Contextualization

Coherence and cohesion are two fundamental concepts for building a well-structured text that makes sense to the reader. Coherence is linked to the overall meaning of the text, that is, the ability to make oneself understood. It involves the organization of ideas, the logical relationship between them, and the linking of arguments. In turn, cohesion deals with the grammatical and lexical connections between words, phrases, and paragraphs, which allow the reader to perceive the connection between the various parts of the text. Therefore, a coherent and cohesive text is one that presents clear ideas and well-connected arguments, facilitating the reader's understanding and interpretation.

These two concepts are essential for the production and interpretation of texts in various real-life contexts. In our daily interactions, whether in a school, professional, or social environment, we are constantly involved in the production and interpretation of texts. Therefore, understanding and applying these concepts are fundamental skills for effective communication.

In today's world, dominated by information and communication technologies, the ability to produce coherent and cohesive texts becomes even more relevant. Whether to write a school essay, produce a professional report, participate in a social media discussion, write an email, or develop a project, it is essential that we are able to express our ideas in a clear, precise, and logical way. In addition, understanding these concepts allows us to adequately interpret the information that circulates around us, contributing to our critical and civic education.

To learn more about the topic and prepare for practical activities, you can consult the following resources:

• Book "Portuguese Grammar", by Maria Helena de Moura Neves. This book presents a detailed section on textual cohesion and coherence (available in the school library).
• Website "Portuguese Only": Textual Coherence and Cohesion - This website offers comprehensive teaching material on the subject, including definitions, examples, and exercises.
• "Professor Noslen" channel on YouTube: Coherence and Cohesion - This video presents the topic in a clear and didactic way, with practical examples and exercises.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "Unveiling Textual Cohesion and Coherence through Multiple Perspectives"

Project Objective:

The objective of this project is to deepen knowledge about textual cohesion and coherence based on the production and analysis of different textual genres: short stories, news, argumentative writing, and speeches. In addition, the group will be challenged to apply these concepts in an interdisciplinary context, involving the disciplines of Portuguese and History.

Detailed Project Description:

Students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5 members.

Each group will have to write four texts in different genres (short story, news, argumentation, and speech), applying textual coherence and cohesion.

The texts will be based on a historical period chosen by the group, thus relating to the subject of History.

The group will need to show how coherence and cohesion operate in each textual genre and how they influence the readers' interpretation.

Required Materials:

• Textbooks and Online Research Resources.
• Writing and text editing supplies (paper, pens, computers).
• Presentation materials (posters, slides).

Detailed Step-by-Step Guide to Performing the Activity:

1. Group formation and theme selection: The formation of the groups will be done by the teacher, seeking to combine different skills and competences. Each group must choose a historical period to explore in their texts.

2. Study and planning: Students should study in depth the concepts of textual cohesion and coherence. After that, the group must plan the production of the texts.

3. Text production: Each member of the group will be responsible for writing one text, however, all members must collaborate in the revision and improvement of all texts. It is important that the texts are coherent with the chosen historical period.

4. Analysis of coherence and cohesion in the produced texts: Students should critically analyze the produced texts.

5. Preparation of the final report: The group must write a report containing the introduction, development, conclusions, and the bibliography used. The report should detail the process of producing the texts, the choices made by the group, the difficulties encountered, the lessons learned, and the conclusions.

6. Project presentation: The group must prepare a presentation for the class, presenting their texts, explaining the production process, and the concepts applied.

Project Delivery:

The project delivery will have two parts:

1. Texts: The four texts produced by the group. Each text should be accompanied by a commentary explaining how cohesion and coherence were applied.

2. Final Report: The final report describing the process of producing the texts, the choice of the historical period, the analysis of cohesion and coherence in the texts, the difficulties encountered, the lessons learned, and the conclusions.

The drafting of the report must be done collectively and should reflect the group's learning experience. The report will be an opportunity to express the students' understanding of the concepts and techniques worked on, as well as their practical application. The report should be written in a clear way, with adequate use of textual cohesion and coherence resources, demonstrating the students' appropriation of these concepts.