Coherence and Cohesion – What Does it REALLY Mean?

Summary

In this video, David from TED-IELTS explains the often misunderstood concepts of coherence and cohesion, essential for scoring well in the IELTS writing test. He highlights the differences between the two: coherence refers to organizing ideas on a larger scale, while cohesion involves sentence-level connections. David discusses the importance of paragraphing, progression, and proper use of cohesive devices, cautioning against overuse. He also emphasizes the need for referencing and how clear organization, planning, and overall language skills are crucial for achieving a high score in the IELTS writing exam.

Takeaways

• 📊 25% of your IELTS writing score is based on coherence and cohesion, which is as important as vocabulary, grammar, and answering the question properly.
• 🧩 Coherence refers to the clear relationship between ideas at the paragraph level, while cohesion focuses on the connection between sentences.
• 📝 To achieve a high score, your essay should have logical paragraphs and sentences that flow together naturally.
• 🧐 Many IELTS candidates, tutors, and even examiners find coherence and cohesion challenging, as shown by a 2008 study.
• 📝 There are five key factors for scoring well in coherence and cohesion: organization, progression, cohesive devices, referencing, and paragraphing.
• 🚀 Progression means guiding the reader logically from an introduction to a conclusion, with body paragraphs that build on previous ideas.
• 🔗 Cohesive devices, such as 'however' and 'meanwhile,' should be used correctly and sparingly to connect ideas without overuse.
• 💬 Referencing, which involves avoiding repetition by using pronouns and synonyms, is critical to achieving coherence.
• 📚 Good paragraphing means each paragraph should focus on one clear idea, and the sentences should support that idea.
• 🔄 Problems with grammar or vocabulary can affect coherence and cohesion, so improving these areas is essential for a high IELTS score.

Q & A

What are coherence and cohesion, and why are they important in the IELTS writing test?

Coherence and cohesion refer to how well your ideas are linked together in an essay. Coherence focuses on the larger connection of ideas, typically at the paragraph level, while cohesion focuses on how sentences flow together. In the IELTS writing test, coherence and cohesion account for 25% of the score, making them essential for achieving a high band.

How do coherence and cohesion differ from each other?

Coherence refers to the clarity of the relationship between parts of an essay, typically focusing on the connection of ideas at the paragraph level. Cohesion, on the other hand, deals with how sentences within a paragraph stick together through the use of cohesive devices like linking words and references.

Why do many IELTS candidates and even examiners struggle with the concept of coherence and cohesion?

IELTS candidates and examiners struggle with coherence and cohesion due to the complex and often misunderstood language used in the band descriptors. A 2008 study revealed that examiners found coherence and cohesion the hardest part of the writing test to mark, partly because of this complexity.

What are the five key factors to achieving a good score for coherence and cohesion in IELTS writing?

The five key factors for a high score in coherence and cohesion are organization, progression, cohesive devices, referencing, and paragraphing (especially in task 2). These elements ensure that ideas flow logically, are clearly connected, and are grouped appropriately in the essay.

What does 'progression' mean in the context of IELTS writing, and how can you improve it?

Progression refers to guiding the reader from the beginning to the end of the essay in a logical manner. It involves setting up the topic in the introduction, developing ideas in the body, and summarizing them in the conclusion. To improve progression, writers should ensure each sentence and paragraph builds logically on the previous one.

What are cohesive devices, and how should they be used in an IELTS essay?

Cohesive devices are words or phrases used to connect ideas and sentences, such as 'however,' 'therefore,' and 'moreover.' They should be used sparingly and accurately to avoid making the essay sound artificial. Overuse or misuse of cohesive devices can negatively impact the essay’s flow and coherence.

How does referencing improve cohesion in an essay?

Referencing involves using pronouns or synonyms to refer back to previous words or phrases, which helps avoid repetition and makes the text more fluid. Proper referencing enhances cohesion by linking ideas together and ensuring the essay reads more smoothly.

Why is paragraphing important in IELTS writing, especially in task 2?

Paragraphing is crucial because it helps to organize ideas logically, ensuring that each paragraph focuses on one main idea. In IELTS task 2, clear and well-structured paragraphs demonstrate coherence and make the essay easier for the reader to follow. Proper paragraphing is essential for higher band scores.

How can poor grammar or vocabulary affect your score for coherence and cohesion?

Poor grammar or vocabulary can make sentences unclear, leading to a lack of coherence and cohesion. If the reader cannot understand the sentences, the overall structure and flow of ideas are disrupted. This can prevent you from achieving a score higher than band 6, even if the essay is otherwise well-organized.

What are some strategies to improve coherence and cohesion in IELTS writing?

To improve coherence and cohesion, it’s recommended to plan your essay before writing, read a variety of English articles to observe how native speakers structure ideas, and practice using cohesive devices appropriately. Focusing on logical organization and progression of ideas is also key to improving your writing score.