In a paragraph, which device helps maintain coherence across sentences?

• A. Flawed logic
• B. Transitional phrases and repeated key terms
• C. Strong thesis only
• D. Abrupt topic shifts

Answer: (B)

Coherence in a paragraph comes from how sentences link and flow into each other. Transitional phrases show the relationships between ideas—adding, contrasting, explaining cause and effect, or marking the order of ideas—so the reader can follow the progression smoothly. Repeating key terms or sticking to a consistent vocabulary reinforces the thread of the same topic, giving the paragraph a unified focus. When these two devices work together, sentences connect clearly and the overall line of thought remains easy to track.

That combination best supports coherence because it directly creates logical connections and a continuous through-line. Flawed logic disrupts reasoning and hurts flow, a strong thesis sets up the main argument but doesn’t by itself tie each sentence to the next, and abrupt topic shifts break the pull from one idea to the next.