Effective writing goes beyond just having a wide range of vocabulary and a good grasp of grammar. In IELTS Writing Task 2, examiners look for cohesion and coherence as key aspects of a well-written essay. Understanding and avoiding common pitfalls, while utilizing tips to improve these skills, can significantly enhance the quality of your writing. This chapter discusses these aspects in depth.

Understanding Cohesion and Coherence

What Are Cohesion and Coherence?

Cohesion refers to the use of linguistic devices (such as connective adverbs, pronouns, and conjunctions) to illustrate the logical relationships within text, making it easy for a reader to follow the progression of ideas.

Coherence, on the other hand, is the underlying logical structure and comprehensibility of the text. It is rooted in the organisation of ideas, the clarity of the argument or narrative, and how effectively the writing flows from one idea to the next.

Importance of Cohesion and Coherence in IELTS Writing Task 2

In the IELTS Writing Task 2 scoring criteria, cohesion and coherence account for 25% of the total marks. A high-scoring essay must have clear organization, be logically sequenced, and exhibit a variety of cohesive devices used skillfully and appropriately.

Common Mistakes in Cohesion and Coherence

Overusing Linking Words

Excessive use of conjunctions or transitional phrases can make your essay seem mechanical and over-engineered. Mistaking quantity for quality is a common error when attempting to improve cohesion.

Misusing Cohesive Devices

Employing inappropriate linking words or phrases can disrupt the logical flow of an essay. For example, using "however" when you mean to add information instead of contrasting an idea.

Poor Paragraph Structuring

Lack of a clear central topic in each paragraph leads to a disjointed essay. Each paragraph should have a clear main idea that is developed, rather than multiple underdeveloped points.

Ignoring Logical Sequencing

Jumping from one idea to the next without clear logical progression confuses the reader. This makes it harder for them to follow your argument and thus diminishes the coherence of your essay.

Tips to Improve Cohesion

Use a Variety of Cohesive Devices

Do not rely solely on common linking phrases like "and," "but," and "also." Expand your repertoire with less common connectors like "nonetheless," "consequently," and "thereby."

Example Usage:

• Cause and Effect: "Consequently," "As a result,"
• Adding Information: "In addition," "Furthermore,"
• Contrasting: "On the other hand," "Nevertheless,"

Referencing and Substitution

Using pronouns, demonstratives, and synonyms can refer back to previously mentioned ideas without repetition, helping maintain cohesion.

Example:
Instead of repeating "pollution," you could use "this issue," "it," or "such environmental concerns."

Be Concise and Avoid Redundancy

Use only the necessary cohesive devices to express relationships between ideas. Avoid over-explaining or unnecessarily repeating the same points with different words.

Tips to Improve Coherence

Strong Introduction and Conclusion

Your essay should begin with a clear introduction that introduces the topic and outlines the main points to be discussed. Ending with a concise conclusion that summarises the essay reinforces the overall coherence.

Logical Paragraph Order

Organize your body paragraphs in a logical sequence. This could be in order of importance, a chronological order for narrations, or as consecutive steps in an argument.

Topic Sentences

Each paragraph should start with a strong topic sentence that signals the main idea of the paragraph. This helps the reader to anticipate the content and understand the direction of the argument.

Clear Development of Ideas

Expand upon the main idea of each paragraph with supporting details, arguments, examples, or explanations. Ensure that each body paragraph adequately develops the central point introduced by the topic sentence.

Cross-Paragraph Linking

Establish clear connections between paragraphs with transitional phrases or through thematic links. Subtle referencing to points made in previous paragraphs enhances coherence.

Review and Revise

Always review your essay to ensure that your paragraphs transition smoothly and your points are well developed. Revise any areas that seem disjointed or unclear.

Conclusion

Becoming proficient in writing cohesive and coherent essays for IELTS Writing Task 2 involves a mix of practice and awareness of common pitfalls. By understanding the concepts of cohesion and coherence, avoiding overuse and misuse of cohesive devices, structuring paragraphs logically, and using a variety of linking strategies, your writing can become seamless and persuasive. Always remember to review your work for potential improvements in these areas before final submission