Transition and Coherence (1)
过渡与衔接（1）

Read the following paragraph and answer the question: how does the writer link all the sentences effectively?

　　Human blood serves the body in three important ways. First, blood carries substances needed to maintain and repair body tissues. In this way, blood serves as a provider. Secondly, blood also serves as a disposer, since it carries wastes and gases away from the tissues of the body. In addition, blood acts as a defender. The white corpuscles in the blood stream constantly guard against and try to destroy bacteria and other agents that threaten the body's welfare.

Just as you have noticed, the writer employs four ways to link his sentences:

1. Use a pronoun to refer to a person, idea or thing just mentioned in the
   preceding sentences. Now examine the paragraph above and underline all the pronouns.
   
   
2. Repeat a key word or phrase in the preceding sentence, but not carry it to the absurd degree that bores your reader. Please underline the key word or phrase in the paragraph above.
   
   
3. Use a synonym, a different word of much the same meaning as the one used in the preceding sentence (in order to avoid too much repetition). Identify the synonym of the phrase " serve as".
   * A question for you that is so difficult that you must struggle to answer: What's the function of the three methods? Or what do they have in common? Your answer to the question is _______________.
   
   
4. Use a transition word or phrase to point out the thought relationship, or thread of thought, between sentences.
   * Here are the transitional words commonly used:
   
   words that denote addition: and, again, also, too, besides, moreover, furthermore, in addition, as well as
   words that denote examples: for example, for instance, to illustrate, take …as an example
   words that denote comparison: similarly, in the same way, equally important, likewise
   words that denote contrast: in contrast, on the other hand, nevertheless, yet, but, although, meanwhile, however
   words that denote concession: of course, although, it's true, though
   words that denote result: therefore, consequently, so, as a result
   words that denote time or order of importance: first(second, third etc), now, before, after, next, then, later, once, finally, after that, first of all, to begin with, more important, most important
   words that denote conclusion: in conclusion, to conclude, to sum up
   
   These words are also called logic words because they show the logic flow of thoughts between sentences.

* Tip: coherence will be achieved if we employ the four methods correctly.