, when
the shinden-zukuri architectural style of aristocratic residences was consummated, the flooring of shinden-zukuri
palatial rooms were mainly wooden, and tatami were only used as seating for the highest aristocrats. It is said
that prior to the mid-16th century, the ruling nobility and samurai slept on tatami or woven mats called goza, while
commoners used straw mats. Japanese Haiku started as Hokku, an opening stanza of an orthodox collaborative
linked poem, or renga, and of its later derivative, renku (or haikai no renga). By the time of Matsuo Bashō (1644–
1694), the hokku had begun to appear as an independent poem, and was also incorporated in haibun(a
combination of prose and hokku), and haiga (a combination of painting with hokku).

Like the Japanese, Chinese considered tea as one of their seven necessities. Firewood, oil, salt, soy
sauce and vinegar were some of the basic needs. In the beginning, tea was cultivated and used solely as herbal
medicine mostly within temples. Monks began to use tea to teach a respect for nature, humility and an overall
sense of peace and calm. Today, there are six major aspects to consider when performing a Chinese Tea
Ceremony: attitude of the person performing the ceremony, tea selection, water selection, tea ware selection,
ambiance, and technique. Children serve tea to their elders as a token of respect. People of lower order are
supposed to serve tea to people of higher ranks. This custom is still practiced on formal occasions. Chinese
weddings have certain traditional customs. As a form of expressing gratitude, the bride and groom kneel in front
of their parents and offer them tea. In olden times, drinking the tea offered showed acceptance of marriage while
refusal represented opposition to it. Chopsticks are believed to symbolize kindness and gentleness.
Confucianism taught the Chinese to abandon knives and forks from the dining table. New Year is one of the most
prominent festivals of the Chinese calendar. It is about getting together. Red is believed to abolish bad luck. So,
people clothe in red for the New Year celebration. A long dragon made of silk; bamboo and paper are carried
along streets. Young men hold the dragon and dance while carrying the dragon along. The Dragon dance is an
ancient Chinese tradition. When you give your gift make sure to wrap it in red and gold.

Notes for Cohesion Present or Observations (Please state in a sentence or two)

Not Present

There is logical organization of

ideas in the writing.

The ideas in the sentences are

related to the main topic.

There is easy transition of ideas

from one sentence to another.

The ideas are linked or connected

by transitional words.

The writer applied methods for

cohesion in writing.
MODULE 1 – SEARCHING FOR KNOWLEDGE
QUARTER 1

4. Abstraction
The learners will go back to their Anticipation – Reaction Guide Matrix on
Cohesion. They will compare if their prior ideas about the topic is correct or
not. Also, they will share their realizations by answering the following
questions.

 What did you learn most about coherence in writing?

I learned that Coherence
________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________.

 Why do we have to observe coherence in writing?

We must observe coherence because
______________________________
_____________________________________________________________.

IV. Application/Assessment
The learners will connect the sentences to form a paragraph. They should
observe cohesion to achieve an organized and logical flow of ideas.

What is a paragraph?

Paragraphs are the building blocks of papers. Many students define paragraphs in
terms of length: a paragraph is a group of at least five sentences, a paragraph is half a page
long, etc. In reality, though, the unity and coherence of ideas among sentences is what
constitutes a paragraph. A paragraph is defined as “a group of sentences or a single
sentence that forms a unit” (Lunsford and Connors 116). Length and appearance do not
determine whether a section in a paper is a paragraph. For instance, in some styles of
writing, particularly journalistic styles, a paragraph can be just one sentence long. Ultimately,
a paragraph is a sentence or group of sentences that support one main idea.

Instructions: Form a paragraph using the sentences below. Apply different methods for
cohesion to achieve an organized and logical flow of ideas.

What is a paragraph?

 A paragraph is half a page long, etc.

 Paragraphs are the building blocks of papers.
 A paragraph is a group of at least five sentences.
 Many students define paragraphs in terms of length.
 Length and appearance do not determine whether a section in a paper is a
paragraph.
 Ultimately, a paragraph is a sentence or group of sentences that support one
main idea.
MODULE 1 – SEARCHING FOR KNOWLEDGE
QUARTER 1

 Though, the unity and coherence of ideas among sentences is what

constitutes a paragraph.
 For instance, in some styles of writing, particularly journalistic styles, a
paragraph can be just one sentence long.
 A paragraph is defined as “a group of sentences or a single sentence that
forms a unit” (Lunsford and Connors 116).

Prepared by:

Jia Mae V. Aquino

Teacher I
MODULE 1 – SEARCHING FOR KNOWLEDGE
QUARTER 1

ACTIVITY SHEET 1
ACTIVATING PRIOR KNOWLEDGE
Instructions: Read the statements about coherence in writing and tick if you Agree
or Disagree about the statement. After the session, go back to this to compare your
previous and post ideas about coherence.

