IELTS / TOEFL: How to Solve IELTS Writing Task 2 - Coherence and Cohesion - Linking Words, Paragraphing

How to Solve: IELTS Writing Task 2 – Coherence and Cohesion (Linking Words, Paragraphing)

Introduction Mastering coherence and cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2 can help you gain 2-3 bands, as it showcases your ability to organize ideas, link sentences, and present a clear argument.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FIRST You should already have:

1. The ability to paraphrase and rephrase sentences.
2. A basic understanding of essay structure, including introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
3. Familiarity with common essay types, such as opinion, argument, and problem-solution.

CORE CONTENT

Anatomy of the task

• The question will ask you to discuss a topic, and you'll need to write a 250-word essay in 40 minutes.
• Be aware of common traps, such as:
• Starting with a vague or generic sentence.
• Failing to address all parts of the question.
• Using too many complex vocabulary words.

Step-by-step strategy

1. Read and understand the question: Identify the topic, the type of essay, and the key words or phrases.
2. Plan your essay: Decide on the main points you want to make, and the order in which you'll present them.
3. Write a clear introduction: Introduce the topic, provide background information, and state your position or argument.
4. Use linking words and phrases: Connect your ideas with words like "however," "in addition," and "nevertheless."
5. Organize your body paragraphs: Use a clear topic sentence, supporting evidence, and a link to the next paragraph.
6. Write a conclusion: Summarize your main points, reiterate your position, and provide a final thought.

Solved example

Question: Some people believe that social media has more negative effects on society than positive effects. Do you agree or disagree?

Model answer:

Social media has become an integral part of modern life, but its impact on society is a topic of ongoing debate. While some argue that social media has numerous benefits, such as connecting people and providing access to information, others claim that its negative effects outweigh the positive. In my opinion, I agree that social media has more negative effects on society.

One of the main reasons for this is the spread of misinformation and fake news. Social media platforms have made it easy for people to share information without verifying its accuracy, leading to the spread of false information and the erosion of trust in institutions. Furthermore, social media can also contribute to the decline of face-to-face communication, as people spend more time interacting with their screens than with real people.

In addition, social media has been linked to various mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. The constant stream of information and the pressure to present a perfect online image can take a toll on individuals' self-esteem and overall well-being.

In conclusion, while social media has some benefits, its negative effects on society are more significant. To mitigate these effects, we need to be more mindful of the information we share and consume online, and to prioritize face-to-face communication and real-world connections.

Common Mistakes

1. Mistake: Failing to address all parts of the question. Why it happens: Students often get carried away with their own ideas and forget to address the specific question. How to fix it: Make sure to read the question carefully and address each part of it in your essay.
2. Mistake: Using too many complex vocabulary words. Why it happens: Students try to show off their vocabulary skills, but end up using words that they don't fully understand. How to fix it: Use vocabulary words that you know and understand, and focus on using them correctly in context.
3. Mistake: Starting with a vague or generic sentence. Why it happens: Students often struggle to come up with a clear and concise opening sentence. How to fix it: Start with a sentence that clearly states your position or argument, and provides a clear direction for the rest of the essay.
4. Mistake: Failing to use linking words and phrases. Why it happens: Students often forget to connect their ideas and paragraphs. How to fix it: Use linking words and phrases, such as "however," "in addition," and "nevertheless," to connect your ideas and paragraphs.
5. Mistake: Writing a conclusion that doesn't summarize the main points. Why it happens: Students often get carried away with their own ideas and forget to summarize their main points. How to fix it: Make sure to summarize your main points in the conclusion, and reiterate your position or argument.

CRAM SHEET

1. Read the question carefully and address each part of it in your essay. ⚠️
2. Use linking words and phrases to connect your ideas and paragraphs.
3. Start with a clear and concise opening sentence that states your position or argument.
4. Use vocabulary words that you know and understand, and focus on using them correctly in context.
5. Make sure to summarize your main points in the conclusion and reiterate your position or argument.
6. Use a clear and concise writing style, avoiding jargon and overly complex language.
7. Use transitions to connect your ideas and paragraphs, such as "however," "in addition," and "nevertheless."
8. Make sure to address the counterargument and provide evidence to support your position.
9. Use a clear and concise introduction that provides background information and states your position or argument.
10. Edit your essay carefully to ensure that it is free of errors and flows smoothly.