Top 6 Best Lesson Plans on "Sentence and Paragraph Coherence" for 9th Grade

A. KEY CONCEPTS

I - THE CONCEPT OF COHERENCE

Read the following paragraph and answer the questions:

Every work of art is built from materials drawn from reality (1). However, artists not only capture what already exists but also aim to convey something new (2). They embed in their work a message, a piece of themselves, contributing to the world around them (3).

(Nguyễn Đình Thi, The Voice of Art)
1. What is the main issue discussed in the paragraph? How is this theme related to the overall theme of the text?
2. What is the main idea of each sentence in the paragraph? How do these ideas relate to the theme of the paragraph? What is the order of the ideas presented?
3. How is the close connection between the sentences in the paragraph expressed (Pay attention to the bold words)?
Answer:
1. The paragraph discusses the artist's reflection of reality in their work. The overall theme of the text is the voice of art, and the theme of this paragraph contributes to the larger theme.
2. The main idea of each sentence is:
Sentence (1): Art reflects the reality of life.
Sentence (2): The artist’s task is to say something new while reflecting life.
Sentence (3): Creativity and new ideas are the artist’s contribution to the world.
3. The connection between the sentences is shown through repetition of words: artwork – artwork; use of related terms: artwork – artist, capture – convey – embed – contribute; substitution: materials drawn from reality for what already exists, artist for he; use of conjunctions: but.

B. EXERCISES AND GUIDELINES

PRACTICE

Analyze the coherence in content and form between the sentences in the following paragraph based on the provided suggestions:

The strength of the Vietnamese people is universally recognized as intelligence and adaptability to the new. This innate quality is crucial in the future society where creativity is a top requirement. However, alongside these strengths, there are weaknesses. These include gaps in basic knowledge due to a tendency to chase trendy subjects, especially a lack of practical skills and creativity due to rote learning. If these gaps are not quickly filled, the innate intelligence cannot be fully utilized, and adapting to the ever-evolving, knowledge-based economy will be challenging.
(Vũ Khoan, Preparing for the 21st Century)
(Suggestions:
1. What is the theme of the paragraph? How do the sentences support this theme? Give a specific example to demonstrate the logical flow of the sentences.
2. How are the sentences connected?)

Answer:
Suggestions:
1. The theme of the paragraph is: confirming the intellectual capabilities while pointing out weaknesses that need to be overcome to prepare for the future. All sentences focus on analyzing these strengths and weaknesses.
The sentences are logically arranged:
Sentence 1: Confirms the evident strengths
Sentence 2: Analyzes the value of these strengths
Sentence 3: Identifies the weaknesses
Sentence 4: Analyzes and clarifies the weaknesses
Sentence 5: States the urgent task
2. The sentences are connected using various devices:
Synonym substitution: “intelligence and adaptability to the new” for “innate quality”.
Conjunctions: “However, alongside these strengths” for “Yet, there are”.
Repetition: “gaps” and “gaps” (in sentences 4 and 5); “intelligence” (sentence 1) is repeated as “intellect” (sentence 5).

I - BASIC KNOWLEDGE TO MASTER

1. Sentence coherence refers to the logical connection between sentences and between paragraphs using words that link them together.

2. Coherence is often categorized into content coherence and formal coherence: Content coherence refers to the relationship between the topic and logical flow (order of presentation); formal coherence refers to the use of linking words to connect sentences and paragraphs. Thus, content and formal coherence are not separate; they are two aspects of the same phenomenon. Without content coherence, there can be no formal coherence, and vice versa.

3. The use of linking words is called a linking device (a rhetorical device), and the choice of which device to use depends on the specific context.

II - GUIDELINES FOR UNDERSTANDING THE LESSON

Part 1. The Concept of Coherence

Question 1

The paragraph discusses the relationship between reality and the creativity of artists. This is a sub-theme under the larger theme: The Voice of Art.

Question 2

Main ideas of each sentence in the paragraph:

Sentence (1): Every piece of art is based on reality, but reality is merely the raw material for the artist.

Sentence (2): From this raw material, the artist creates a new piece of art; it is a "new reality" or a "second reality"—not just a replica of life.

