A Corpus-Based Analysis of Cohesion and Coherence in IELTS Test Essays in Pakistan

Abstract

This study investigates the challenges faced by Pakistani candidates in achieving higher scores in IELTS test essays, with a particular focus on cohesion and coherence. Observations reveal notable difficulties in structuring and connecting ideas within essays, impacting overall IELTS scores. The research aims to identify linguistic patterns influencing cohesion and coherence, understand specific challenges encountered by Pakistani test-takers, and propose targeted pedagogical approaches for English language instruction in Pakistan. The analysis, based on a mixed-method approach and corpus-based analysis, highlights the prevalence of repetition, challenges with adverbs and prepositional phrases, and the need for vocabulary diversification. Recommendations include vocabulary enhancement workshops, grammar exercises, and explicit referencing instruction. The study concludes with the anticipation that its insights will positively influence English language education and assessment practices, benefiting both educators and test-takers in their pursuit of linguistic proficiency for the IELTS examination.