Coherence & Cohesion (CC) is one of four equally weighted criteria in IELTS Writing — yet it's the one most students understand least. Getting CC right is often the difference between Band 6 and Band 7.
What's the Difference Between Coherence and Cohesion?
Coherence is about logic and organisation — does your essay flow logically? Are your ideas in the right order? Is your argument clear?
Cohesion is about the linguistic tools you use to connect ideas — linking words, pronouns, reference words, and substitution.
An essay can have good cohesion but poor coherence (lots of linking words but no logical structure). Or good coherence but poor cohesion (logical ideas but no connective language). You need both.
Linking Words: Quality Over Quantity
Many students over-use linking words, thinking more is better. It isn't. Using "Furthermore, Moreover, In addition, Additionally" in the same paragraph is penalised for "overuse of cohesive devices."
Don't do this: "Furthermore, technology is important. Moreover, it helps people. In addition, it connects society. Additionally, it improves education."
Do this: "Technology plays a central role in modern life. It has transformed not only how people communicate, but also how they learn and access information."
Essential Cohesive Devices
- Addition: furthermore, in addition, moreover (use sparingly — one per paragraph maximum)
- Contrast: however, nevertheless, on the other hand, that said, by contrast
- Cause/Effect: as a result, consequently, therefore, thus, this leads to
- Example: for instance, for example, to illustrate, a clear example of this is
- Concession: admittedly, granted, while it is true that, despite this
Reference and Substitution
Instead of repeating a noun, use pronouns or synonyms to refer back to it. This is a key cohesion technique that many students miss.
"Education plays a vital role in economic development. It equips individuals with skills that... These skills are particularly valuable in..." — three different ways of referring to "education" and "skills" without repeating the exact words.
Paragraph Organisation
For Band 7 CC, each body paragraph must follow a clear internal logic: topic sentence → explanation → example → mini-conclusion. Don't jump between different ideas within the same paragraph.