Sentence (3): This creativity is the message the artist wishes to communicate to the world.

The order of these sentences follows a logical sequence.

Question 3

The close connection between sentences is shown through the following devices:

- Repetition of the word “artwork” and related terms like “artist”.

- Substitution: “artist” is replaced by “he”.

- Use of the conjunction “but”.

- Substitution of “what already exists” with “raw materials from reality”.

Part 2. Practice

Analyze the coherence within the following paragraph:

1. Content Coherence:

- Theme: The strengths and weaknesses of the Vietnamese people and how to overcome them. All sentences focus on this topic (Thematic coherence).

- Logical Sequence: The strengths are introduced first, followed by their advantages in the future; the weaknesses are addressed next, followed by the consequences: If these weaknesses are not addressed, the strengths cannot be fully utilized, and progress into the future will be impossible (Logical coherence).

2. The sentences are connected using these linking devices:

- Conjunction: The word “but” shows the contrast between sentence 3 and sentence 2.

- Substitution: The word “that” in sentence 2 replaces the phrase “intelligence and adaptability to the new” from sentence 1; the word “that” in sentence 4 replaces “many weaknesses” from sentence 3.

- Repetition: The word “gaps” is repeated in sentences 4 and 5; “intelligence” is repeated in sentences 1 and 5.

Concept of Cohesion

- Sentence cohesion refers to the phenomenon where an unclear element in one sentence is explained by a clear element in another sentence, forming a connection between the two sentences. Paragraph cohesion, in essence, is still sentence-to-sentence cohesion, but with sentences located in different paragraphs.

- The use of specific words or devices to link sentences together is known as the method or technique of cohesion.

Content and Form of Sentence Cohesion

- Regarding content:

+ Paragraphs must serve the overall theme of the text, and sentences must serve the theme of the paragraph (thematic cohesion).

+ Paragraphs and sentences should be arranged in a logical order (logical cohesion).

- Regarding form:

The main methods of linking sentences or paragraphs within a paragraph include:

+ Repetition of words or phrases in the following sentence (or paragraph) that appeared in the previous sentence (or paragraph).

+ Using synonyms, antonyms, or words from the same lexical field to link sentences (or paragraphs).

+ Using words in the following sentence (or paragraph) that replace elements from the previous sentence (or paragraph) (e.g., this, that, those...).

+ Using words in the following sentence (or paragraph) to indicate a relationship with the previous sentence (or paragraph) (e.g., but, therefore, however, in general, in conclusion...).

Example of Cohesion

Read the following paragraph and answer the questions:

The work of art is made from materials borrowed from reality (1). But artists do not just record what already exists, they want to say something new (2). They embed a letter, a message into their work, wanting to add a part of themselves to the world around them (3).

(Nguyễn Đình Thi, The Voice of Art)

1. What is the topic of the above paragraph? How does it relate to the overall theme of the text?

2. What is the main content of each sentence in the paragraph? How do these contents relate to the theme of the paragraph? Comment on the order of the sentences in the paragraph.

3. What methods are used to ensure the close relationship between the sentences (pay attention to the bolded words)?

Answer

Question 1 - Page 43 of the Textbook:

- The paragraph discusses the thoughts of the artist who wants to convey a message through their work.

- This issue is part of the larger theme of the text, The Voice of Art.

Question 2 - Page 43 of the Textbook:

Sentence 1: states the materials used to create the artwork.
Sentence 2: clarifies the artist's feelings conveyed in the artwork.
Sentence 3: describes the artist's intention behind the message in the artwork.
These three sentences are interrelated and emphasize the main theme of the paragraph. The sentences are arranged in a logical manner, starting broadly and narrowing down to highlight the paragraph's theme.

Question 3 - Page 43 of the Textbook:

The sentences are linked in form through the following methods:

+ Sentence 2 uses the phrase “but the artist” to introduce a new element that supplements the previous sentence.

+ Sentence 3 uses the word “he” to replace “the artist” from sentence 2, creating a link between the two sentences.

Practice Exercise

Analyze the cohesion in terms of content and form in the following paragraph (Page 44 of the Textbook) according to the guidelines provided below.

