Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) Practice Test

What is 'coherence' in a piece of writing?

1. Organization of ideas through paragraphs

2. Quality where all parts contribute to development of the central idea

3. Use of figurative language

4. Inclusion of diverse viewpoints

The correct answer is: Quality where all parts contribute to development of the central idea

Coherence in writing refers to the clarity and logical flow of ideas that make it easy for readers to understand the central message. When the correct answer emphasizes that coherence is characterized by all parts of a text contributing to the development of the central idea, it illustrates that every element—whether it's a sentence, paragraph, or section—works together harmoniously to support the main argument or theme. This interconnectedness is essential because it ensures that readers can follow the author's line of thought without confusion. Cohesive writing often employs transitions and clear topic sentences, making it evident how each part connects to the whole. By fostering a clear relationship between ideas and making them relevant to the main point, coherence enhances comprehension and ensures that the reader grasps the intended message effectively. The other options, while related to writing quality, do not capture the essence of coherence as distinctly as the central idea's development does. For instance, organization of ideas is important but not sufficient for coherence; coherence is more about how those organized ideas interrelate and support the overall message. The use of figurative language and inclusion of diverse viewpoints contribute to interest and depth, but they don't inherently ensure that a piece is coherent.