AGREE About Coherence DISAGREE

Coherence is the easy flow of ideas in
a paragraph.
Coherence refers to the oneness of
ideas in a writing.
It is important to express ideas in a text
disregarding the organization of ideas.

A good paragraph presents a main

topic and supporting ideas clearly and
effectively.

Phrases like in addition, therefore

and even though help connect ideas
in writing effectively.
 MODULE 1 – SEARCHING FOR KNOWLEDGE
QUARTER 1

FACT SHEET
What is Coherence in Writing?

Coherence is achieved when sentences and ideas are connected and flow together smoothly. An essay
without coherence can inhibit a reader’s ability to understand the ideas and main points of the essay. Coherence
allows the reader to move easily throughout the essay from one idea to the next, from one sentence to the next,
and from one paragraph to the next. Following are several methods that can be used to achieve coherence in
writing:

How to observe Definition Sample Sentence

coherence in writing?
Use Transitional Transitional expressions, such as Many students believe they cannot write a good
Expressions to Link however, because, therefore, and in essay because they are not writers. However, as
Ideas, Sentences, and addition, are used to establish they practice writing and work on developing their
Paragraphs relationships between ideas, writing skills, most students are able to gain the
sentences, and paragraphs. They needed confidence to start thinking of themselves
serve as signals to let the reader know writers.
the previous idea, sentence, or
paragraph is connected to what
follows.

Use Pronouns to Link Pronouns are used to link or connect Mr. Thompson agreed to meet with members of the
Sentences sentences by referring to preceding worker’s union before he signed the contract. He
nouns and pronouns. was interested in hearing their concerns about the
new insurance plan.

Use Parallel Parallelism is the use of matching Usually, the children spend the summer weekends
Structures to Link words, phrases, clauses, or sentence playing ball in park, swimming in the neighbor’s
Ideas, Sentences, and structures to express similar ideas. pool, eating ice cream under the tree, or camping
Paragraphs Parallel structures allow the reader to in the backyard.
flow smoothly from one idea,
sentence, or paragraph to the next and
to understand the relationships and
connections between ideas.

Use Repetition to Link Repeating key words or phrases helps Most students are intimidated by the works of
Ideas, Sentences, and connect and focus idea(s) throughout William Shakespeare. They believe
Paragraphs the essay. Repetition also helps the Shakespeare’s sonnets and plays are far to
reader remain focused and headed in complicated to read and understand.
the right direction.

Use Synonyms to Link Synonyms are words that have the Teenagers face an enormous amount of peer
Ideas and Create same or nearly the same meaning as pressure from friends and schoolmates. As a result,
Variety another word. They provide alternative many young adults are exhibiting signs of severe
word choices that can add variety to stress or depression at an early age.
an essay and can help eliminate
unnecessary repetition.

Reference:
http://www.southeastern.edu/acad_research/programs/writing_center/handouts/pdf_handouts/coherence.pdf
MODULE 1 – SEARCHING FOR KNOWLEDGE
QUARTER 1

ACTIVITY SHEET 2
Practice Coherence!

A. Identification. Note which method is applied to achieve coherence in the following

sentences. Choose from the selection below.
Parallelism Pronouns Repetitions Synonyms
Transitional expressions

_____ 1. Chopsticks are used in many parts of the world. While principles of etiquette are similar,
finer points can differ from region to region.

_____ 2. The traditional dress of Japan is the kimono. It is made of silk, has large sleeves, and reach
from the shoulders all the way down to the heels. It is usually tied with a wide belt called an obi.

_____ 3. The first documented evidence of tea in Japan dates to the 9th century. It is found in an
entry in the Nihon Kōki having to do with the Buddhist monk Eichū (永忠), who had brought some tea
back to Japan on his return from China.

_____ 4. A tea ceremony also meaningful in many other ways. It is a symbol of purity, stability and
fertility. The purity of tea signifies the love is pure and noble; the stability of tea stands for faithful
love; the fertility of tea means that the new couple will have many children.

_____ 5. Chinese tea culture refers to how tea is prepared as well as the occasions when people
consume tea in China. Tea culture in China differs from that in European countries like Britain and
other East and Southeast Asian countries like Japan, Korea, Vietnam in preparation, taste, and
occasion when it is consumed.

B. Multiple Choice. Supply the correct word/phrases in order to observe coherence in the
following sentences. Choose the letter of the correct answer.

