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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 coherentpoint of view.
Understanding the structure
To achieve this coherence it is important to understand the different roles of eachparagraph within the essay.
introductionidentifies the question andoutlines the main topics inthe content paragraphscontent paragraph 1main topic: stated,explained and exemplifiedcontent paragraph 2related second main topic:stated, explained andexemplifiedconclusionsummarises the main topicsand answers the questionfrom the introduction
Using common signposting language
To help the examiner understand your structure it helps to use similar words andphrases 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 techniquewill vary slightly in argument and opinion essays.In the argument essay, the two content paragraphs can be linked by presentingopposite sides of the same argument.
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In the opinion essay, these paragraphs will present two different arguments fromthe 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 basedaround one main idea. It focuses on the question, identifies the issue behind thequestion 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 thevocabulary from the question (today
→
modern, growing
→
increase, developednations
→
industrialised countries, tackle
→
deal with)sentence 2: a solution is suggestedsentence 3: a question is raised about the proposed solution to lead into thecontent 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
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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 ofthe proposal (
The argument in favour
).It is then developed coherently by expanding on a single idea by usingexplanations (
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 paragraphto 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 withoutrepeating it (
This is a complex issue
A problematic issue
)The conclusion answers the question raised in the introduction by stating apersonal viewpoint (
My personal view is that
)
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http://www.dcielts.com
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