Developing cohesion
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Lexical cohesion | page 2 of 6 |
Repeating key words
One important way in which lexical cohesion is achieved is by repeating the words and expressions that are central to the text. This can be seen most clearly in speeches and oral presentations where the speakers want to make sure that the audience remember the main points:
So I say to you, my friends, that even though we must face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed - we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, sons of former slaves and sons of former slave-owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood. (from Speech by Martin Luther King)
Repetition of key words is also a feature of any type of writing where clarity is
vitally important. This includes legal writing 
as well as most forms of
business communication. Here is an example from a government information leaflet in the
United Kingdom:
SINGLE RESIDENT DISCOUNT
If you are the only adult living at home then you are entitled to a 25 % discount from your Council Tax bill. If you believe you are entitled to this discount, fill in the reply coupon now.OTHER DISCOUNTS
In addition to the 25 % Single Resident Discount, there may be further discounts available depending on individuals' personal circumstances. (Bank of English)
Repetition is also necessary when technical terms that have a precise meaning are used in a text. It is unwise to introduce new words for the sake of variation if the variation will create confusion. Consider this questionnaire given as an appendix to a Year 1 undergraduate report on the Marketing of Film Sub-products:
10. Have you bought any decorations relating to a film which you have seen?
Yes
11.
Have you bought any film sub-products, eg key-rings, posters, T-shirts,
sound tracks, although you have not seen the film?
The problem for the person answering this questionnaire is that decorations and sub-products are not clearly defined or distinguished. If posters and key-rings are counted as sub-products, then what sort of things count as decorations?
Introduction
Repeating key words