Guidelines:

1. What is the topic of the paragraph? How do the sentences in the paragraph support this theme? Provide a specific example showing how the arrangement of sentences in the paragraph is logical.

2. What methods are used to link the sentences together?

Answer:

1.

- The paragraph's theme is about the strengths and weaknesses of Vietnamese people.

- The paragraph contains 5 sentences: The first two discuss the strengths of Vietnamese people (Sentence 1 asserts that their strength lies in intelligence and adaptability, and Sentence 2 clarifies the impact of this strength). Sentence 3 introduces the idea that, along with strengths, Vietnamese people also have weaknesses. Sentences 4 and 5 describe these weaknesses (Sentence 4 specifies two main weaknesses: gaps in knowledge and limited ability to practice and innovate. Sentence 5 explains the negative consequences these weaknesses can lead to). The sentences are arranged logically to support the paragraph's theme.

2.

- “But” links Sentence 3 with Sentence 2 (indicating a relationship).

- “This” links Sentence 4 with Sentence 3 (indicating a relationship).

- Repetition of words in Sentence 4 and Sentence 5 (to create cohesion).

- Repetition of “intelligent” in Sentence 5 and Sentence 1 (to maintain cohesion).

The sentences are cohesively linked through the use of replacing words, and words indicating relationships between sentences (e.g., “but” in Sentence 3, and “this” in Sentence 4).

I. Concept of Connection

1. This paragraph discusses the relationship between real life and artistic creativity, which forms part of the broader theme: the voice of literature and art.

The paragraph's theme is closely related to the overall theme of the text.

2.

- The main idea of sentence (1): Art reflects reality.

- The main idea of sentence (2): It is important that the artist speaks about something new.

- The main idea of sentence (3): The new things are the artist’s contributions to life.

- All ideas revolve around the theme of how art reflects life.

3.

The close relationship between the sentences in the paragraph is shown through:

- Repetition of words.

- Use of related terms: artwork, artist, record, say, contribute.

- Substituting terms referring to reality and the artist with simple terms like 'he'.

- Use of the conjunction 'but'.

Exercises

Exercise 1: The theme of the paragraph emphasizes the strengths and weaknesses that Vietnamese people need to address in preparation for the new century.

- The sentences are logically ordered, showing a clear progression of the argument.

+ Confirming strengths: intelligence and sensitivity to new ideas.

+ Highlighting weaknesses: the need to overcome deficiencies.

Exercise 2 (Page 44, 9th Grade Literature Textbook, Vol. 2)

The paragraph connects through the following methods:

- Synonymy: intelligence and sensitivity to new ideas are synonymous with innate talent.

- Linking: 'but alongside this strength, there is also' shows the contrast.

- Repetition: 'gap' is repeated in sentences (4) and (5); 'intelligence' is repeated in sentences (1) and (5).

I. Concept of Connection:
Read the following paragraph and answer the questions.
Every work of art is built from materials borrowed from reality (1). However, the artist does not merely record what already exists but strives to convey something new (2). He embeds in the work a letter, a message, a part of himself he wishes to contribute to the surrounding life (3).
(Nguyễn Đình Thi, The Voice of Art)

Questions - Page 43, 9th Grade Literature Textbook, Vol. 2:
1. What is the paragraph about? How does this theme relate to the overall theme of the text?
2. What is the main idea of each sentence in the paragraph? How do these ideas relate to the paragraph’s theme? Comment on the logical order of the sentences.

3. How is the close relationship between sentences demonstrated? (Pay attention to the bolded terms.)
Answer
1. The paragraph discusses the relationship between reality and the artist’s creative process.

2. The main idea of each sentence is:

- Sentence (1): Every artwork has a foundation in reality.

- Sentence (2): From these materials of reality, the artist creates his artwork.

- Sentence (3): This creation is the artist’s message to the audience. All these ideas relate to the theme of the paragraph. The sentence order is logically determined.

3. The close connection between the sentences is shown through the following techniques:

- Repetition of the word 'artwork'.

- Use of related terms like 'artist'.

