What does it mean for a paper to be described as "coherent"?

When a paper is described as "coherent," it means that the ideas presented within it are logically structured and flow in a manner that is easy for the reader to understand. Coherence ensures that each part of the writing connects well with the others, allowing the audience to follow the argument or narrative seamlessly. Well-organized thoughts, clear transitions between concepts, and a unified theme contribute to the overall clarity and effectiveness of the writing.

The other options do not encompass the essential qualities of coherence. Simply having many references or being lengthy does not guarantee that the paper is coherent; it actually could lead to confusion if not organized well. Using complex vocabulary might demonstrate a higher level of language proficiency but does not inherently enhance the clarity or logical flow of the paper. Thus, the primary focus of coherence lies in how well the ideas are connected and presented.