Coherence and cohesion in Writing

By the end you’ll be able to

Sequence information and ideas logically within and across paragraphs

Use referencing (this, these, such, the former) and substitution to avoid repetition

Use a range of cohesive devices accurately without mechanical over-use of linkers

Paragraph Task 1 and Task 2 responses so that each paragraph has a clear central focus

What the exam asks

Examiners look at four things (in our words):

Logical sequencing and progression. Does each idea follow from the one before, so that the response moves forward?
Paragraphing. Does each paragraph have one clear central topic, and are the paragraph breaks where a reader would expect them?
Range and accuracy of cohesive devices. Are however, whereas, as a result and similar words used correctly, and without overdoing them?
Referencing and substitution. Do this, these, such, the former and which point clearly back to what came before, so you don’t have to repeat yourself?

Band	What it typically looks like
5	Some organisation, but the progression is unclear; linkers are too few, inaccurate or over-used; poor referencing leads to repetition
6	Coherent overall, but the linking is faulty or mechanical; some referencing is unclear; paragraphs are not always logical
7	Logical, with clear progression; a range of devices, with some over- or under-use; a clear central topic in each paragraph
8	Logical sequencing throughout; cohesion handled well with only rare lapses; paragraphing well judged
9	Cohesion is so natural the reader doesn’t notice it; paragraphing is used skilfully

The criterion applies in the same way to Academic Task 1 reports, General Training letters and Task 2 essays.

Macro level: introduction, body paragraphs in a logical order, then conclusion (Task 2). Each body paragraph has one central topic, announced in its first sentence.
Micro level: each sentence grows out of the one before. Use given → new order. Start a sentence with information the reader already has and end with something new, which the next sentence can then pick up.

Function	Sentence connector (new sentence, or after ;)	Conjunction (joins two clauses)	Preposition (+ noun or -ing)
Addition	In addition, Moreover, Furthermore	and	in addition to, as well as
Contrast	However, By contrast, On the other hand	whereas, while, but	unlike
Concession	Nevertheless, Admittedly, Even so	although, even though	despite, in spite of
Cause	—	because, since, as	because of, due to, owing to
Result	Consequently, As a result, Therefore	so	—
Example	For example, For instance	—	such as, including

Tool	Example	Use it to…
this/these + summary noun	This shift…, These measures…	package the previous idea into a noun
such + noun	Such policies…	refer back to a type of thing
the former / the latter	…cars and bicycles; the latter…	pick one of exactly two items
sentence which	…fell sharply, which suggests…	comment on a whole clause
do so / doing so	…to cycle; those who do so…	avoid repeating a verb phrase
one / ones	…older buildings and newer ones	avoid repeating a noun

Task	Paragraphs	Central topic of each
Academic Task 1	3–4	introduction; overview; one paragraph per group of data (by trend or category, not by year)
General Training Task 1	4–5	purpose; one paragraph per bullet point; closing request
Task 2	4–5	introduction with position; one idea per body paragraph; conclusion