Mastering Coherence and Cohesion: Key Strategies for Excelling in the IELTS Writing Section
Coherence and cohesion play a crucial role in the IELTS writing section, impacting the overall quality and scoring of your essay. In both IELTS Task 1 and Task 2, coherence ensures a logical presentation of information and a well-organized argument or discussion.
Writing Task 1:
In Academic IELTS Task 1, coherence involves presenting information in a logical sequence, ensuring that the key features are highlighted and trends are described clearly. Cohesion, in this context, is crucial for connecting sentences within your description or summary, creating a well-structured and easy-to-follow response.
Writing Task 2 (Both Academic and General Training):
For both Academic and General Training IELTS Task 2 essays, coherence is essential for developing a well-organized argument or discussion. It ensures that your ideas are presented in a logical order and that your essay flows smoothly. Cohesion, on the other hand, involves using cohesive devices such as linking words, pronouns, and transitional phrases to connect sentences and paragraphs, creating a cohesive and unified piece of writing.
Let’s understand this with an example:
Coherence: Crafting a Clear Storyline
Essay Topic: Importance of Cleanliness
Incoherent Version: Personal hygiene is crucial. The environment should be clean too. Public health benefits
from cleanliness.
Coherent Version: Beginning with personal hygiene, one must maintain cleanliness on an individual level.
Extending this responsibility to the surroundings ensures a clean environment. The ultimate payoff is a healthier
public community.
Cohesion: Using Connectors for Smooth Reading
Essay Topic: Impact of Technology on Education
Lack of Cohesion: Technology has changed education. It has many positive aspects. However, it also has some
negative effects.
Cohesive Version: Technology has revolutionized education, enhancing accessibility and collaboration.
Furthermore, it facilitates personalized learning experiences. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the potential
drawbacks, such as increased screen time and reduced face-to-face interaction.
Coherence Vs Cohesion:
| Aspect | Cohesion | Coherence |
|---|---|---|
|
Definition |
Creating connections between sentences and
paragraphs |
Ensuring a logical and clear flow of ideas
throughout the essay. |
|
Focus |
Internal connectivity within paragraphs and sentences |
Overall essay structure and logical
progression of ideas. |
|
Goal |
Achieving unity and smooth flow within
smaller sections. |
Making the entire essay easy to follow and
understand. |
|
Example Words |
Furthermore, Moreover, However,
Additionally, Therefore. |
Firstly, Secondly, Consequently, In
conclusion. |
Key differences:
| Key Differences | Cohesion | Coherence |
|---|---|---|
|
Telling a Story vs. Linking Sentences |
Focuses on using words to link
sentences within each paragraph. |
Ensures your whole essay tells a
clear and logical story. |
|
Big Picture vs. Small Details |
Zoom in to see how your sentences
connect within each small section. |
Looks at the overall flow of your
ideas in the entire essay. |
|
Making Sense vs. Sticking Together |
Use specific words to keep your
sentences fitting together smoothly. |
Is about making sure your ideas fit
together logically. |
Phrases for cohesion and coherence enhancement:
| Purpose | Example Phrases for Cohesion | Phrases for Coherence Enhancement |
|---|---|---|
|
Adding Similar Ideas |
Additionally, Moreover, Furthermore, In
addition. |
- |
|
Contrasting Ideas |
On the other hand, However, Nevertheless,
Conversely. |
- |
|
Sequencing Ideas |
Firstly, Secondly, Next, Finally. |
In the first place, To begin with, Initially,
First and foremost. |
|
Emphasizing a Point |
Importantly, Notably, Clearly,
Significantly. |
- |
|
Providing Examples |
For instance, For example, Such as. |
- |
|
Summarizing/Concluding |
In conclusion, To sum up, Overall, In
summary.
|
- |
|
Giving Reasons |
Due to, Owing to, Because of, Since. |
- |
|
Comparing Ideas |
- |
Similarly, Likewise, In comparison, In a
similar fashion. |
|
Introducing Ideas |
- |
In the first place, To begin with, Initially, First and foremost.
|
|
Adding Information |
- |
Additionally, Moreover, Furthermore, In
addition. |
