Unveiling The Power of Theme Systems: Building Cohesion and Coherence in Texts

As the name suggests, this pattern maintains the focus of the text by reiterating the theme, and hence, presents a continuous or constant theme (Eggins, 2004; Emilia, 2014; Dane, 1974).

1. The multiple theme pattern or theme progression with the derived theme

The previously mentioned thematic progression can be combined to create a higher-level thematic progression called the multiple theme pattern or theme progression with the derived theme. It is called a higher-level thematic progression because it requires the writer to introduce several new pieces of information in a clause named hyper-theme (Eggins, 2004; Emilia, 2014; Dane, 1974). The ability to use multiple themes is considered an advanced writing skill by allowing the text to develop both locally and globally with a better connectedness, unity, and flow of information (Eggins, 2004; Emilia, 2014; Emilia et al., 2018). Each category has been illustrated in figure below:

Thematic progression according to Eggins (2004) 

In summary, thematic progression is a pattern of thematic development which represents connectedness, the text focus, and information flow in a text.

The Role of Theme System in Creating Cohesion and Coherence of a Text

As mentioned above, the way the theme system works is similar to weaving the text environment, an essential process to create cohesion and coherence in a text. Theme system weaves the text environment by interconnecting meanings to construct reference points and information structure, providing parts of the text textures (Fontaine, 2014; Halliday & Hasan, 1976). It allows the text to develop a line of information that increases the comprehensibility of a text in any mode. To illustrate, texts in spoken mode are usually unplanned and result in rapid thematic shifts (Eggins, 2004), but the correct utilization of thematic progression will create a clear reference point that reinforces the topic of a text. Several previous studies have been conducted in both lower and upper secondary schools and present many things about the students' texts. It is mainly talked about students' consistency in using thematic progression (Emilia et al., 2018; Noprianto, 2017; Zahra et al., 2020). It is proven that students who are struggling with connecting clauses commonly used either reiteration or zig-zag thematic progression. However, previous studies involving strata sampling such as what Emilia, Habibi, and Bangga (2018) and Zahra, Emilia, and Nurlaelawati (2020) conducted show that students from high achiever students tend to have more thematic patterns proven by the utilization of multiple theme. Both studies also mentioned that the ability to use multiple theme patterns increases the cohesion and coherency of their text, allows their text to develop globally, and creates a line of information that guides the reader.
            Beyond academic contexts, the theme system has significant practical implications. For example, in professional writing, such as technical reports or business communications, understanding thematic progression can help authors structure information in a way that aligns with readers' expectations. By carefully choosing themes to emphasize critical points and maintaining a logical flow, writers can improve the clarity and persuasiveness of their documents. In journalism, thematic choices influence how stories are presented, ensuring that key information is foregrounded to capture readers' attention and guide their understanding.
            In educational settings, thematic systems can be a powerful tool for developing writing skills. Teachers can use these concepts to help students write more cohesive essays by emphasizing how to connect ideas logically. For instance, analyzing their thematic choices can guide students to avoid abrupt topic shifts that disrupt the flow of their arguments. This approach is particularly beneficial in multilingual classrooms, where understanding thematic progression can bridge gaps between languages, aiding both comprehension and production of coherent texts.
            From a creative perspective, thematic systems enhance storytelling by controlling the pace and development of narratives. A well-crafted thematic progression can create suspense or clarity, depending on the writer's intent. For example, a zig-zag progression might be employed in a mystery novel to gradually reveal clues, keeping readers engaged and invested in the storyline.
            In conclusion the theme system, with its intricate interplay of theme and rheme, underpins the cohesion and coherence of texts. By employing thematic progression effectively, writers or students in this context, can craft texts that are both structured and engaging. Beyond its academic applications, the theme system offers valuable insights for practical writing, education, and creative endeavors. This foundational knowledge not only enhances writing skills but also opens avenues for further research into textual development and reader interaction.