Effective writing is essential for success in the TOEFL iBT writing sections. One key aspect of good writing is cohesion, which refers to how well the parts of your essay stick together and flow smoothly from one idea to the next. Punctuation plays a crucial role in achieving TOEFL cohesion by clearly showing the relationship between ideas. In this blog post, we will explore how to use punctuation marks to organize your writing tasks effectively and enhance the cohesion of your paragraphs.
Table of Contents
TOEFL Cohesion and Punctuation: Understanding the Period and Question Mark
Period
The period is the most basic punctuation mark, used to indicate the end of a complete sentence. It signifies a full stop and separates independent thoughts, ensuring clarity.
Example: “Research on renewable energy sources has increased significantly over the past decade. Governments worldwide are investing in solar and wind power to combat climate change.”
Question Mark
The question mark is used at the end of a direct question. It shows that the sentence is an inquiry and helps in eliciting responses or engaging readers.
Example: “How can international collaboration improve the effectiveness of climate change initiatives? Researchers suggest that pooling resources and knowledge can lead to more sustainable solutions.”
TOEFL Cohesion and Punctuation: Using the Dash and Hyphen
Dash
The dash is used to create a strong break in a sentence, often to emphasize additional information or to set off a list or explanation.
Example: “The committee reached a unanimous decision — after hours of deliberation — to implement the new policy immediately.”
Hyphen
The hyphen connects two or more words to form a single idea, particularly in compound adjectives and compound nouns.
Example: “State-of-the-art technology is essential for advancing medical research and improving patient outcomes.”
The Comma and Semi-Colon
Comma
The comma is used to separate elements in a sentence, such as items in a list, clauses, or phrases. It helps clarify meaning and improve readability.
Example: “During the conference, participants will discuss various topics, including renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and environmental conservation.”
Semi-Colon
The semi-colon links closely related independent clauses and is stronger than a comma but not as final as a period. It can also be used in complex lists.
Example: “Renewable energy sources are becoming more cost-effective; however, the transition from fossil fuels remains challenging.”
The Colon and Apostrophe
Colon
The colon introduces a list, explanation, or quotation, providing emphasis and clarification.
Example: “There are three primary goals for the new environmental policy: reducing carbon emissions, increasing renewable energy usage, and promoting conservation efforts.”
Apostrophe
The apostrophe indicates possession or forms contractions. It helps in making writing more concise and clear.
Example: “The professor’s lecture on climate change was informative and engaging. It’s essential to understand the impact of human activities on the environment.”
Quotation Marks and Ellipsis
Quotation Marks
Quotation marks enclose direct speech or quotations, distinguishing the speaker’s or author’s words from the rest of the text.
Example: Dr. Smith stated, “The results of this study indicate a significant correlation between air pollution and respiratory diseases.'”
Ellipsis
The ellipsis indicates omitted words in a quotation or a trailing off of thought. It helps maintain focus and conciseness.
Example: “According to the study, ‘The data shows a significant decrease in pollution levels over the past five years…'”
Enhancing TOEFL Cohesion with Punctuation
Using punctuation correctly not only clarifies your sentences but also enhances the cohesion of your paragraphs. For instance, commas and semi-colons can connect related ideas, making your writing more fluid and easier to follow. Additionally, punctuation marks like colons and dashes can introduce important information or emphasize key points, guiding your reader through your argument seamlessly.
Consider this cohesive paragraph: “Renewable energy sources are critical for sustainable development. Solar power, which harnesses the energy of the sun, is becoming increasingly cost-effective. Wind energy — another vital source — is also gaining popularity. Together, these technologies can significantly reduce our reliance on fossil fuels; moreover, they offer long-term environmental benefits.”
In this paragraph, punctuation helps link the sentences and ideas smoothly, demonstrating clear relationships between them.
Practice Exercises
Multiple-Choice Questions
- Which punctuation mark is used to link closely related independent clauses? a. Comma b. Semi-Colon c. Hyphen d. Apostrophe
- Which punctuation mark introduces a list or explanation? a. Dash b. Colon c. Period d. Ellipsis
- What is the correct punctuation for indicating possession? a. Apostrophe b. Colon c. Semi-Colon d. Quotation Marks
Fill in the Blanks
- The research shows a significant correlation between __________ levels and respiratory diseases. (pollution, pollution’s, pollution)
- Dr. Jones stated, “The findings are conclusive __________.” (period, ellipsis, question mark)
- __________ energy sources, such as solar and wind, are crucial for reducing carbon emissions. (Renewable, Renewable: Renewable)
Sentence Combining
Combine the sentences using appropriate punctuation.
- Renewable energy is cost-effective. It is also environmentally friendly.
-
- The study focuses on three areas. These areas are solar energy, wind energy, and hydroelectric power.
-
- Dr. Brown emphasized the importance of sustainability. She believes it is essential for future generations.
-
Answers to Practice Exercises
- b. Semi-Colon
- b. Colon
- a. Apostrophe
Fill in the Blanks
- pollution
- ellipsis
- Renewable
Sentence Combining
- Renewable energy is cost-effective; it is also environmentally friendly.
- The study focuses on three areas: solar energy, wind energy, and hydroelectric power.
- Dr. Brown emphasized the importance of sustainability — she believes it is essential for future generations.
By mastering the use of punctuation, you can significantly improve the cohesion and clarity of your writing, which is crucial for achieving a high score on the TOEFL iBT writing sections. Practice these techniques regularly to enhance your writing skills and succeed in your TOEFL exam.
Michael Buckhoff, mbuckhoff@aol.com