1.

Logical Sequence of Information

Coherence refers to the logical flow and clarity of ideas in your essay. It’s important
that the essay has a clear progression from one point to the next, with ideas logically
connected.

 Explanation: You should develop your ideas in a logical order. For instance,
if you are discussing the effects of pollution, first explain what pollution is,
then describe its effects, and finally offer solutions.
 Example:
o Poor Coherence: "Pollution causes health problems. Factories release
harmful gases. Recycling can reduce waste. Many people suffer from
asthma."
o Better Coherence: "Pollution is a major problem in urban areas. One of
the main causes is the harmful emissions from factories, which
contribute to various health issues such as asthma. By improving waste
management and encouraging recycling, we can reduce some of these
harmful effects."

2. Paragraphing

Cohesion refers to how you organize and link sentences and paragraphs. Good
cohesion means that your paragraphs are well-structured, with each paragraph focused
on one main idea.

 Explanation: Divide your essay into clear, logical paragraphs. Each paragraph
should cover one main idea, with supporting points and examples.
 Example:
o In an essay discussing environmental issues, you could have one
paragraph discussing causes of pollution, another on effects, and a
third offering solutions.

3. Use of Linking Words

Linking words (also called cohesive devices) connect ideas within and between
paragraphs. However, using them too often or too little can hurt your score.

 Explanation: Use appropriate linking words (e.g., "however," "therefore," "in

addition," "on the other hand") to guide the reader through your essay.
 Example:
o Weak Cohesion: "Cars are bad for the environment. Electric cars are
better."
o Strong Cohesion: "Cars are harmful to the environment because they
emit large amounts of carbon dioxide. However, electric cars offer a
more sustainable alternative as they produce no emissions."
4. Clear Referencing

Referencing means referring back to earlier parts of your essay using pronouns (he,
she, it, they) or phrases (this, these, such) to avoid repetition and maintain clarity.

 Explanation: Avoid repeating words or phrases unnecessarily. Instead, use

pronouns or paraphrase to refer back to ideas.
 Example:
o Repetitive: "Children should read books. Reading books is important
for children because reading books improves vocabulary."
o Clear Reference: "Children should read books. This habit is important
as it improves their vocabulary."

5. Avoiding Overuse of Cohesive Devices

Using too many linking words can make your writing seem unnatural. It's important
to use them where necessary without overloading.

 Explanation: Use cohesive devices naturally, ensuring they help connect

ideas rather than making the writing sound forced.
 Example:
o Overuse: "Firstly, air pollution is dangerous. Secondly, water pollution
is also harmful. Thirdly, noise pollution affects people's health."
o Natural Use: "Air pollution is dangerous as it contributes to respiratory
problems. In addition, water pollution has harmful effects on marine
life and human health."

6. Overall Cohesion and Flow

Ensure that the essay feels connected as a whole, with a consistent argument
throughout. Repeating key words or phrases from the question can help achieve this.

 Example: In a question about the benefits of learning a second language, your

thesis might state, "Learning a second language is beneficial for both cognitive
development and career opportunities." Then, throughout the essay, ensure
that these two points are explored cohesively.
1. Natural Use of Cohesive Devices

Cohesive devices (linking words or phrases) such as "however," "moreover," "in

addition," "therefore," and "on the other hand" are necessary to guide the reader
through your ideas and ensure your essay flows smoothly. However, the key here is
naturalness. If cohesive devices are overused, misused, or placed awkwardly, they
become too obvious and detract from the overall quality of the essay.

 Explanation: Cohesion should work like a "glue" holding your ideas together.
It should be subtle and not noticeable, meaning the reader should be able to
follow the ideas smoothly without the cohesive devices standing out too much.
 Example:
o Poor cohesion (too obvious): "Firstly, pollution is a serious problem.
Secondly, it affects people's health. Thirdly, it damages the
environment. In conclusion, pollution must be controlled."
o Natural cohesion: "Pollution is a serious issue, not only because it
affects people's health, but also due to the long-term damage it causes
to the environment. As a result, immediate action is necessary to
control it."

In the natural example, the cohesive devices ("not only...but also," "as a result") are
integrated smoothly, allowing the ideas to flow without sounding forced.
2. Avoiding Formulaic Use of Linking Words

Overusing cohesive devices in a formulaic way—such as starting every sentence with

"Firstly," "Secondly," or "In addition"—makes the essay feel mechanical, and this can
draw the examiner's attention. The goal is to mix up the cohesive devices so that they
seem organic.

