Linking words and Coherence & Cohesion
Coherence and Cohesion is one of the four criteria in IELTS Writing. It looks at how logically your ideas are organised and how clearly they are connected. Linking words (cohesive devices) are one part of that: the band descriptors for band 7 mention using “a range of cohesive devices appropriately”, while lower bands describe devices that are “mechanical” or overused.
The functions the checker looks for
- Addition — furthermore, in addition, moreover
- Contrast — however, nevertheless, whereas, on the other hand
- Cause and effect — therefore, as a result, consequently, due to
- Example — for instance, such as, a case in point
- Sequence — firstly, subsequently, finally
- Comparison, opinion and conclusion — similarly, in my view, in conclusion
Worked example
An essay that uses “Moreover” three times, “However” three times and no example phrases will show two overuse warnings and a note that no example devices were found. Replacing one “Moreover” with “What is more”, turning one “However” into “whereas” inside a sentence, and supporting a point with “For instance, …” gives the same essay noticeably better variety.
Tips
- Choose the linker for its meaning first; never add one just to include it.
- Use referencing (this, these, such) as well as linking words to connect sentences.
- Avoid informal linkers such as “plus” and “anyway” in Task 2 and Academic Task 1.
- Check your overall clarity with the readability checker.