What is Cohesion & Coherence?
This is one of the four marking criteria. Understanding it properly can boost your score significantly!
The Difference
COHERENCE
The logical flow of ideas
- Do ideas make sense together?
- Is there a clear progression?
- Can the reader follow your argument?
- Is your essay well-organized?
COHESION
The grammatical and lexical connections
- Reference words (this, these, such)
- Substitution and ellipsis
- Conjunctions and linking words
- Lexical chains (related words)
Band 7 Requirements
Band 7: Coherence & Cohesion
What examiners look for:
- Logically organizes information and ideas; clear progression throughout
- Uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately (not mechanically)
- Presents a clear central topic within each paragraph
- May have occasional lapses in coherence or inappropriate cohesion
The Four Cohesive Devices
| Device | What It Does | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Reference | Points back to previously mentioned items | The government introduced new policies. These measures proved effective. |
| Substitution | Replaces words to avoid repetition | Students study hard. Teachers do so as well. |
| Ellipsis | Omits words that are understood | Some people support the plan; others [do] not. |
| Conjunction | Connects ideas and shows relationships | Technology helps learning. However, it also creates distractions. |
Mastering Reference Words
This creates connection between sentences and avoids repetition.
Types of Reference
Personal Reference
Pronouns: it, they, he, she, them, their
Demonstrative Reference
This, that, these, those, such
Comparative Reference
Same, similar, different, other, another
Reference Chains in Academic Writing
Example: Building a Reference Chain
- new environmental regulations (original)
- These policies (demonstrative + synonym)
- Such measures (demonstrative + synonym)
- they (pronoun)
Common Reference Words for IELTS
| Function | Reference Words | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Pointing to ideas | this, that, these, those | Technology improves efficiency. This advantage is significant. |
| Referring to situations | such, this situation, this problem | Many students struggle financially. Such difficulties affect their studies. |
| Referring to people | they, them, their, those who | Young people use social media. They spend hours online. |
| Referring to things | it, this, that, these | The policy was controversial. It faced strong opposition. |
Interactive Practice: Identify References
Instructions: Click on each paragraph to reveal which words are references and what they refer to.
- "This problem" refers back to "Environmental pollution"
- "Such issues" refers back to the pollution and health problems mentioned
- "They" refers to "teenagers"
- "this habit" refers to "spending excessive time on social media"
- "These platforms" refers to "social media"
- "it" refers to "Online education"
- "This disadvantage" refers to the lack of personal interaction
Problem: Does "this" refer to taxing food OR promoting exercise OR both?
Better: Clear reference to BOTH measures
Substitution & Ellipsis
Ellipsis = Leaving out words that are understood
Both techniques help avoid repetition and create natural flow.
Substitution Types
Nominal Substitution
one, ones, the same
Verbal Substitution
do, do so, does
Clausal Substitution
so, not
Substitution Examples in IELTS Writing
Example 1: Using "one/ones"
Some students prefer face-to-face classes, while other students prefer online classes.
Some students prefer face-to-face classes, while others prefer online ones.
Example 2: Using "do so"
Governments should invest in renewable energy. Private companies should invest in renewable energy too.
Governments should invest in renewable energy. Private companies should do so too.
Ellipsis in Academic Writing
This is common in comparisons and parallel structures.
Example 1: Verb Ellipsis
The verb "oppose" is understood from context
Example 2: Noun Ellipsis
Both the noun "countries" and the verb "produce" are understood
Practice: Improve These Sentences
Instructions: Click on each sentence to see how to improve it using substitution or ellipsis.
Technique: Verbal substitution with "do" ("do so" sounds odd with verbs like enjoy)
Technique: Ellipsis (omitting repeated words)
Technique: Nominal substitution with "ones"
Paragraph Linking Techniques
Examiners specifically look for "clear progression throughout" for Band 7+
Three Ways to Link Paragraphs
1. Topic Sentences
Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence that connects to the previous idea
Para 2: Besides physical benefits, exercise also improves mental health.
2. Transitional Words
Use appropriate signposting words (but don't overuse!)
Para 2: Furthermore, second reason...
3. Reference Back
Refer back to ideas from the previous paragraph
Para 2: While these technological advances offer benefits...
Analysis: Well-Linked Essay
Many people believe that university education should be free for all students. While this idea has merit, I believe that charging reasonable fees is more sustainable and fair.
Firstly, free university education would create an enormous financial burden on governments. Most countries already struggle with budget deficits, and adding the cost of higher education would worsen this problem. For example, the UK government spends billions on education already. Such expenses would increase dramatically if all university fees were eliminated.
In addition to financial concerns, charging moderate fees ensures that students value their education. When people pay for something, they tend to take it more seriously. Students who have invested their own money in a course often feel stronger pressure to finish it than those who have not. This commitment to finishing their studies benefits both the individual and society.
In conclusion, while free university education may seem appealing, the financial and practical challenges make it unrealistic. The current system of moderate fees, combined with scholarships for needy students, offers a better balance.