 Explanation: Use a variety of linking words, but don’t start every sentence
with one. Instead, integrate them into the flow of your sentence. Your essay
should sound like a natural conversation rather than a list of points.
 Example:
o Poor cohesion (mechanical): "Firstly, education is important.
Secondly, students can gain more knowledge. Thirdly, education helps
with job opportunities."
o Natural cohesion: "Education plays a vital role in society. Not only
does it equip students with knowledge, but it also opens up better job
opportunities, thereby enhancing their future prospects."

In the natural example, the cohesive devices are varied and woven into the sentence
structure, making them less noticeable.
3. Using Cohesion Subtly

Subtle cohesion also means using synonyms, pronouns, and referencing to connect
ideas smoothly, rather than repeating the same words or relying too much on explicit
linking words.

 Explanation: Instead of constantly using explicit cohesive devices like "in

addition" or "for example," use more implicit ways to maintain flow, such as
pronouns ("this," "these," "it") and paraphrasing.
 Example:
o Repetitive: "The internet is a great tool for research. The internet also
allows people to connect with others. The internet has many benefits."
o Natural cohesion: "The internet offers various benefits. Not only does
it serve as a valuable research tool, but it also connects people
worldwide."

In the second example, pronouns like "it" and paraphrasing ("offers various benefits")
are used to avoid repetition and to make the flow of ideas more seamless.
4. Avoiding Overuse or Forced Linking

Using too many linking words, especially when they are not necessary, can disrupt the
flow and make the essay feel awkward. A well-written essay often flows naturally
without needing excessive cohesive devices. Overuse of words like "however,"
"moreover," or "in conclusion" can make it seem like the writer is trying too hard.

 Explanation: Linking words should not be overused or forced into sentences.

Only use them when they are genuinely needed to clarify relationships
between ideas.
 Example:
o Overuse: "Firstly, students need to study regularly. Secondly, they
must attend all classes. Thirdly, they should complete their
assignments. In conclusion, students must follow these steps."
o Natural cohesion: "Students can improve their academic performance
by studying regularly, attending all classes, and completing
assignments on time."

The second example achieves cohesion without relying on excessive linking words,
making the sentence smoother and less mechanical.
5. Balance of Cohesive Devices

Good writing strikes a balance between explicit cohesive devices and other forms of
cohesion, such as sentence structure and referencing. Relying too much on cohesive
devices can make an essay sound repetitive, while not using enough can cause a lack
of clarity.

 Explanation: Balance your use of cohesive devices, incorporating them where

needed but not overloading your essay with them. Aim for a natural flow that
doesn’t make the reader too aware of the transitions between ideas.
 Example:
o Poor cohesion (overuse): "Moreover, the government should invest in
education. Furthermore, investing in education benefits society. In
addition, it promotes economic growth."
o Balanced cohesion: "The government should prioritize investment in
education, as it not only benefits society but also promotes long-term
economic growth."

The second example balances cohesive devices and sentence structure to create a
smooth and less repetitive flow.
6. Contextual Cohesion

Use cohesive devices that fit the context of your argument. Each linking word or
phrase has a specific role, and using the wrong one can confuse the reader. For
example, using "however" when you need "therefore" can disrupt the flow and make
the ideas seem disjointed.

 Explanation: Make sure the cohesive devices you choose accurately reflect
the relationships between ideas.
 Example:
o Incorrect: "Global warming is a pressing issue. However, governments
need to take action."
o Correct: "Global warming is a pressing issue. Therefore, governments
need to take action."

In the correct version, "therefore" is a more suitable linking word to show cause and
effect, ensuring the flow remains logical and smooth.

Conclusion:

Cohesion "very rarely attracting attention" means it should be almost invisible to the
reader. The essay should flow so smoothly that the reader doesn't consciously notice
the linking words or phrases—only the ideas and arguments. When your essay is well-
written with natural cohesion, the transitions between points will seem effortless and
intuitive, leading to a higher score in the Coherence and Cohesion criterion.
1. What Are Lapses in Coherence or Cohesion?

A "lapse" in coherence or cohesion refers to moments where the ideas in an essay are
not logically connected, or the essay is hard to follow due to poor transitions or
structural weaknesses. These lapses can disrupt the reader’s understanding of the
argument or point being made.