_____ 1. Many Japanese go to visit a shrine on January 1st, 2nd, or 3rd, ______ their respects and
______ for a happy and healthy year.
a. pay; wish b. paying; wishing c. to pay; to wish d. will pay; will wish

_____ 2. The Japanese New Year is an annual festival with its own customs. ______ 1873, the official
Japanese New Year has been celebrated on January 1 of each year.
a. after b. but c. since d. therefore

_____ 3. Chinese people may be thrifty most of the time, but they seem to spend ______ during their
traditional festivals. For example, they buy everyone new clothes for the festival, whether they need
them or not.
a. extravagantly b. frugally c. generously d. meagerly

_____ 4. The traditional Chinese New Year was the most important festival on the
calendar. The entire attention of the household was fixed on the celebration. ______ this
time, business life came nearly to a stop. Home and family were the principal focuses.
a. after b. before c. during d. since

_____ 5. Every New Year, children and adults alike put on ______ clothing. The house is cleaned,
and ______ paper pictures are pasted up to honor the door gods, the stove god, the animal symbol of
the incoming year, and lucky slogans such as “springtime” or “good fortune arrives.”
a. good b. lucky c. new d. old
MODULE 1 – SEARCHING FOR KNOWLEDGE
QUARTER 1

ACTIVITY SHEET 3
Let’s Analyze!
Instructions: Read the article and note details for cohesion by answering the checklist
below.

Japanese and Chinese Traditions

In Japan, the celebration of the New Year is the most significant and important holiday. During this
time, they begin the New Year with a clean slate, spend time with family and friends and prepare for the events
of the New Year. Kimono and Yukata are traditional Japanese clothing. Kimono are made of silk and are usually
very expensive. Nowadays they are worn at formal or traditional occasions such as funerals, weddings, or tea
ceremonies. Only rarely kimono can still be seen in everyday life. Sumo is a Japanese style of wrestling and
Japan's national sport. It originated in ancient times as a performance to entertain the Shinto gods. Most houses
in Japan have tatami mats. Tatami were originally a luxury item for the nobility. During the Heian period, when
the shinden-zukuri architectural style of aristocratic residences was consummated, the flooring of shinden-zukuri
palatial rooms were mainly wooden, and tatami were only used as seating for the highest aristocrats. It is said
that prior to the mid-16th century, the ruling nobility and samurai slept on tatami or woven mats called goza, while
commoners used straw mats. Japanese Haiku started as Hokku, an opening stanza of an orthodox collaborative
linked poem, or renga, and of its later derivative, renku (or haikai no renga). By the time of Matsuo Bashō (1644–
1694), the hokku had begun to appear as an independent poem, and was also incorporated in haibun(a
combination of prose and hokku), and haiga (a combination of painting with hokku).

Like the Japanese, Chinese considered tea as one of their seven necessities. Firewood, oil, salt, soy
sauce and vinegar were some of the basic needs. In the beginning, tea was cultivated and used solely as herbal
medicine mostly within temples. Monks began to use tea to teach a respect for nature, humility and an overall
sense of peace and calm. Today, there are six major aspects to consider when performing a Chinese Tea
Ceremony: attitude of the person performing the ceremony, tea selection, water selection, tea ware selection,
ambiance, and technique. Children serve tea to their elders as a token of respect. People of lower order are
supposed to serve tea to people of higher ranks. This custom is still practiced on formal occasions. Chinese
weddings have certain traditional customs. As a form of expressing gratitude, the bride and groom kneel in front
of their parents and offer them tea. In olden times, drinking the tea offered showed acceptance of marriage while
refusal represented opposition to it. Chopsticks are believed to symbolize kindness and gentleness.
Confucianism taught the Chinese to abandon knives and forks from the dining table. New Year is one of the most
prominent festivals of the Chinese calendar. It is about getting together. Red is believed to abolish bad luck. So,
people clothe in red for the New Year celebration. A long dragon made of silk; bamboo and paper are carried
along streets. Young men hold the dragon and dance while carrying the dragon along. The Dragon dance is an
ancient Chinese tradition. When you give your gift make sure to wrap it in red and gold.

Notes for Cohesion Present or Observations (Please state in a sentence or two)

Not Present

There is logical organization of

ideas in the writing.

The ideas in the sentences are

related to the main topic.

There is easy transition of ideas

from one sentence to another.

The ideas are linked or connected

by transitional words.

The writer applied methods for

cohesion in writing.
MODULE 1 – SEARCHING FOR KNOWLEDGE
QUARTER 1

ACTIVITY SHEET 4
Let’s Write!

Instructions: Form a paragraph using the sentences below. Apply different methods for
cohesion to achieve an organized and logical flow of ideas.

What is a paragraph?

 A paragraph is half a page long, etc.

 Paragraphs are the building blocks of papers.
 A paragraph is a group of at least five sentences.
 Many students define paragraphs in terms of length.
 Length and appearance do not determine whether a section in a paper is a paragraph.
 Ultimately, a paragraph is a sentence or group of sentences that support one main idea.
 Though, the unity and coherence of ideas among sentences is what constitutes a
paragraph.
 For instance, in some styles of writing, particularly journalistic styles, a paragraph can be
just one sentence long.

 A paragraph is defined as “a group of sentences or a single sentence that forms a unit”

(Lunsford and Connors 116).