Cohesion is the invisible glue that holds your essay together. Examiners reward Band 7 writing that guides the reader smoothly from idea to idea. Most 6.5 scripts lose marks because they rely on a narrow set of linking words, which makes the writing feel mechanical. The difference isn’t just about adding more linkers — it’s about choosing the right device for the right moment.
What does 'cohesion' mean on the IELTS rubric?
On the IELTS Writing band descriptors, 'cohesion' refers to how clearly and logically your ideas connect. This includes using a range of cohesive devices: not just basic conjunctions, but referencing (like 'this', 'these'), substitution, and paragraph linking. Band 7 writing is marked by flexibility — the ability to signal relationships between ideas without repetition or confusion.
Band 6.5
Firstly, people use cars. Secondly, cars cause pollution. In conclusion, cars are good and bad.
Band 7
Private vehicles dominate urban transport, which leads to rising pollution levels. This environmental impact is undeniable, yet for many, cars remain essential for daily life.
The four types of cohesive devices that matter
- Linking words (e.g. however, therefore, in contrast)
- Referencing (e.g. this, these, such, the former)
- Substitution (e.g. do so, one/ones, the latter)
- Paragraph linking (link-back sentences and topic sentences)
Most students overuse basic linking words like 'and', 'but', or 'because'. Band 7 writing goes beyond these — using 'however', 'nevertheless', 'consequently', and more. The key is variation and precision. If every paragraph starts with 'Firstly' or 'Secondly', your cohesion score stalls at 6.5.
Referencing pulls your writing together by pointing back to earlier ideas. Words like 'this', 'these', 'such', or 'the former' help avoid repetition. For example, instead of repeating 'public transport' five times, refer back with 'this option' or 'such systems'. This signals control to the examiner.
Substitution is the Band 7 secret weapon. Instead of repeating a noun or verb, you swap it for a substitute. For example, 'Many people want to own a home. Doing so is becoming more difficult.' Here, 'doing so' replaces 'owning a home'. This keeps your writing concise and cohesive.
Paragraph linking is where most 6.5 students bleed marks. Each paragraph should begin with a topic sentence and end with a link-back sentence that connects to your main argument. This is the difference between an essay that feels like a list and one that reads as a single, flowing argument.
Many people believe that higher education should be free. This view is supported by evidence from countries like Germany, where tuition fees have been abolished.
Band 7 IELTS Writing Task 2
- Cohesive devices
- Words or phrases that link ideas and sentences together, creating logical flow.
- Referencing
- Using pronouns or demonstratives (this, these, such) to refer back to previous ideas.
- Substitution
- Replacing a word or phrase with another to avoid repetition and maintain flow.
- Link-back sentence
- A sentence at the end of a paragraph that connects the idea back to the main argument or topic.