ii) Coherence
(a) Expressions indicating problems and solutions
Some phrases and expressions help to connect ideas within and across
paragraphs in texts involving the use of the "problem and solution" structure.
Examples are provided in the table:
Purposes |
Expressions |
to point out the problems
|
- The first/second/third problem
of (issue/situation) is …
- Another problem is …
-
… is a
major/main problem of
(issue/situation).
- (Issue/situation) may cause/lead
to/bring about/result in
…
|
to suggest solutions
|
- To solve/alleviate/handle/deal
with/cope with/address the
problem, …
- One way to solve this problem is …
- Another solution to the problem is
…
|
to sum up main ideas
|
- In conclusion/In summary/In short, …
- To conclude/To sum up, …
|
Notes: Noun phrases should be used in … to talk about the problems and
solutions.
Noun phrases or that-clauses can be used in … to talk about the problems and
solutions.
(b) Transitional sentence
A transitional sentence is a sentence
which serves as a bridge to connect the section on problems and
the section on solutions in the main body parts. The transitional
sentence usually points out the severity of the problem and the
urgent need for actions. Below is an example:
With the
rapid and alarming increase in obesity rates
among children in the city, it is essential to
take prompt actions to combat the
problem.
Text A
[1] The COVID-19 pandemic has changed education forever.
Online learning has become the "New Normal" in education,
compelling students and educators across all levels to adapt to it
quickly. With this sudden shift from face-to-face classes to
online learning in many parts of the globe, there are, however,
problems to resolve and difficulties to overcome.
[2] First of all, technical concerns are obstacles to
effective online learning. Unreliable Internet connection often
affects reception and various learning platforms and operating
systems may also have compatibility issues. These technical issues
often cause disruptions to online classes, which can be
frustrating to both students and teachers. To handle these
problems, teachers should choose educational platforms accessible
from a variety of devices with different operating systems to
conduct online classes and publish assignments. Students and
parents should ensure that an up-to-date computer/tablet device
and a stable high-speed Internet connection are available at home
to facilitate distance learning.
[3] Another problem associated with online learning is the
lack of motivation and engagement. The effectiveness of online
learning varies among age groups and younger children, in
particular, struggle to stay focused in an online lesson in the
absence of a structured learning environment. In the face of this
challenge, teachers need to carefully design their online lessons
to make learning fun. Clever integration of games may motivate
younger students, while the use of collaboration tools to promote
interaction helps to engage students of all ages. As for parents,
they should provide a quiet environment with minimal distractions
at home for their children to benefit fully from their online
lessons.
[4] Most students learn best in face-to-face lessons with
interactive learning activities, led by a teacher and surrounded
by classmates. It takes time to get accustomed to online learning
and teachers, students and parents must work together to make
online learning more effective.
Text B
[1] Technological advancement and the global expansion of
the Internet have changed the way people access and share
information. Serious problems have arisen as a result of this, but
there are possible solutions.
[2] The first problem the Internet has created is the easy
access of dangerous and harmful material. For instance,
pornographic websites are now accessible to children and teenagers
under 18, which may have detrimental effects on their mental and
psychological health. Another major problem is the growth of
online frauds and misinformation. Fake news, phony websites and
phishing platforms are rampant on the Internet, deceiving and
misleading many unaware Internet users and causing harms and loss
to them.
[3] Action must be taken to rectify the problems and
safeguard Internet users. A key to Internet safety is tight
controls through legislation and law enforcement. Governments
should ensure that adequate legislation and policing are in place
to sweep out hoaxes and misinformation on the Internet and prevent
under-aged persons from accessing dangerous websites. Other than
legal remedies, parents should also play a part by closely
monitoring the Internet activities of their children and
restricting their access to certain websites with some computer
software or apps.
[4] To conclude, the Internet is a double-edged sword which
brings both positive and negative impacts. There are no quick
fixes or absolute answers to issues caused by the Internet.
However, with the right measures adopted by governments and
parents, the potential harm can be reduced and Internet safety can
be enhanced.