IELTS Essay Coherence

Dominic Cole’s IELTS Blog http://www.dcielts.com

Coherence in IELTS Essays This is a brief tutorial on how to make your IELTS writing more coherent.

A coherent point of view It is important that the separate parts of an essay combine to present one coherent point of view.

Understanding the structure To achieve this coherence it is important to understand the different roles of each paragraph within the essay. introduction

identifies the question and outlines the main topics in the content paragraphs

content paragraph 1

main topic: stated, explained and exemplified

content paragraph 2

related second main topic: stated, explained and exemplified

conclusion

summarises the main topics and answers the question from the introduction

Using common signposting language To help the examiner understand your structure it helps to use similar words and phrases at the openings of paragraphs to show how your paragraphs link together.

Argument essays and opinion essays The same general technique applies whatever the essay. However, the technique will vary slightly in argument and opinion essays. In the argument essay, the two content paragraphs can be linked by presenting opposite sides of the same argument.

Dominic Cole’s IELTS Blog http://www.dcielts.com In the opinion essay, these paragraphs will present two different arguments from the same point of view.

An example - with comments One of the major problems facing the world today is the growing number of refugees. The developed nations in the world should tackle this problem by taking in more refugees. To what extent do you agree with this opinion?

Introduction One problematic issue in the modern world is the increase in the amount of refugees, particularly in the developing world. A suggested solution is that the industrialised countries should accept these people as refugees. This may not, however, be the most effective way of dealing with this issue. notes: This paragraph is coherent because it is a series of connected sentences based around one main idea. It focuses on the question, identifies the issue behind the question and then opens the question out to lead into the essay. The model used for the introduction is: sentence 1: the problem is restated as a general statement varying the vocabulary from the question (today→modern, growing→increase, developed nations→industrialised countries, tackle→deal with) sentence 2: a solution is suggested sentence 3: a question is raised about the proposed solution to lead into the content paragraphs Content paragraph 1 The argument in favour of developed nations accepting more refugees is relatively clear. These countries have a responsibility to the rest of the world to accept victims of natural disasters or war. This is a duty because if these people were not helped they might die if they stayed in their native land. For example, when there is an

Dominic Cole’s IELTS Blog http://www.dcielts.com earthquake and homes and whole towns have been destroyed a poor country may not have the resources to help all the people affected. This paragraph links into the introduction by developing the argument in favour of the proposal (The argument in favour). It is then developed coherently by expanding on a single idea by using explanations (These countries have a responsibility)(This is a duty because) It then gives a related example (For example....) Content paragraph 2 There is of course another side to this argument and there are possible reasons why emigration from developing countries is not a complete solution. One such reason is that people who have suffered from natural disasters will want to return to their homes as quickly as possible and be with their families and relatives. This will be difficult if they have moved to another country. Another reason is that it is often more effective to help the victims in their own country as it can cause them more stress if they have to move to another country with a different language and strange customs. For example, it could be difficult for someone from Iraq to adapt to the English way of life and weather.

The opening of this paragraph reflects the language of the first content paragraph to make it easy for the examiner to understand how they are related. (There is of course another side to this argument The argument in favour) The paragraph gives two reasons to support the main argument (One such reason Another reason is that)

The conclusion This is a complex issue with no easy solutions as there are good reasons why countries should or should not accept refugees. My personal view is that it is better for victims to remain in their own country and to receive aid there when possible. There may be circumstances, however, when this is not possible or not desirable. The conclusion looks back to the introduction and reflects its language without repeating it (This is a complex issue A problematic issue) The conclusion answers the question raised in the introduction by stating a personal viewpoint (My personal view is that)

Dominic Cole’s IELTS Blog http://www.dcielts.com The conclusion summarises main ideas from the content paragraphs (it is better for victims to remain in their own country and to receive aid there when possible. There may be circumstances, however, when this is not possible or not desirable)