Coherence & Cohesion EXPLAINED: by A2 Services
What is coherence?
While we are answering a question in IELTS, our response should be easy to understand for a
reader. To achieve this, ideas should be logically organized and sequenced in an appropriate
way into paragraphs.
What is cohesion?
It is about how well our ideas are connected. Various linking words can help achieve this
purpose by showing an appropriate relation between paragraphs, sentences or parts of
sentences.
How can we create coherence in our response in IELTS writing?
An important aspect of coherence is to plan your response before you start writing. Plan your
body paragraphs by thinking of placing different parts of a question in their respective body
paragraphs. It will help you organize the response.
A) Through Body paragraphs:
Providing a proper structure to a task, the number of paragraphs are different for different types
of tasks. In academic task 1, it comprises an introduction, two body paragraphs and an
overview. In general task 1, the answer for each bullet point can be a separate body paragraph
in addition to the statement of the purpose.
For task 2, body paragraphs are of paramount importance. There must be a clear introduction,
2-3 body paragraphs (depending on the type of question asked) and a conclusion.
B) Through topic sentences:
While we explain an idea in a body paragraph, we are supposed to add supporting points or a
set of ideas which connect to a core idea. Summarizing that whole theme in the first sentence of
each paragraph is your topic sentence. It is necessary for easy understandability of a paragraph
and helps a reader know about the topic and the idea a test taker will possibly be addressing in
that particular paragraph.
How to write a cohesive text?
A) Through Referencing:
When someone refers to something stated earlier in the text without repeating the same words,
it is called referencing. There are mainly 3 ways for this:
1. Using pronouns:
“Global warming has affected countries at a large scale, causing havoc on the planet. There are
a number of reasons for this.”
“ Football players are one of the world’s most earning people. They earn millions every month
and their fanbase wishes to see them desperately. “
2. Using synonyms:
“ Online education has gained popularity among the students. There are a number of benefits
associated with e-learning. “
3. Using substitution:
“ Limitations on factory fishing need to be imposed to control excessive fishing. To achieve this,
the government needs to make some laws. “
Practical use of referencing:
Global warming is caused by a number of factors. Burning of fossil fuels is one of the major
causes of this issue. The government needs to introduce greener methods of energy
production to put a halt to rising global temperature. To achieve this, it requires considerable
funding. Solar panels are an efficient way of producing green energy, but these are costly and a
majority can not afford this modern way of generating electricity.
B) Through Linking Words
A wide range of linking words and phrases is required in writing to connect sentences and
paragraphs for an easy understanding.
Introducing opinion I believe, To my mind, I think
Adding similar ideas Another reason is, In addition,
equally
Adding different In contrast, although, on the contrary.
ideas
Explaining an idea due to, because of, owing to
Drawing conclusion To summarize, In conclusion
Sequencers Firstly, to begin with, next, then,
Writing results Consequently, as a result,
Examples to support For example, to illustrate this
ideas
C) Through Conjunctions:
We are all aware of the use of various conjunctions to connect our parts of the sentences. Try to
avoid overuse and avoid using the conjunctions at the same place in a sentence. Keep
changing their spot.
‘The number of people interested in taking coffee decreased, whereas those who wanted to
enjoy coffee increased.’
‘Despite the rain, we decided to visit the forest.’
‘Although the use of tech-based writing softwares is common, some people still like to use pen
and paper for writing.’
