Discourse Cohesion and Coherence and the Writing Quality of English Argumentative Essays: An Analysis Based on Coh-Metrix
##plugins.themes.bootstrap3.article.main##
##plugins.themes.bootstrap3.article.sidebar##
Published
Feb 26, 2026
Abstract
The study aims to examine the relationship between discourse cohesion and coherence and the quality of English writing, leveraging Coh-Metrix to conduct a quantitative analysis of textual features of 386 English argumentative essays in the four dimensions of connectives, referential cohesion, latent semantic analysis, and situation models. The results reveal the presence of statistically significant correlations between a portion of the discourse cohesion and coherence indicators included in the study and the quality of the essays sampled, as well as their varied predictive effects on writing scores.
Downloads
Download data is not yet available.
##plugins.themes.bootstrap3.article.details##
Keywords
English Argumentative Essay, Discourse Cohesion and Coherence, Writing Quality, Coh-Metrix
Supporting Agencies
No funding sources declared.
References
Brooks, C. & Warren, R. P. (2004). Understanding Fiction. Beijing: Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press.
Crossley, S. A. & McNamara, D. S. (2011). Shared features of L2 writing: Intergroup homogeneity and text classification. Journal of Second Language Writing, 20(4), 271-285. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jslw.2011.05.007
Du, H. & Cai, J. (2013). A Coh-Metrix-based prediction model of the quality of argumentative essays by Chinese English learners. Modern Foreign Languages, 36(3), 293-300. Available at: https://kns.cnki.net/kcms2/article/abstract?v=-w8R4t09JVUlQYuGlQOBOrVmxzz6Htk0Ra9Sj-LUcM3JOoYb1AnVNuERWW2DOTxamSZT9SeKsOcbWRLxYwrqdR37J5zMeljKm1s0VzFv70UT0rtzDwYSMtgStg9bgJJs8u-CODNt_Kp9D3dP4ldGEpMMUx9bWxq9vsS_FgkwfFQ=&uniplatform=NZKPT&language=CHS
Graesser, A. C., Jeon, M., Yan, Y., & Cai, Z. (2007). Discourse cohesion in text and tutorial dialogue. Information Design Journal, 15(3), 199-213. DOI: https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1075/idj.15.3.02gra
Graesser, A. C., McNamara, D. S., & Kulikowich, J. M. (2011). Coh-Metrix: providing multilevel analyses of text characteristics. Educational Researcher, 40(5), 223-234. DOI: https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.3102/0013189X11413260
Halliday, M. A. K. & Hasan, R. (1976). Cohesion in English. London: Longman.
Hu, Z. (1994). Cohesion and Coherence in Discourse. Shanghai: Shanghai Foreign Language Education Press.
Jacobs, H. L., Zinkgraf, S. A., Wormuth, D. R., Hartfiel, V. F., & Hughey, J. B. (1981). Testing ESL composition: A practical approach. English composition program. Newbury House Publishers, Inc., Rowley, MA 01969.
Jia, W. & Zhang, P. (2020). The Relationship Between textual features and writing quality of essays from TEM-8 writing tests. Foreign Language Testing and Teaching, 2020(1), 1-9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26970/j.cnki.fltt.1004-5112.2020.01.001.
Jiang, J. (2016). The application of Coh-Metrix in foreign language teaching and research. Foreign Language in China, 2016(5): 58-65.
Kong, W. (2023). Verification of the validity of the English Proficiency Scale for Chinese Learners based on the English Language Learner Corpus: Using the Cohesion Knowledge Application Ability Scale as an Example. Foreign Language Testing and Teaching, 2023(2), 29-38. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26970/j.cnki.fltt.1004-5112.2023.02.004.
Liang, J. (2019). A Coh-Metrix-based comparative study of discourse coherence in Chinese and American English News. Journal of Heilongjiang University of Technology, 2019(8), 139-143. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1672-6758.2019.08.027
Liang, M. (2006). Coherence of written discourse of foreign language learners. Modern Foreign Languages, 2006(3), 284-292. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1003-6105.2006.03.008
Louwerse, M. M, McCarthy, P. M., McNamara, D. S. & Graesser, A. C. (2004). Variation in language and cohesion across written and spoken registers. In K. D. Forbus, D. Gentner, & T. Regier (eds.). Proceedings of the 26th Annual Meeting of the Cognitive Science Society (pp. 843-848). Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.
McNamara, D. S., Graesser, A. C., McCarthy, P., & Cai, Z. (2014). Automated Evaluation of Text and Discourse with Coh-Metrix. New York: Cambridge University Press.
