Welcome to Referencing and Cohesive Devices!
Hello there! Today, we are diving into one of the most important secrets of the IELTS exam: Coherence and Cohesion. Think of your writing and speaking like a bridge. You might have great building blocks (vocabulary) and strong steel beams (grammar), but without the glue that holds them together, the bridge will collapse. That glue is what we call Referencing and Cohesive Devices.
In this chapter, you will learn how to connect your ideas so clearly that the examiner can follow your thoughts without any effort. This is not just about being "fancy"—it is a direct way to increase your band score!
How This Affects Your Band Score
In both IELTS Writing and Speaking, you are graded on Coherence and Cohesion (CC). This makes up 25% of your total score.
What the Examiner looks for:
- Band 5: Uses basic linkers, but repeats words too often or uses linkers incorrectly.
- Band 6: Uses a variety of cohesive devices, though they might be slightly overused or mechanical.
- Band 7+: Uses a wide range of cohesive devices and referencing so naturally that the reader doesn't even notice them. The flow is "seamless."
1. Referencing: Avoiding the "Broken Record"
Imagine a friend tells you: "My brother bought a car. The car is red. The car is fast. My brother loves the car." It sounds robotic, right? Referencing allows us to point back to words we have already used without repeating them.
Types of Referencing
A. Pronouns: Using it, they, them, he, she, this, that.
Example: Instead of saying "The local library is useful," followed by "The local library provides books," you say: "The local library is useful because it provides books."
B. Determiners: Using this, these, those.
Example: "Governments should invest in renewable energy. This approach would reduce pollution." (Here, "this approach" refers to the whole previous sentence).
C. Substitution: Using words like one, so, did, does.
Example: "Many people prefer public transport, while some prefer the private one." (One = car/transport).
Weak vs. Improved Referencing
Weak Version (Band 5): "I love my job. My job is challenging. My job gives me a sense of pride."
Improved Version (Band 7+): "I love my career; it is challenging, yet this provides me with a great sense of pride."
Key Takeaway:
Always look at your sentences. If you see the same noun twice in two sentences, replace the second one with a pronoun or a reference word.
2. Cohesive Devices: Your Logical Signposts
Cohesive devices are words like however, therefore, and furthermore. They act like road signs. They tell the reader if you are going straight (adding info), turning (showing contrast), or reaching the end (concluding).
High-Value Cohesive Devices for IELTS
To Add Information: Moreover, furthermore, in addition, besides.
To Show Contrast: However, conversely, on the other hand, nevertheless.
To Show Cause and Effect: Consequently, as a result, therefore, thus.
To Give Examples: For instance, specifically, to illustrate.
The "Overuse" Trap
Did you know? One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is starting every sentence with a linker (e.g., Firstly... Secondly... Moreover... However... In conclusion...). This feels like a list, not a natural essay. To get a higher band, try putting linkers in the middle of sentences.
Mechanical Style (Band 6): "I think exercise is good. However, some people are lazy."
Natural Style (Band 8): "Exercise is undoubtedly beneficial; some people, however, find it difficult to stay motivated."
Key Takeaway:
Use cohesive devices to show logic, not just to fill space. Use them sparingly but accurately.
3. Step-by-Step: How to Connect Paragraphs
In Writing Task 2, you must connect whole ideas, not just sentences. This is called Paragraph Cohesion.
Step 1: The Topic Sentence. Start your paragraph with a clear idea.
Step 2: The Support. Use "For example" or "This is because" to explain.
Step 3: The Connection. Use a phrase like "In light of this" to link your example back to your main point.
Example Extract (IELTS General Writing Task 2):
"Many people believe that working from home increases productivity. For instance, employees save time on commuting, which allows them to start work feeling refreshed. As a result, this flexibility often leads to higher quality output."
4. Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Vague "This": When you use "this," make sure the reader knows what "this" is.
Bad: "People are eating more fast food. This is a problem." (What is the problem? The food? The eating? The people?)
Better: "People are eating more fast food. This trend is a major concern for public health."
2. Misusing "On the contrary": Use this only when you are saying the opposite of a statement is true. Most students actually mean "In contrast" or "However."
3. Over-linking: Using too many words like "Furthermore" and "Moreover" in a single short paragraph makes your writing hard to read. Aim for 2-3 strong linkers per paragraph.
5. Quick Review Checklist
Before you finish your writing or speaking practice, ask yourself:
- Did I repeat the same noun too often? (If yes, use a pronoun).
- Are my "road signs" (linkers) accurate? (Don't use "However" if you are adding more of the same idea).
- Does my "this" or "it" clearly point to a specific word?
- Have I used a variety of words? (Instead of "And," try "In addition").
Summary of Key Terms:
Referencing: Using words to point back to things already mentioned.
Cohesive Devices: Linking words that show the relationship between ideas.
Substitution: Replacing a word with a synonym or a word like "one" to avoid repetition.
Keep practicing! Don't worry if this seems tricky at first. Improving your cohesion is like learning to drive—at first, you think about every turn, but soon, you will be navigating through your ideas smoothly and naturally!