Coherence and Cohesion in IELTS Writing

Examiners assess how logically ideas flow and how clearly you signal relationships between sentences and paragraphs. This criterion (Coherence and Cohesion) is often confused with memorising linking phrases. In reality, clear paragraphing and natural reference matter more than stuffing Furthermore into every line.

Paragraphing principles

One central idea per paragraph. Start with a topic sentence that previews the paragraph's role. Supporting sentences follow; do not mix unrelated points.

Typical Task 2 layout:

• Introduction
• Body 1 — first main reason or view
• Body 2 — second main reason or view
• Optional Body 3 — concession or additional angle
• Conclusion

Task 1 uses introduction, overview, and two body paragraphs for detail — see Task 1 lesson.

Cohesive devices: use with restraint

Helpful connectors:

• Addition: In addition, Moreover (sparingly)
• Contrast: However, By contrast, On the other hand
• Cause/effect: Therefore, As a result, Consequently
• Example: For instance, For example
• Sequencing: First, Next, Finally

Overuse signals a template and can lower your score. If every sentence starts with a linker, rewrite half using reference instead.

Reference and substitution

Cohesion also means avoiding repetition:

• This policy / Such measures / These figures
• Doing so / The former / The latter (when clear)

Ensure the referent is obvious — ambiguous this hurts coherence.

Word count targets

Under-length answers lose marks in Task Achievement / Task Response. There is no upper penalty for length, but long off-topic essays lose coherence — quality beats quantity.

Counting during practice

Train word awareness:

• Task 1: aim to finish body paragraphs knowing you are near 160+
• Task 2: plan three points with examples — usually reaches 270+

In the exam, if you have two minutes left and are under count, add a developed example or a concession clause — not filler adjectives.

Template traps

Memorised openings (In today's modern world) annoy examiners and may not fit the question. Replace templates with flexible frames:

• One reason for this is…
• A clear example of this can be seen in…
• While it is true that…, …

Task 1 cohesion specifics

Link comparison paragraphs with Similarly, By comparison, In contrast. Refer back to categories (The figure for X, This category) rather than repeating full labels.

Editing pass (2 minutes)

1. Check each paragraph has one main idea
2. Remove duplicate linkers in adjacent sentences
3. Verify pronouns have clear antecedents
4. Confirm word count mentally — add one sentence if short

Band 7 cohesion snapshot

• Logical progression throughout
• Range of cohesive devices used appropriately
• Paragraphing clear with central topics
• Occas minor lapses acceptable

Official reference

Academic Writing assessment — IELTS Academic test format.