McNamara, D. S., Louwerse, M. M., McCarthy, P. M., & Graesser, A. C. (2010). Coh-Metrix: Capturing linguistic features of cohesion. Discourse Processes, 47, 292-330. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01638530902959943?urlappend=%3Futm_source%3Dresearchgate.net%26utm_medium%3Darticle
Peng, H. (2017). An Empirical Study on Coherence of Writing by EFL Learners. Journal of PLA University of Foreign Languages, 2017(7): 87-92.
Qin, X. (2003). Quantitative Data Analysis in Foreign Language Teaching Research. Wuhan: Huazhong University of Science and Technology Press.
Richards, J. C., Schmidt, R., Kendrick, H., & Kim, Y. (2005). Longman Dictionary of Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics (Third Edition). Beijing: Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press.
Tang, S. (2006). Issues about coherence in college students’ English writing. Journal of Zhanjiang Normal University, 2006(2), 106-108. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1006-4702.2006.01.023
Wang, J. & Zhang, T. (2020). The relationship between quantitative indicators and machine-generated scores of second-language writing. Foreign Language Testing and Teaching, 2020(3), 12-20. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26970/j.cnki.fltt.1004-5112.2020.03.002
Wen, J. (2013). Integrated realization of cohesion and coherence in texts. Foreign Language Research, 2013(4), 107-112.
Wen, Q., Liang, M., & Yan, X. (2008). Spoken and Written English Corpus of Chinese Learners (SWECCL 2.0). Beijing: Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press.
Xu, H. (2013). Cases of Statistical Analysis in Second Language Learning Research. Beijing: Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press.
Zhang, D. & Liu, R. (2018). The Development of the Theory of Text Coherence and Cohesion and Its Application (Second Edition). Shanghai: Shanghai Foreign Language Education Press.
Zhang, G. & He, F. (2022). Reliability and validity of an automated scoring system for English compositions: A quantitative Analysis of textual features in different types of writing tasks. Foreign Language Testing and Teaching, 2022(01), 44-56. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26970/j.cnki.fltt.1004-5112.2022.01.006
Zhang, J. (2016). The development of discourse coherence in college English compositions: A study based on Coh-Metrix. The World and Chongqing, 33(03), 66-72. DOI: https://doi.org/10.13769/j.cnki.cn50-1011/d.2016.03.014
Zhou, W. (2023). Coherence in continuation writing in senior secondary English education: A study based on Coh-Metrix. Foreign Language Testing and Teaching, 2023(2), 39-47. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26970/j.cnki.fltt.1004-5112.2023.02.005.
Zhu, H. (2007). Discourse Coherence and Structural Cohesion. Journal of Ningde Teachers College (Philosophy and Social Sciences Edition), 83(4), 58-62.
Crossley, S. A. & McNamara, D. S. (2011). Shared features of L2 writing: Intergroup homogeneity and text classification. Journal of Second Language Writing, 20(4), 271-285. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jslw.2011.05.007
Du, H. & Cai, J. (2013). A Coh-Metrix-based prediction model of the quality of argumentative essays by Chinese English learners. Modern Foreign Languages, 36(3), 293-300. Available at: https://kns.cnki.net/kcms2/article/abstract?v=-w8R4t09JVUlQYuGlQOBOrVmxzz6Htk0Ra9Sj-LUcM3JOoYb1AnVNuERWW2DOTxamSZT9SeKsOcbWRLxYwrqdR37J5zMeljKm1s0VzFv70UT0rtzDwYSMtgStg9bgJJs8u-CODNt_Kp9D3dP4ldGEpMMUx9bWxq9vsS_FgkwfFQ=&uniplatform=NZKPT&language=CHS
Graesser, A. C., Jeon, M., Yan, Y., & Cai, Z. (2007). Discourse cohesion in text and tutorial dialogue. Information Design Journal, 15(3), 199-213. DOI: https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1075/idj.15.3.02gra
Graesser, A. C., McNamara, D. S., & Kulikowich, J. M. (2011). Coh-Metrix: providing multilevel analyses of text characteristics. Educational Researcher, 40(5), 223-234. DOI: https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.3102/0013189X11413260
Halliday, M. A. K. & Hasan, R. (1976). Cohesion in English. London: Longman.
Hu, Z. (1994). Cohesion and Coherence in Discourse. Shanghai: Shanghai Foreign Language Education Press.
Jacobs, H. L., Zinkgraf, S. A., Wormuth, D. R., Hartfiel, V. F., & Hughey, J. B. (1981). Testing ESL composition: A practical approach. English composition program. Newbury House Publishers, Inc., Rowley, MA 01969.
