📊 Task Description
The table below shows the number of international students in four different countries in 2010 and 2020.
✍️ Instructions
Read the following IELTS Writing Task 1 response. Fill in the blanks using suitable cohesive devices from the dropdown menus to improve the coherence and cohesion.
📚 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use Cohesive Devices
Step 1: Understand the Purpose
Why use cohesive devices? They create smooth connections between ideas, making your writing flow naturally and helping the reader follow your argument easily. In IELTS Task 1, they're essential for achieving high scores in Coherence & Cohesion.
Step 2: Identify the Function Needed
Before choosing a cohesive device, ask yourself: "What relationship am I showing between these ideas?"
🔍 Overview/Summary
Use: Overall, In general, To summarize
When: Starting your response or providing a general statement about the data
Example: "Overall, all countries showed growth except..."
⚖️ Contrast
Use: However, In contrast, While, Whereas, On the other hand
When: Showing opposite trends or contradictory information
Example: "Country A increased, however, Country B decreased"
📊 Comparison
Use: Similarly, Likewise, In the same way, Both
When: Showing similar trends or patterns
Example: "Similarly, both countries experienced growth"
⏰ Sequence/Time
Use: Meanwhile, At the same time, Subsequently, Then
When: Describing events happening simultaneously or in sequence
Example: "Meanwhile, other regions showed different patterns"
➡️ Cause & Effect
Use: As a result, Consequently, Therefore, Thus
When: Showing the outcome or consequence of something
Example: "As a result, the total doubled"
🎯 Conclusion
Use: In conclusion, To conclude, Overall (at the end)
When: Ending your response with a final observation
Example: "In conclusion, the data reveals a clear trend"
Step 3: Check the Grammar
Position matters! Most cohesive devices go at the beginning of sentences, followed by a comma.
- ✅ "However, the numbers decreased"
- ❌ "The numbers however decreased"
Step 4: Avoid Repetition
Variety is key! Don't use the same cohesive device multiple times. Mix different options that serve the same function.
Instead of: "However... However... However..."
Use: "However... In contrast... While..."
Step 5: Practice the Flow
Read aloud! Good cohesive devices make your writing sound natural when spoken. If it sounds choppy, try a different device.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
The table compares the number of international students in four countries—Australia, Canada, the UK, and the USA—in the years 2010 and 2020.
, all four countries experienced changes in international student numbers over the decade, with Australia and Canada seeing the most significant increases.
In 2010, the USA had the highest number of international students, at 500,000. , this figure slightly decreased to 480,000 in 2020. , the UK saw only a modest increase, from 300,000 to 330,000.
, Australia and Canada both experienced substantial growth. Australia's numbers rose from 250,000 to 400,000, and Canada's jumped from 180,000 to 350,000. , both countries nearly doubled their international student populations within the 10-year period.
, the data shows a shift in student preferences away from the USA and towards countries like Australia and Canada. This trend may be attributed to more favorable immigration policies or educational opportunities in those nations.
🎯 Answer Key & Functions
Here are the correct answers and their functions:
Function: Summary/Overview
Function: Contrast
Function: Comparison
Function: Sequence/Parallel
Function: Result/Consequence
Function: Summary/Conclusion