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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 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.
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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
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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 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)
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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)