How to improve your writing | COHERENCE & COHESION | IELTS Cambridge

Summary

In this lesson on improving writing in English, the focus is on coherence and cohesion. Coherence refers to logical paragraph structure and clarity, while cohesion is about connecting ideas smoothly. The video emphasizes planning your writing, using topic sentences, and structuring essays effectively. It also highlights the importance of linking words and avoiding overuse, as well as using pronouns to reduce repetition. The lesson encourages practice, peer review, and utilizing resources like Cambridge’s Write and Improve tool to enhance writing skills.

Takeaways

• 😀 Plan your writing to improve coherence and structure. A little planning goes a long way in creating a clear and logical essay.
• 😀 Coherence in writing means your text is easy to follow and makes sense from beginning to end.
• 😀 Cohesion refers to how ideas connect within and between paragraphs, helping the reader follow your argument smoothly.
• 😀 Always write in paragraphs. A new idea should start a new paragraph to maintain clarity and structure.
• 😀 Use topic sentences to guide the reader and clearly indicate the main point of each paragraph.
• 😀 Avoid overusing linking words. Use them sparingly and vary their placement in sentences for better flow.
• 😀 Pronouns help avoid repetition and make your writing more fluid by referring back to previously mentioned nouns.
• 😀 The IEE method (Idea, Explain, Example) is a simple but effective way to structure your paragraphs.
• 😀 Don't repeat words unnecessarily. Try using synonyms or rephrasing sentences to keep your writing engaging and varied.
• 😀 Regular practice and reviewing your writing will significantly improve both your coherence and cohesion.
• 😀 Utilize tools like Cambridge's *Write and Improve* to get feedback and enhance your writing skills over time.

Q & A

What is the main focus of this lesson?

The lesson focuses on improving writing skills in English, specifically on the concepts of coherence and cohesion.

What do the terms 'coherence' and 'cohesion' mean in writing?

'Coherence' refers to how easy it is for the reader to follow and understand the writing, while 'cohesion' refers to how ideas are connected within the text.

Why is planning important when writing an essay?

Planning is important because it helps to structure the essay logically, ensuring coherence in the writing. Without a plan, students may fail to present their ideas in a clear and organized way.

What are the key elements of a well-structured essay?

A well-structured essay typically includes an introduction where the question is paraphrased, body paragraphs that explore different points, and a conclusion that restates the main ideas and possibly the writer's opinion.

How can paragraphs improve the coherence of a writing?

Paragraphs provide structure to writing, making it easier for the reader to follow the progression of ideas. Each paragraph should focus on a new idea or aspect of the argument.

What is the purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph?

The topic sentence introduces the main idea of the paragraph and acts as a signpost for the reader, helping them understand what the paragraph will discuss.

What is the 'IEE' method for writing effective paragraphs?

The 'IEE' method stands for Idea, Explain, and Example. This approach helps to organize a paragraph by first stating the main idea, explaining it, and then providing examples to support the argument.

How can linking words help with cohesion in writing?

Linking words connect ideas and paragraphs, guiding the reader through the writing. They make transitions smoother and help to clarify relationships between different parts of the text.

What are some common mistakes when using linking words?

Overusing linking words or always placing them at the beginning of sentences can make the writing repetitive or awkward. It is important to use them sparingly and to vary their placement.

How can pronouns improve cohesion in writing?

Pronouns can replace previously mentioned nouns, helping to avoid repetition and making the writing more fluid and coherent.