Why This Matters
Cohesion isn’t just about linking words — it’s about how your ideas flow from one sentence to the next. Examiners are trained to spot mechanical, forced writing.
If your essay reads like a list of disconnected facts glued together with “moreover” and “in addition,” you’re not going to hit a high band.
To get a strong score for Coherence and Cohesion, you need to use cohesive devices in a way that feels smooth, natural, and purposeful.
What Are Cohesive Devices?
These are the tools that hold your writing together:
-
Linking words (however, for example, as a result)
-
Referencing (this, these, such, one, the former)
-
Substitution (using a synonym to avoid repetition)
-
Parallel structure (matching grammar and rhythm)
Used well, they make your writing easier to follow.
Used poorly, they make it sound robotic.
The Problem with Overlinking
Bad Example:
Firstly, tourism helps local economies. Secondly, it brings jobs. Thirdly, it improves infrastructure. Furthermore, it increases cultural exchange. Moreover, it helps businesses.
This reads like a list, not an essay.
Linkers are everywhere, but there’s no real development or logic.
Fixing It with Natural Cohesion
Improved Example:
Tourism helps local economies in several ways. For instance, when tourists spend money in hotels, shops, and restaurants, this creates demand and leads to more job opportunities. In many regions, especially coastal or rural areas, tourism is one of the main sources of employment. These jobs, in turn, allow local families to support themselves and contribute to community development.
This version uses fewer obvious linkers but is much more connected.
It flows because the ideas build on each other.
Referencing Words That Help You Sound Fluent
Use referencing to avoid repetition and keep your writing tight:
-
This / These / Such
→ This issue is particularly severe in major cities.
→ Such problems are common in tourist hotspots. -
One / Another / The former / The latter
→ One cause is a lack of education. Another is poor infrastructure. -
It / They / Them
→ Tourists spend heavily. This benefits local business owners.
These words are often missed by students but are a clear signal of cohesion to the examiner.
Cohesive Devices in Context: A Mini Rewrite
Original (awkward):
Tourism is good for the economy. However, it can cause problems. Moreover, locals lose housing. Furthermore, noise increases. In addition, roads are crowded.
Improved:
While tourism brings economic benefits, it can also disrupt daily life for residents. Locals may lose access to affordable housing as rental prices increase. Noise levels rise, and crowded roads make commuting more difficult.
See the difference?
It flows without shouting, “Look, I know a linking word!”
Final Tips
-
Don’t frontload every sentence with a linker.
-
Use referencing to avoid repetition.
-
Think logic and grammar, not memorised phrases.
-
Read your paragraph aloud — does it feel natural?
If it sounds like a list, you’ve gone too far.
Strong cohesion = higher fluency = higher score.
Let the examiner glide through your ideas — not trip over your transitions.