Improve Coherence and Cohesion
Coherence and Cohesion is one of the four scoring criteria in IELTS Writing, and it is an area where many students lose marks unnecessarily.
Some candidates believe coherence simply means using many linking words such as:
- furthermore
- moreover
- consequently
However, coherence is much more than this.
A coherent essay is:
- easy to follow
- logically organised
- clear and connected
In this article, you will learn:
- what coherence and cohesion actually mean
- common mistakes students make
- how to organise ideas more effectively
- how to improve paragraph flow naturally
What Is Coherence?
Coherence refers to:
- logical organisation
- clear progression of ideas
A coherent essay feels easy to read because the ideas connect naturally.
The examiner should never feel confused about:
- your argument
- paragraph purpose
- idea progression
What Is Cohesion?
Cohesion refers to:
- how sentences connect together
- the language used to create flow
This includes:
- linking words
- referencing
- pronouns
- substitution
- paragraph connections
Good cohesion helps the essay sound smooth and natural.
Common Misunderstanding About Linking Words
Many students think:
“More linking words = higher score.”
This is false.
Overusing connectors often creates unnatural writing.
Example:
Firstly, technology is useful. Secondly, it helps communication. Moreover, it improves education. Furthermore, it helps businesses.
This sounds mechanical and repetitive.
Better Approach
Technology improves communication by allowing people to interact instantly across long distances. In addition, online learning platforms have made education more accessible.
The connections feel more natural.
The Importance of Paragraphing
Strong paragraphing is essential for coherence.
Each body paragraph should contain:
- one main idea
- clear development
- logical explanation
Weak essays often:
- mix unrelated ideas together
- jump randomly between points
Example of Poor Coherence
Public transport reduces pollution. Education is important for society. Cars are expensive. Governments should improve roads.
The ideas do not connect logically.
The paragraph feels disorganised.
Improved Version
Public transport systems can significantly reduce pollution because fewer people rely on private vehicles. As a result, cities may experience lower carbon emissions and improved air quality.
Now the paragraph has:
- one clear focus
- logical progression
- connected sentences
Use Clear Topic Sentences
Topic sentences help guide the reader.
Weak:
There are many advantages.
Better:
Public transport can reduce traffic congestion in large cities.
The examiner immediately understands the paragraph’s purpose.
One Main Idea Per Paragraph
Many Band 6 essays try to discuss too many ideas in one paragraph.
This creates:
- weak development
- unclear structure
- repetition
A stronger approach is:
- one paragraph = one central argument
Logical Progression Between Paragraphs
Your essay should move naturally from one idea to the next.
Example:
Paragraph 1
Traffic reduction
Paragraph 2
Environmental benefits
This creates smooth progression.
Use Referencing Naturally
Referencing means using words like:
- this
- these
- such
- they
Example:
Many cities suffer from heavy traffic congestion. This problem can increase pollution and commuter stress.
“This problem” connects the ideas naturally.
Use Pronouns to Avoid Repetition
Weak:
Technology is important because technology improves communication and technology supports education.
Better:
Technology is important because it improves communication and supports education.
This improves cohesion significantly.
Avoid Repetitive Linking
Do not begin every sentence with:
- firstly
- secondly
- moreover
- furthermore
Band 7+ essays often use fewer linking words but better organisation.
Strong Cohesion Is Often Invisible
One important point:
- good cohesion usually feels natural
- readers should not notice it too much
Weak essays often sound “forced” because connectors are overused.
How to Improve Coherence During Planning
Before writing:
- organise your main ideas
- decide paragraph order
- think about logical flow
Even 3–5 minutes of planning can improve coherence dramatically.
Weak vs Strong Example
Weak Version
Technology is important nowadays. Furthermore, people use phones. Moreover, education is changing. In addition, businesses use computers.
Problems:
- disconnected ideas
- repetitive linking
- poor development
Stronger Version
Technology has transformed communication by allowing people to connect instantly through smartphones and social media platforms. It has also changed education significantly, as students can now access online learning materials from almost anywhere.
This version feels smoother and more organised.
Common Coherence Problems in IELTS Essays
1. Unclear Opinions
Your position should remain consistent throughout the essay.
2. Repetitive Ideas
Do not repeat the same argument in multiple paragraphs.
3. Weak Paragraph Development
Always explain and support your ideas.
4. Poor Sequencing
Ideas should appear in logical order.
Practical Ways to Improve
Read High-Quality Model Essays
Notice:
- paragraph structure
- sentence connections
- idea progression
Practise Writing Topic Sentences
Strong topic sentences improve coherence immediately.
Focus on Organisation Before Vocabulary
Many students obsess over “advanced words” while ignoring essay structure.
Organisation is often more important.
Read Your Essay Carefully
During checking:
- look for unclear sentences
- check paragraph focus
- remove unnecessary linking words
What Examiners Want
Examiners are looking for:
- logical organisation
- smooth progression
- clear paragraphing
- natural connections
They are not looking for:
- excessive linking words
- memorised phrases
- overly complicated structures
Final Advice
To improve coherence and cohesion:
- organise ideas logically
- use one main idea per paragraph
- connect ideas naturally
- avoid overusing linking words
- prioritise clarity over complexity
Remember:
- a clear essay is easier to understand
- easy-to-follow essays score higher
- natural organisation is more important than complicated vocabulary
Strong IELTS essays guide the reader smoothly from one idea to the next.
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