Jia, W. & Zhang, P. (2020). The Relationship Between textual features and writing quality of essays from TEM-8 writing tests. Foreign Language Testing and Teaching, 2020(1), 1-9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26970/j.cnki.fltt.1004-5112.2020.01.001.
Jiang, J. (2016). The application of Coh-Metrix in foreign language teaching and research. Foreign Language in China, 2016(5): 58-65.
Kong, W. (2023). Verification of the validity of the English Proficiency Scale for Chinese Learners based on the English Language Learner Corpus: Using the Cohesion Knowledge Application Ability Scale as an Example. Foreign Language Testing and Teaching, 2023(2), 29-38. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26970/j.cnki.fltt.1004-5112.2023.02.004.
Liang, J. (2019). A Coh-Metrix-based comparative study of discourse coherence in Chinese and American English News. Journal of Heilongjiang University of Technology, 2019(8), 139-143. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1672-6758.2019.08.027
Liang, M. (2006). Coherence of written discourse of foreign language learners. Modern Foreign Languages, 2006(3), 284-292. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1003-6105.2006.03.008
Louwerse, M. M, McCarthy, P. M., McNamara, D. S. & Graesser, A. C. (2004). Variation in language and cohesion across written and spoken registers. In K. D. Forbus, D. Gentner, & T. Regier (eds.). Proceedings of the 26th Annual Meeting of the Cognitive Science Society (pp. 843-848). Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.
McNamara, D. S., Graesser, A. C., McCarthy, P., & Cai, Z. (2014). Automated Evaluation of Text and Discourse with Coh-Metrix. New York: Cambridge University Press.
McNamara, D. S., Louwerse, M. M., McCarthy, P. M., & Graesser, A. C. (2010). Coh-Metrix: Capturing linguistic features of cohesion. Discourse Processes, 47, 292-330. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01638530902959943?urlappend=%3Futm_source%3Dresearchgate.net%26utm_medium%3Darticle
Peng, H. (2017). An Empirical Study on Coherence of Writing by EFL Learners. Journal of PLA University of Foreign Languages, 2017(7): 87-92.
Qin, X. (2003). Quantitative Data Analysis in Foreign Language Teaching Research. Wuhan: Huazhong University of Science and Technology Press.
Richards, J. C., Schmidt, R., Kendrick, H., & Kim, Y. (2005). Longman Dictionary of Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics (Third Edition). Beijing: Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press.
Tang, S. (2006). Issues about coherence in college students’ English writing. Journal of Zhanjiang Normal University, 2006(2), 106-108. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1006-4702.2006.01.023
Wang, J. & Zhang, T. (2020). The relationship between quantitative indicators and machine-generated scores of second-language writing. Foreign Language Testing and Teaching, 2020(3), 12-20. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26970/j.cnki.fltt.1004-5112.2020.03.002
Wen, J. (2013). Integrated realization of cohesion and coherence in texts. Foreign Language Research, 2013(4), 107-112.
Wen, Q., Liang, M., & Yan, X. (2008). Spoken and Written English Corpus of Chinese Learners (SWECCL 2.0). Beijing: Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press.
Xu, H. (2013). Cases of Statistical Analysis in Second Language Learning Research. Beijing: Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press.
Zhang, D. & Liu, R. (2018). The Development of the Theory of Text Coherence and Cohesion and Its Application (Second Edition). Shanghai: Shanghai Foreign Language Education Press.
Zhang, G. & He, F. (2022). Reliability and validity of an automated scoring system for English compositions: A quantitative Analysis of textual features in different types of writing tasks. Foreign Language Testing and Teaching, 2022(01), 44-56. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26970/j.cnki.fltt.1004-5112.2022.01.006
Zhang, J. (2016). The development of discourse coherence in college English compositions: A study based on Coh-Metrix. The World and Chongqing, 33(03), 66-72. DOI: https://doi.org/10.13769/j.cnki.cn50-1011/d.2016.03.014
Zhou, W. (2023). Coherence in continuation writing in senior secondary English education: A study based on Coh-Metrix. Foreign Language Testing and Teaching, 2023(2), 39-47. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26970/j.cnki.fltt.1004-5112.2023.02.005.
Zhu, H. (2007). Discourse Coherence and Structural Cohesion. Journal of Ningde Teachers College (Philosophy and Social Sciences Edition), 83(4), 58-62.
How to Cite
Xie, Y. (2026). Discourse Cohesion and Coherence and the Writing Quality of English Argumentative Essays: An Analysis Based on Coh-Metrix . Science Insights Education Frontiers, 32(2), 5249–5264. https://doi.org/10.15354/sief.26.or178
Issue
Section
Original Article
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.