- Replacing the word 'artist' with 'he'.

- Use of the conjunction 'but'.

- Using 'already existing' as a synonym for 'materials borrowed from reality'.

II. Exercises:
Analyze the content and form of the connections between the sentences in the following paragraph based on the prompts below.
The strength of Vietnamese people is not only recognized by us but by the whole world: intelligence and sensitivity to new ideas. This natural talent is very useful in tomorrow’s society where creativity is a top priority. But alongside this strength, there are weaknesses. These are gaps in basic knowledge due to a tendency to focus on “trendy” subjects, especially the limited ability to practice and create due to rote memorization. If these gaps are not addressed quickly, it will be difficult to leverage the inherent intelligence and adapt to the knowledge-based, ever-changing economy.
(Vũ Khoan, Preparing for the New Century)

(Prompt: Exercise Questions - Page 44, 9th Grade Literature Textbook, Vol. 2: 1. What is the theme of the paragraph? How do the sentences serve this theme? Give an example of how the order of sentences is logical.

2. How are the sentences connected?

Answer
Analyzing the connections in the paragraph:

Sentence 1. Content connection:

- Theme: The strengths and weaknesses of the Vietnamese people and ways to overcome them. All sentences focus on this theme.

- The sentence order:

+ Strengths of Vietnamese intelligence.

+ Limitations and weaknesses.

+ The need to overcome these weaknesses to adapt to the new economy.

Sentence 2. Connection techniques:

- Synonymy: 'Innate talent' in sentence (2) links to 'intelligence' in sentence (1).

- Linking: 'But' connects sentences (3) and (2) to show contrast.

- Substitution: 'It' in sentence (2) substitutes for 'intelligence and sensitivity to new ideas' mentioned in sentence (1); 'it' in sentence (4) substitutes for 'weaknesses' in sentence (3).

- Repetition: The word 'gap' is repeated in sentences (4) and (5); 'intelligence' is repeated in sentences (1) and (5).

SENTENCE AND PARAGRAPH LINKING

I – BASIC KNOWLEDGE

1. Linking within a text refers to the connection of meanings between sentences and paragraphs using words that serve as linking devices.

2. Sentences within a paragraph and paragraphs within a text must always be closely connected in both content and form:

– Content linking:

+ Thematic linking (sentences must serve the common theme of the paragraph, and paragraphs must represent the overall theme of the entire text).

+ Logical linking (sentences in a paragraph and paragraphs in the text must be arranged in a logical order).

– Formal linking includes the following linking techniques:

+ Repetition: the repeated use of specific words in different sentences to create links.

+ Synonyms, antonyms, and associations: using synonymous, antonymous, or contextually related words across different sentences to establish connections.

+ Substitution: using words in a following sentence that replace words from the previous sentence.

+ Conjunctions: using words in a subsequent sentence that indicate relationships with the previous sentence.

II – PRACTICE

Question 1. Identify the linking techniques used in the following paragraphs:

a) Because I knew very well, when my aunt mentioned my mother, she deliberately planted doubts in my mind to make me despise and abandon my mother, a woman who had been stigmatized as a widow, burdened with debt, and so poor that she had to abandon her children to seek a living elsewhere. Yet, never could the love and respect I had for my mother be corrupted by these malicious intentions...

(Nguyen Hong)

b) Standing by the durian tree, I kept thinking about this strange-looking tree. Its trunk was thin, towering high, and its branches stood straight without the usual curve, tilt, or bend seen in mango or longan trees. The leaves were small, yellow-green, slightly closed, looking almost wilted. Yet, when the fruit ripened, the fragrance spread intensely, and the sweetness was irresistible.

(Mai Van Tao)

Suggestion:

1. Apply knowledge of sentence linking to identify the techniques used:
a) – Repetition: my mother – my mother.
– Substitution: planting doubts in my mind to make me despise and abandon my mother – malicious intentions.
b) – Substitution: durian tree – it.
- Association: tree – trunk – leaves – fruit.
c) Conjunction: yet.