 Coherence Lapses: These occur when ideas or arguments do not flow

logically, leaving the reader confused about the essay’s direction.
 Cohesion Lapses: These occur when sentences or paragraphs are not
effectively linked, or when cohesive devices are misused, overused, or
underused, making the writing feel disjointed.

2. Minimal Lapses Mean Rare and Non-Disruptive

The phrase "minimal" in this context means that any lapses in coherence or cohesion
are small, rare, and do not severely affect the reader’s understanding. Even if
there are minor issues, the essay still remains largely clear and well-organized.

Explanation: While some small mistakes in the structure or flow of ideas

might exist, they are so rare and minor that they do not affect the overall
meaning or progression of the essay. The reader can still follow the argument
smoothly.

o Example of minimal lapse:

 “Global warming is a major issue that requires immediate
action from governments worldwide. On the other hand, some
believe that it’s not as urgent.”

In this example, “On the other hand” is a minor lapse because it’s not
the right cohesive device to introduce this idea. However, the lapse
doesn’t completely disrupt the reader’s ability to understand the point
being made. The essay is still understandable, and the transition could
have been smoother.

3. Clear Logical Flow Despite Small Issues

An essay with minimal lapses should still present a clear progression of ideas. Even if
there are occasional minor lapses, the overall structure and development of arguments
should remain logical and easy to follow.

Explanation: There should be a clear logical order in the development of

ideas. Even if one or two sentences don’t transition perfectly, the essay’s
argument should still be comprehensible.

o Example of a coherent essay with a minor lapse:

 “Firstly, reducing plastic waste is essential to protect marine
life. Additionally, governments should provide education on
recycling. However, many people are still unaware of the
issue.”
 The use of "however" in the last sentence is slightly awkward because
it's not contrasting with the previous point. But this lapse is minimal—
it doesn’t ruin the overall logical flow, which remains understandable.

4. Balanced Use of Cohesive Devices

In an essay with minimal lapses in cohesion, linking words are used appropriately,
with a good balance between explicit cohesive devices and implicit cohesion (such as
pronouns or paraphrasing). If a lapse occurs, it might be due to slight overuse or
incorrect use of cohesive devices, but it won’t significantly impact readability.

Explanation: Small mistakes in using linking words might occur, but they are
so rare that they don’t seriously impact the flow of the essay.

o Example:
 “Secondly, improving public transportation can reduce traffic
congestion. Moreover, better infrastructure can make roads
safer. In conclusion, pollution is another issue that needs
attention.”

The "in conclusion" is slightly misplaced here, as it doesn’t logically

fit with the introduction of a new idea (pollution). However, this is a
minimal lapse because the reader can still follow the argument.

5. Clear Paragraphing Despite Minor Lapses

Each paragraph should present a single, clear idea with appropriate support. If a lapse
occurs in paragraphing, it might be that the idea isn’t fully developed, or a new idea is
introduced too quickly without a smooth transition, but this lapse should be minimal.

Explanation: Even if one paragraph could have been organized slightly better,
it’s not confusing, and the overall essay remains logically structured.

o Example:
 Paragraph 1: “Firstly, improving education is crucial for
societal development.”
 Paragraph 2: “Secondly, providing healthcare is essential. For
example, schools can teach students about healthy habits.”

There’s a minor lapse in paragraph 2 because the sentence about

schools teaching healthy habits belongs more in the paragraph on
education. However, this doesn’t significantly damage the essay’s
overall organization or readability—it’s just a minor lapse.
6. Maintaining a High Level of Clarity

Essays with minimal lapses in coherence or cohesion still maintain a high level of
clarity, even if there are minor issues. The argument is clear, the points are relevant,
and the overall structure is strong.

Explanation: Even if there are small issues with transitions, the essay’s ideas
are still clear, logical, and easy to follow.

o Example:
 “Reducing pollution is important to protect the environment.
On the other hand, increasing green spaces can also improve
air quality. Furthermore, promoting public transportation can
help reduce emissions.”

The use of "on the other hand" is a minor lapse because it doesn’t
clearly contrast with the previous idea, but the argument is still clear,
and the essay remains well-organized.

Conclusion:

To summarize, minimal lapses in coherence or cohesion means that the essay may
have very small mistakes in the flow of ideas or in linking sentences and paragraphs,
but these mistakes are so minor that they don’t affect the overall clarity and
understanding. The essay remains well-organized, logical, and easy to follow, with
only rare and minor issues that don’t disrupt the reader’s comprehension.