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

Authors

  • Tanzeela Ishaq Department of English Literature, National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad, Faisalabad Campus, Pakistan.
  • Dr. Maimoona Abdulaziz Chairperson, Assistant Professor, Department of English Literature, National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad, Faisalabad Campus, Pakistan.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53057/linfo/2023.5.4.2

Keywords:

challenges, cohesion, coherence, corpus, IELTS test essays, linguistic patterns, pedagogical approaches, writing proficiency

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.

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Author Biographies

Tanzeela Ishaq, Department of English Literature, National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad, Faisalabad Campus, Pakistan.

Tanzeela Ishaq is a dedicated MPhil Scholar at the Department of English Literature, National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad, Faisalabad Campus, Pakistan. With a passion for language and literature, she is currently engaged in advanced studies that explore the intricate realms of corpus linguistics and applied linguistics.

Dr. Maimoona Abdulaziz, Chairperson, Assistant Professor, Department of English Literature, National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad, Faisalabad Campus, Pakistan.

Dr. Maimoona AbdulAziz is an Assistant Professor in the Department of English NUML, located
in Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan. Her main areas of expertise and interest revolve around English
language teaching, second language acquisition, corpus linguistics and Applied Linguistics.

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Published

2023-12-30

How to Cite

Ishaq, T., & Abdulaziz, D. M. (2023). A Corpus-Based Analysis of Cohesion and Coherence in IELTS Test Essays in Pakistan. Linguistic Forum - A Journal of Linguistics, 5(4), 30–56. https://doi.org/10.53057/linfo/2023.5.4.2