Coherence and Cohesion in Academic Writing

Summary

This video from EAPFoundation.com explains the concepts of coherence and cohesion in academic writing. It explores how cohesion operates at a micro-level, focusing on linking words and sentences, while coherence works on a macro-level to ensure logical flow. Key methods to improve cohesion include using reference words, repeated ideas, transition signals, substitution, and ellipsis. For coherence, the video emphasizes organizing ideas clearly. It also reviews how IELTS and TOEFL tests assess writing for coherence and cohesion, offering practical tips to improve these skills.

Takeaways

• 📚 Coherence and cohesion are key aspects of academic writing, each contributing to how a text is understood and flows.
• 🧩 Cohesion deals with micro-level aspects like word and sentence connections, similar to how puzzle pieces fit together.
• 🔗 Reference words, repeated ideas, transition signals, substitution, and ellipsis are methods to improve cohesion.
• 🧠 Coherence relates to the macro-level of a text, ensuring logical order and clarity, like how a complete jigsaw puzzle presents a clear picture.
• 📋 Creating an outline before writing can help improve coherence by organizing ideas logically.
• 💡 Using reference words like 'this', 'that', and 'it' links different parts of the text, improving cohesion.
• 🔄 Repeating key ideas or using synonyms helps maintain cohesion by reinforcing important concepts.
• 🚦 Transition signals (like 'first', 'second', 'finally') help readers follow the flow of ideas and understand relationships between them.
• 🔁 Substitution replaces repeated words to avoid redundancy and improve cohesion.
• ✂️ Ellipsis omits unnecessary words when meaning is clear, contributing to cohesion.

Q & A

What is the difference between cohesion and coherence in writing?

Cohesion relates to the micro-level of a text, focusing on how words and sentences link together, while coherence relates to the macro-level, dealing with the logical organization and progression of ideas in a text.

What are the five main methods to achieve good cohesion?

The five main methods to achieve good cohesion are: using reference words, repeated words or ideas, transition signals, substitution, and ellipsis.

Can you give examples of reference words and how they are used?

Reference words include 'this,' 'these,' 'that,' 'it,' 'they,' and others. They refer to something else in the text and help link ideas. For example, 'this' can refer back to a concept introduced earlier.

How can repeated words or ideas contribute to cohesion?

Repeated words or ideas help reinforce key concepts throughout a text, maintaining a consistent focus. For example, repeating the word 'cohesion' or its synonym 'coheres' keeps the topic central.

What are transition signals and how do they enhance cohesion?

Transition signals are words or phrases that show the relationships between ideas, such as 'for this reason,' 'similarly,' or 'however.' They guide the reader through the logical flow of the text.

What is substitution in writing, and can you provide an example?

Substitution is replacing a word or phrase with another to avoid repetition. For example, in the sentence 'The graph on the left shows calories, while the one on the right shows exercise,' 'one' substitutes for 'graph.'

What is ellipsis, and how does it function in writing?

Ellipsis occurs when words are omitted because their meaning is clear from the context. For example, 'A fourth is substitution' omits 'important feature,' as it's implied.

What are some strategies to improve coherence in writing?

To improve coherence, organize ideas clearly using outlines, ensure paragraphs are connected with clear topic sentences, and maintain logical progression of ideas.

How do the IELTS and TOEFL exams assess coherence and cohesion in writing?

The IELTS assesses coherence and cohesion by evaluating logical organization, use of cohesive devices, and clear progression. TOEFL focuses on organization, unity, and clear connection of ideas.

What is peer editing, and how can it help improve writing coherence?

Peer editing involves having someone else review your writing to ensure it makes sense. This helps identify unclear areas and improves the overall coherence of the text.