Writing: Cohesion & Coherence (B2) - Lesson 3: Maintaining a Consistent Viewpoint or Argument
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Hello B2 Writers! 👋
When you write an essay, a report, or any text that presents an argument or a specific perspective, it's crucial to maintain a consistent viewpoint throughout. This means your main message or stance should be clear and not contradict itself.
Consistency helps your reader understand your position and makes your writing more persuasive and credible.
In this lesson, you will:
- Understand what viewpoint consistency is and why it matters.
- Learn common ways inconsistency can occur.
- Explore strategies for maintaining a consistent argument or perspective.
- Practice identifying and improving consistency.
What is Viewpoint or Argument Consistency?
Maintaining a consistent viewpoint or argument means that all parts of your text work together to support your main idea or thesis, without contradictions or confusing shifts in perspective.
If you are arguing that "cats are better pets than dogs," your paragraphs should provide reasons and evidence supporting this view. If you suddenly start praising dogs extensively without connecting it back to your main argument (perhaps as a counter-argument you will refute), your viewpoint becomes inconsistent.
Consistency involves:
- A clear overall thesis or main purpose.
- Each paragraph supporting that main thesis.
- Evidence and explanations within paragraphs aligning with the paragraph's topic sentence (and thus the thesis).
- A consistent tone and style appropriate for your argument and audience.
Why Does Consistency Matter?
- Credibility: Consistent arguments make you sound more knowledgeable and trustworthy. If you contradict yourself, readers might doubt your understanding or honesty.
- Clarity: A consistent viewpoint makes your message much easier for the reader to follow and understand. They know what you are trying to say.
- Persuasiveness: If you are trying to persuade someone, a logical and consistent argument is much more effective than one that jumps between different ideas or contradicts itself.
- Focus: Maintaining consistency helps you, the writer, stay focused on your main purpose and avoid including irrelevant information.
What Happens with Inconsistency?
Imagine a short text arguing that "Public transportation is the best way to reduce city traffic."
Paragraph 1: Explains how public transport reduces cars.
Paragraph 2: However, owning a private car is very convenient because you can travel anywhere you want, anytime. Cars are also more comfortable than crowded buses. (This paragraph now argues *for* private cars, contradicting the main viewpoint without a clear strategy like refutation).
This shift confuses the reader about the writer's main argument.
Strategies for Maintaining Consistency
- Start with a Clear Thesis Statement: Your thesis statement (usually in the introduction) is your main argument or viewpoint. Ensure it is clear and specific. Every part of your text should relate back to this thesis.
- Align Topic Sentences with Your Thesis: Each body paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that clearly supports or develops one aspect of your thesis statement.
- Ensure Supporting Details are Relevant: All evidence, examples, and explanations within a paragraph must directly support that paragraph's topic sentence (and therefore, the overall thesis). Don't include information just because it's interesting if it doesn't fit your argument.
- Use Consistent Pronouns and Perspective: If you start writing from a first-person perspective ("I believe..."), generally stick with it unless there's a clear reason to shift (e.g., a section presenting objective facts). If using third-person (objective), maintain that.
- Maintain a Consistent Tone: If your purpose is to persuade, your tone should be confident and assertive (but still polite). If it's to inform objectively, your tone should be neutral. Sudden shifts in tone can undermine your consistency.
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Address Counter-Arguments Carefully (Advanced):
You can acknowledge opposing viewpoints (counter-arguments). This can actually strengthen your argument if you then effectively refute them (show why they are weak or incorrect) or concede a small point while still showing your main argument is stronger. This shows you've considered other sides but still hold your view. The key is to always bring it back to support *your* main thesis.
Example: "Some people argue that electric cars are too expensive. While it is true that the initial purchase price can be high, the long-term savings on fuel and maintenance often make them more economical." (Concedes a point, then refutes its overall impact). - Review and Revise for Consistency: After drafting, reread your work specifically looking for any contradictions, shifts in viewpoint, or irrelevant information. Ask: "Does everything here support my main point?"
Practice Maintaining Consistency!
Activity 1: Identify the Inconsistent Sentence
Read the short paragraph which has a topic sentence. One of the supporting sentences does NOT maintain a consistent viewpoint with the topic sentence. Click on the inconsistent sentence.
Activity 2: Choose the Consistent Supporting Idea
Read the topic sentence. Which of the following sentences would be a consistent supporting detail for it?
✨ Tips for Staying Consistent ✨
- Outline Your Argument: Before writing, plan your main points (topic sentences for each paragraph) and make sure they all support your overall thesis.
- Constantly Refer Back to Your Thesis: As you write each paragraph, ask yourself: "How does this support my main argument?"
- Use Clear Linking Words: Transitions can help show the logical connection, but make sure the underlying ideas are actually consistent.
- Be Mindful of Your Tone: Ensure your language choices reflect the viewpoint you are trying to convey.
- Revision is Key: The revision stage is crucial for catching inconsistencies you might have missed during drafting.
Writing with a Clear & Strong Voice! 🎉
Maintaining a consistent viewpoint or argument is essential for effective communication, especially in essays and reports. It makes your writing more persuasive, credible, and easier for your readers to follow.