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IELTS Writing Task 2: Understanding Coherence and Cohesion

Why This Matters

Coherence and Cohesion (C&C) is one of the four assessment criteria used by IELTS examiners — and it’s one of the most misunderstood. Many students focus on vocabulary or grammar, but forget that if their ideas aren’t logically organised and clearly connected, the whole essay falls apart. A messy structure, awkward transitions, or jumping between ideas can cost you Band 7, even if everything else is strong. This guide shows you how to make sure your writing flows clearly from start to finish.

What Is Coherence and Cohesion?

  • Coherence = The logical organisation of your ideas
    → Does your essay make sense overall?

  • Cohesion = How well your sentences and paragraphs are connected
    → Do your ideas flow naturally?

Together, they ensure your essay is easy to follow and makes a clear argument from start to finish.

What Examiners Look For

To score well in C&C, your essay should:

  • Follow a clear structure (Introduction → Body Paragraph 1 → Body Paragraph 2 → Conclusion)

  • Use logical paragraphing (one idea per paragraph)

  • Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence

  • Use a range of linking words (e.g. however, as a result, on the other hand)

  • Avoid repeating the same phrases or transitions over and over

Common Mistakes

1. Bad Paragraphing

Don’t jam everything into one block of text. Separate your ideas clearly.

2. Overusing Linkers

Using however or therefore in every sentence sounds robotic.
Linkers should feel natural, not forced.

3. Weak Topic Sentences

Start each paragraph with a sentence that signals the point.
The examiner should immediately know what the paragraph is about.

4. Jumping Between Ideas

Each paragraph should focus on one clear idea.
Don’t drift into new topics halfway through.

Sample Body Paragraph (Good Coherence and Cohesion)

So, why do I feel this way? Tourism creates jobs in many parts of the world, especially in poorer regions. As people travel, they spend money on hotels, restaurants, and transport, which directly supports local economies. For example, small coastal towns often rely entirely on the income brought in by foreign visitors. This makes tourism an essential industry for these communities, and without it, many residents would face unemployment or be forced to move away.

Why it works:

  • Starts with a topic sentence

  • Each sentence builds logically on the last

  • Linking is natural and varied

  • The whole paragraph develops one idea

Quick Fixes to Improve C&C

  • Plan your essay before you start

  • Use a clear structure with signposted ideas

  • Vary your sentence lengths and transitions

  • Keep each paragraph focused on one point only

  • Avoid lists of facts — develop each point fully

Try This

Fix the structure and cohesion in this paragraph:

Tourism is good. It brings money. Also, it helps local people. There are jobs. It helps education too.

Your task:

  • Add a topic sentence

  • Use natural linking

  • Extend at least one point with detail or an example

Final Advice

Good writing isn’t about showing off — it’s about clarity.
If you want a high score in Coherence and Cohesion, make sure your ideas are easy to follow, logically ordered, and clearly connected.

Think of the examiner as someone reading fast under pressure.
They don’t want to guess what your point is.
Make it easy for them.

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