Module 10: Achieving Coherence and Cohesion

Coherence and cohesion are essential criteria for achieving a high band score in IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic. Coherence ensures that your ideas are logically connected and flow smoothly, while cohesion refers to the use of cohesive devices (linking words, phrases, and structures) to guide the reader. This module focuses on developing these skills to create well-structured, polished responses.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, you will:

1. Write responses with a clear and logical flow.
2. Use a variety of cohesive devices seamlessly.
3. Understand the impact of coherence and cohesion on task performance and band scores.

Topics Covered

1. Paragraphing and Logical Flow

• Importance of Paragraphing: Proper paragraphing enhances readability. Divide your response into logical sections:

• • Introduction: Paraphrase the task prompt.
  • Overview: Summarize main trends or key features.
  • Details: Describe data or changes with relevant comparisons.

• Logical Flow: Arrange information in a natural sequence:

• • Group related points (e.g., describe increases in one paragraph and decreases in another).
  • Use a top-down approach for static visuals (e.g., starting with the most significant features).
  • For dynamic visuals, describe changes over time in chronological order.

2. Using Cohesive Devices Effectively

• Types of Cohesive Devices:

• • Additive: Moreover, in addition, similarly.
  • Contrastive: However, in contrast, on the other hand.
  • Sequential: First, next, subsequently.
  • Illustrative: For example, such as.

• Guidelines for Use:

• • Avoid overusing cohesive devices, as it can sound unnatural.
  • Choose linking words appropriate to the context.
  • Vary your vocabulary to demonstrate language range.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

1. Overloading with Linking Words: Use cohesive devices sparingly and meaningfully.
2. Repetition: Avoid repeating the same linking word excessively.
3. Fragmented Paragraphs: Ensure each paragraph addresses a distinct aspect of the task.

Activities

1. Workshop: Rewriting Paragraphs for Coherence

• Task: Rewrite a disorganized paragraph into a well-structured one.
• Example:
  • Original:
    “The number of tourists rose in 2010. Then it fell in 2012. Also, revenue from tourism increased. There were more tourists in 2011 than in 2010.”
  • Revised:
    “The number of tourists rose in 2010, followed by a slight decline in 2012. Despite this fluctuation, revenue from tourism steadily increased throughout the period, with a peak in 2011.”

2. Cohesive Device Matching Exercise

• Task: Match sentences with appropriate cohesive devices.
  • Example:
    1. The population decreased sharply. _____, the birth rate remained steady. (However)
    2. The industrial area expanded. _____, green spaces were reduced. (Consequently)

3. Practice Task: Rewriting a Sample Response

• Task: Improve a sample response by enhancing coherence and cohesion.
• Example:
  • Original: “The graph shows data for 2000 and 2020. There were more factories in 2020. In 2000, there were fewer factories. Production increased.”
  • Revised: “The graph illustrates changes between 2000 and 2020, during which the number of factories increased significantly. This growth was accompanied by a corresponding rise in production levels.”

Evaluation Methods

1. Peer Review: Exchange and critique responses for logical flow and cohesive device use.
2. Quiz: Identify and correct cohesion issues in sample paragraphs.
3. Assignment: Write a complete Task 1 response focusing on coherence and cohesion.

Sample Band 8 Response

Task Prompt:
The chart below shows the percentage of students achieving high grades in different subjects in 2010 and 2020. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and making comparisons where relevant.

Response:
The chart compares the percentage of students achieving high grades across various subjects in 2010 and 2020.

Overall, there was a notable improvement in performance across all subjects over the decade, with science and mathematics showing the most significant gains.

In 2010, only 50% of students achieved high grades in science, but this figure rose to 75% by 2020. Similarly, mathematics saw an increase from 60% to 85%. Meanwhile, performance in arts remained relatively stable, with a slight rise from 70% to 75%.

In contrast, the percentage of students excelling in languages experienced only a modest increase, from 65% in 2010 to 70% in 2020. This trend highlights the relative consistency in language-related subjects compared to the more dramatic changes in science and mathematics.

Conclusion

Achieving coherence and cohesion is vital for a high band score in IELTS Writing Task 1. By organizing responses logically and using cohesive devices effectively, students can enhance the clarity and impact of their writing. Regular practice and feedback are crucial to mastering these skills.

Resources

• Vocabulary List for Cohesive Devices
• Sample Band 9 Responses
• Practice Prompts and Exercises