- Clear topic sentences starting each paragraph
- Appropriate transitional phrases (Firstly, In addition to)
- Reference words connecting ideas (this problem, such expenses, they, this commitment)
- Logical progression: Introduction → Problem 1 → Problem 2 → Conclusion
- Conclusion references back to "current system" mentioned earlier
Common Paragraph Transitions
| Function | Transitions | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Adding ideas | Furthermore, Moreover, In addition, Besides this | Body 1 discusses benefits. Furthermore, Body 2 discusses more advantages. |
| Contrasting ideas | However, On the other hand, Nevertheless, Conversely | Body 1 shows advantages. However, Body 2 examines disadvantages. |
| Showing result | Therefore, Consequently, As a result, Thus | Problems discussed. Therefore, solutions are needed. |
| Sequencing | Firstly, Secondly, Finally, To begin with | Firstly, reason one. Secondly, reason two. |
Para 1: Firstly, technology helps learning...
Para 2: Secondly, technology improves communication...
Para 3: Thirdly, technology creates opportunities...
Natural (Band 7-8):
Para 1: Technology has transformed education in recent years...
Para 2: Beyond educational benefits, technology also enables global communication...
Para 3: Perhaps the most significant impact is in creating new career opportunities...
Interactive: Evaluate Paragraph Transitions
Which paragraph transition is better?
Paragraph 1: "Regular exercise provides numerous physical health benefits including weight management and disease prevention."
Paragraph 2 should discuss mental health benefits. Which transition is better?
Which shows better cohesion?
Context: Previous paragraph discussed problems with urban traffic.
Cohesion Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Add Reference Words
Instructions: Choose the best reference word to fill each blank.
Many teenagers spend excessive time on social media. can negatively affect their academic performance.
Governments should tax unhealthy food and invest in sports facilities. would improve public health significantly.
Online education offers flexibility. , it lacks personal interaction with teachers.
Exercise 2: Improve Cohesion
Instructions: Rewrite these pairs of sentences using cohesive devices. Click to see suggestions.
1. "Some people prefer working from home, while others prefer working in an office."
2. "Some people prefer working from home; others prefer office environments."
3. "Some people prefer working from home, whereas others favor office settings."
1. "Technology has dramatically changed education." (combine)
2. "Technology has changed education, and this change has been dramatic."
3. "Technology has transformed education in dramatic ways."
1. "Students should study hard, teachers should teach effectively, and parents should support their children."
2. "Students should study hard, while teachers must teach effectively and parents need to support them."
3. "Success requires students to study hard, teachers to teach effectively, and parents to provide support."
Exercise 3: Paragraph Linking Challenge
Scenario: You're writing about the advantages and disadvantages of social media. Your first body paragraph discussed the benefits (connecting people, sharing information). Now you need to start your second paragraph about disadvantages.
Which opening is BEST for the second paragraph?
Analyze Cohesion in Real Essays
Topic
Essay A: Poor Cohesion (Band 5-6)
Community service is good for students. Students learn many things. It helps the community.
Students can learn responsibility. They can help old people. They can clean parks. This is important.
Some people think community service takes too much time. Students are busy. They have homework. They have exams.
I think community service should be required. It is good for students. It is good for society. Students should do community service.
- Very short, repetitive sentences
- No clear reference words (keeps repeating "students," "community service")
- No paragraph linking
- Ideas feel disconnected and choppy
- Mechanical structure, no flow
Essay B: Excellent Cohesion (Band 7-8)
Community service has become an increasingly important component of modern education. While some argue that making it compulsory places undue pressure on students, I firmly believe that mandatory community work offers significant benefits to both young people and society.
Firstly, engaging in unpaid community work helps teenagers develop essential life skills and character. When young people volunteer at local charities, care homes, or environmental projects, they learn valuable qualities such as empathy, responsibility, and teamwork. For instance, a teenager volunteering at a food bank not only assists those in need but also gains a deeper understanding of social inequality. This hands-on experience is often more impactful than classroom learning alone.
Furthermore, community service programs address genuine social needs while strengthening community bonds. Many organizations, particularly in areas such as elderly care and youth mentoring, rely heavily on volunteers to function effectively. By requiring teenagers to participate, communities benefit from increased support for these vital services. Moreover, when young people work alongside adults from diverse backgrounds, they develop a stronger sense of civic responsibility that extends into adulthood.
Admittedly, critics argue that mandating service work infringes on teenagers' already limited free time, which could be spent on academic studies or extracurricular activities. However, this concern overlooks the fact that community service itself is an educational experience that can complement formal schooling. Indeed, many universities now take volunteer experience into account when making admissions decisions.
In conclusion, I strongly believe that requiring teenagers to participate in community service creates a win-win situation for both young people and society. The personal development and civic awareness gained through such programs far outweigh concerns about time commitment.
- Reference words: it, they, this hands-on experience, these vital services, this concern, such programs
- Clear transitions: Firstly, Furthermore, Admittedly, However, Indeed, In conclusion
- Paragraph linking: Each paragraph flows naturally from the previous one
- Lexical chains: community service → it → mandatory community work → such programs
- Natural flow: Ideas connect smoothly without being mechanical
Your Turn: Cohesion Checklist
| Device | Self-Check Question |
|---|---|
| Reference Words | Have I used "this," "these," "such," "it," "they" to avoid repetition? |
| Substitution | Have I used "ones," "do so," "the same" where appropriate? |
| Transitions | Are my paragraphs linked with appropriate transition words? |
| Variety | Have I varied my sentence structures and avoided repetition? |
| Natural Flow | Does my essay read smoothly, or does it sound mechanical? |
The Band 9 descriptor says a top essay "uses cohesion in such a way that it attracts no attention". The focus should be on your IDEAS and VOCABULARY, not on linking words. Natural cohesion happens when you think clearly about your argument and express it logically.