Question 2. Analyze the content linking in the following paragraph:

Our people have a long-standing tradition of supporting and uniting with each other under the motto “Kindness covers all faults.” This quality is most evident when the nation is in danger, facing foreign threats. However, it is unfortunate that this noble trait is often less visible in economic activities, possibly due to the influence of small-scale production methods, the envy inherent in a hierarchical lifestyle not based on abilities, and the “envy of the prosperous” mentality found in rural areas during feudal times.

(Vu Khoan)

Suggestion:

Identify the paragraph’s theme: the strengths and weaknesses in the character and habits of the Vietnamese people. All sentences in the paragraph reflect this theme. The sentence order is logically arranged (the first two sentences highlight the Vietnamese quality of unity, while the last one points out the weakness of envy in their character).

Question 3. Identify the linking errors in the following paragraphs and suggest corrections:

a) Since ancient times, humanity has been aware of the importance of environmental protection. However, ancient cultures, religions, and belief systems worldwide have also contained this awareness. They respected and lived in harmony with nature, viewing the Earth as a mother that gave life and nurtured humanity, as well as generating the spiritual cultural values of mankind. Today, humanity has entered the 21st century – a time when resources are depleted, and the natural environment is severely polluted and destroyed. This is why environmental protection has become more urgent and pressing. The 21st century is considered the environmental century, a time for global action.

b) The garden is not large. The little yard is small. Every plant has its own life, its own voice. The birds chirp. The orchids and lilies communicate through fragrance and flowers. The roses are beautiful and fragrant. The plum and mustard plants speak through their leaves. The pumpkin and gourd plants communicate through their fruits.

c) The Black Goat walks here slowly. The White Goat walks there. Both goats try to cross a narrow bridge. They collide and fall into the stream. Both want to go first, but neither is willing to give way to the other.

Suggestions:

a) – The paragraph has errors in both content and form linking.
– There is a linking error in terms of form, evident in the use of words like “however,” “because,” etc. To correct: these words can be omitted or replaced with more suitable ones.
Example: Since ancient times, humanity has been aware of the importance of environmental protection. Ancient cultures and belief systems worldwide also contained this awareness. They respected and lived in harmony with nature, viewing the Earth as a mother that created and nurtured life, as well as generating humanity’s cultural and spiritual values. Today, humanity has entered the 21st century, a time when resources are exhausted, and the natural environment is polluted and destroyed. Therefore, environmental protection is becoming more urgent. The 21st century is considered the environmental century, a time for global action.
b) – The paragraph contains errors in thematic linking (content). The sentences do not align under a common theme.
– To correct: add or remove certain sentences to establish the theme between the sentences.
Example: The garden is not large, only a small yard, but there are many different plants. Each plant has its own life, its own voice. The orchids, lilies, and roses communicate through fragrance and flowers. The plum and mustard plants speak through their leaves. The pumpkin and gourd plants communicate through their fruits.
c) – The paragraph contains errors in logical linking (content). The order of events in the sentences is not logical (spatial order, time order, cause-effect order).
– To correct: rearrange the sentences or add words to clarify the cause-effect relationship.
Example: The Black Goat and the White Goat tried to cross a narrow bridge. The Black Goat walked slowly here. The White Goat walked quickly there. Both wanted to go first but were unwilling to yield. They collided and both fell into the stream.

Question 4. Arrange the following sentences into a coherent paragraph:

a) Nevertheless, the young man from Phu Dong village still shared a simple meal with the villagers.

b) This hero, in a time of national crisis, rushed to battle, using his strength to defeat the enemy, but was severely wounded.

c) When I think of Phu Dong Thien Vuong, I imagine a young man with extraordinary strength, yet a simple and straightforward soul, much like all people of that time.

Suggestion:

To arrange the sentences in a logical order, first identify the paragraph’s theme, the sentence that introduces the theme, and linking indicators. The suitable order is (c) – (b) – (a).

Question 5. Write a short essay (about 7 sentences) discussing the reading habits of students today. Identify the content and formal links in your essay.

Suggestion:

You should reflect on your views about student reading habits today. The ideas in your essay should be clear and focused on the theme, organized logically. After that, identify both content links (thematic and logical) and formal links (linking devices) in your essay.