Coherence. Coherence is the logical arrangement of ideas in speech or writing. Writers achieve coherence by presenting their ideas in a logical order and by using transitions to show how their ideas are connected to one another. Transitions are words, such as therefore, consequently, or beforehand, or phrases, such as as a result or in the meantime, that connect ideas and show relationships between them. Examine how the concepts involved in the workings of an aqualung are presented here. How does the order in which the ideas appear help you understand the process described? Where does the author use transitions? Identify some of the transitions used.
Keys, Captions, and Labels. A key is a guide that aids in interpreting and identifying significant marks, especially on a map. Keys can also be found on graphs, charts, diagrams, and tables. They explain symbols and marks by providing a clear interpretation for each. Captions explain a visual item or graphic in writing. Labels—simple headers or titles within a graphic that give names to different parts—also assist readers in reading and understanding the graphic. Identify each of these guiding tools in the diagram at right.
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• Technology Connection. Like David Macaulay’s earlier books, The New Way Things Work describes the technology behind a wide array of machines, information systems, and devices that people use. After examining the fundamental concepts on which many technological developments are based, the book offers detailed explanations about how different things operate. The visual format allows these explanations to show cause-and-effect relationships, links among components, and the processes used in different devices and systems.
• Sports Connection. According to the Professional Association of Dive Instructors, there are about six million active scuba divers worldwide. A person must pass a certification course before taking a dive. Several organizations offer this certification. A course consists of classroom study, hands-on work with gear in a pool or confined area of water, and monitored practice dives. To become certified, students must pass a written test, a swimming test, and four open-water diving tests.
In what ways have you ever had difficulty understanding an explanation of how something works? What might have helped you to understand it better? In what ways is it difficult to explain how something works?
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