TOPIC 9

READING: IDENTIFY COHESIVE

DEVICES
WRITING: OUTLINING PROBLEM
SOLUTION ESSAY
IDENTIFY
COHESIVE DEVICES
Cohesive devices, sometimes called linkers,
tell the reader what the writers are doing in a
sentence and help to guide us when reading
the text by connecting ideas between
different parts of the text.

In other words, cohesive devices are words

or phrases used to connect ideas between
different parts of text.
Three main types of cohesive devices
1. Pronouns that refer back to a previously mentioned noun.
1. Example: Jim went out to the playground. He played on the
swings.
2. Substitution of a synonym for a previously mentioned
noun.
1. There was a lot of food, but she only ate the bread.
3. Transition words and inter-clausal connectors such as so
or because.
1. Mary was late, so she took the bus. Mary was late, because she
took the bus.
Cohesive devices indeed affect comprehension because
they help readers integrate information between
sentences in a text.

However, many students, even skilled readers, never

consciously think about authors’ use of cohesive devices.

Therefore, pay attention to the use of cohesive devices

whenever you read a text to improve your reading
comprehension.
Look at the example below. The cohesive ties (underlined) are linked to
their antecedents (previous words/phrases/clause).
Now, try to identify cohesive devices in the following passage. How many
cohesive devices can you identify?
 Exercises


See Unlock 4 reading and Writing Skills
book, page 109-110.

By identifying cohesive devices in the
passage on page 109, complete the
exercises on page 110.
 Further information on Cohesion with
Cohesive Devices

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JEAB6gmfhU
PROBLEM SOLUTION
ESSAY
In this type of essay you need to
discuss the problems, convince the
reader that the problem needs solving,
explain the solution and proposal,
argue that this is the best solution and
refute objections.
The main goals are:
• Interest your reader in the problem
• Convince your reader that the problem is important and
needs to be solved
• Explain your solution clearly
• Convince the reader that your solution is cost-effective
and feasible
• Convince your reader that your solution is better than
other solutions
THE STRUCTURE OF PROBLEM SOLUTION
ESSAY

• In the context of IELTS Writing Task 2, your Problem /Solution essay

should contain an introduction, two main body paragraphs and a
conclusion.

• Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence that states the main idea of
the paragraph. The topic sentence (usually the 1st sentence) should
indicate that you will discuss the cause of the problem, the topic
sentence in the second paragraph should indicate that you will discuss
solutions to the problem.
 THE STRUCTURE OF PROBLEM SOLUTION
ESSAY
Paragraph I. Introductory paragraph
Paraphrase the question statement and outline the thesis statement

Paragraph II. Problem

Describe the problem briefly and explain why it needs to be solved.
Explanation and example of the problems.

Paragraph III. Solution

The solutions, descriptions, and advantages/disadvantages.
Explanation and example of the solutions.

Paragraph IV. Concluding paragraph

Summary of main points in paragraph 2 and 3
 Further resources
Watch a video from SkillCourse about Problem and
Solution essay:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0ZLM0EJi8E
 Exercise 2
Write an outline and the first draft of problem solution
essay from one of these questions:

1) The world is unable to meet its energy needs. What three sources of renewable
energy would be most effective in solving this problem in your country? Which is your
preferred option?

2) Overpopulation of urban areas has led to numerous problems. Identify one or two
serious ones and suggest ways that governments and individuals can tackle these
problems.

3) The internet has transformed the way information is shared and consumed, but it
has also created problems that did not exist before. What are the most serious
problems associated with the internet and what solutions can you suggest?

4) Your own choice (Consult it to your lecturer beforehand)

THE END