Improving Fluency and Coherence

Writing That Flows Naturally

Coherence Techniques

• Use topic sentences: Start each paragraph with its main point


• Use transition words: Connect ideas logically between sentences and paragraphs


• Repeat key terms: Consistent terminology helps readers follow your argument


• Use pronouns effectively: "This research..." "These findings..." to refer back to previous content

Reducing L1 Interference

Your first language (L1) naturally influences your English writing. Common patterns:

• Directly translating idioms or expressions from your L1


• Using L1 sentence structures in English


• Over-using certain sentence patterns you're comfortable with

Practice Strategies

• Read your writing aloud to catch unnatural phrasing


• Have a native speaker review your work when possible


• Study model texts in your genre to internalize natural English patterns


• Write every day, even if just a paragraph or two