Cohesion: Linking Words and Reference

TOEFL iBT · Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) · 5 min read · Updated: Aug 12, 2026

Welcome to Mastering Cohesion!

In the TOEFL Writing section, it is not enough to just have great ideas. You need to show the examiner how those ideas fit together. This is what we call Cohesion. Think of cohesion as the "glue" that holds your sentences and paragraphs together. Without it, your writing feels like a list of random facts. With it, your writing flows like a professional academic essay.

In these notes, we will look at two main tools: Linking Words (Transitions) and Reference (Pronouns and Synonyms). Mastering these will directly improve your score in both the Integrated Writing and Writing for an Academic Discussion tasks.

How Cohesion Affects Your Score

The TOEFL examiners use a specific set of rules to grade your work. Under the "Organization and Development" and "Language Use" categories, they look for:
• Progression: Does the argument move forward logically?
• Connection: Are the relationships between sentences clear?
• Variety: Do you use different types of words to connect ideas, or do you just say "and" and "but" over and over?
Note: If your sentences are disconnected (choppy), you will likely get a 2.0 or 3.0. To reach 4.0 or 5.0, you must use transitions naturally.

Part 1: Linking Words (Transitions)

Linking words tell the reader what to expect next. Are you adding more information? Are you showing a result? Are you disagreeing with the previous point?

1. Adding Information

Use these when your next sentence supports or expands on the previous one.
• Furthermore (High-level)
• Moreover (High-level)
• In addition (Standard)
• Additionally (Standard)

Weak (Choppy): The professor says the library needs more funding. He says the building needs repairs.
Improved (Cohesive): The professor argues that the library requires more funding. Furthermore, he emphasizes that the building itself is in desperate need of repairs.

2. Showing Contrast

This is vital for the Integrated Writing task, where you must compare the reading and the lecture.
• However (Standard)
• On the other hand (Standard)
• Conversely (High-level)
• In contrast (High-level)
• Nevertheless (High-level)

Weak: The reading says the fossils are old. The lecturer says they are new.
Improved: The reading passage claims the fossils date back millions of years. Conversely, the lecturer provides evidence suggesting they are much more recent.

3. Cause and Effect

Use these to explain why something happened or the result of an action.
• Consequently (High-level)
• Therefore (Standard)
• As a result (Standard)
• Thus (High-level)

Example: The city increased the price of public transit. As a result, many commuters began using bicycles instead.

Quick Review: The Punctuation Rule

Most high-level linking words (like However, Therefore, and Moreover) are followed by a comma when they start a sentence.
Example: Moreover, the data suggests...

Part 2: Reference (Using "Pointers")

Reference is when you use a word to "point back" to something you already mentioned. This prevents you from repeating the same noun too many times, which can make your writing sound repetitive and basic.

1. Using Pronouns

Instead of repeating a name or a subject, use it, they, this, these, or those.

Weak (Repetitive): The new policy will be implemented on Monday. The new policy aims to reduce plastic waste.
Improved: The new policy will be implemented on Monday. It aims to reduce plastic waste.

2. "This + Summary Noun" (The Expert Move)

This is a favorite of high-scoring candidates. Instead of just saying "this," add a noun after it to summarize the previous idea.

Example: The university decided to cancel all sports events for the semester. This decision was met with significant protest from students.
(Here, "this decision" points back to the entire first sentence.)

3. Synonyms

Repeating the same word too much is a quick way to lose points in the Language Use category. Use synonyms to keep the text interesting.

• Original Word: The problem
• Synonyms: This issue, this challenge, this complication, this dilemma

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Over-using Linking Words: Don't start every single sentence with a transition. If you use "Furthermore," "Moreover," and "Additionally" in three sentences in a row, it feels robotic. Use them only when the relationship between ideas isn't already clear.

2. Vague References: Make sure it is clear what your pronouns point to.
Example of a mistake: The students and the teachers met in the hall. They were unhappy. (Who was unhappy? The students or the teachers? This is a vague reference and confuses the examiner.)

3. "And" at the start: In academic writing, try to avoid starting sentences with "And" or "But". Use "In addition" or "However" instead.

Comparison: From Basic to Academic

Let’s look at a response for the "Writing for an Academic Discussion" task.

Basic Version (Score: 2.0 - 3.0):
I think social media is bad. It makes people feel lonely. People spend too much time on it. They don't talk to friends in real life. Also, it can be distracting for students.

Cohesive Version (Score: 4.5 - 5.0):
I agree with Sarah that social media has significant drawbacks. Primarily, these platforms often lead to feelings of isolation because users replace face-to-face interaction with digital messaging. In addition to this social impact, social media serves as a major distraction in academic settings. Consequently, many students find it difficult to focus on their studies for extended periods.

Why the second version is better:

1. It uses Primarily to signal the first point.
2. it uses "these platforms" (Reference) instead of repeating "social media."
3. It uses "this social impact" (Summary Noun) to bridge two different ideas.
4. It uses Consequently to show a result.

Summary Checklist for Your Practice

Before you finish your practice essays, check for these things:
• Did I use a variety of transitions (not just "and" and "but")?
• Do my pronouns (it, they, this) clearly point to a specific noun?
• Have I used synonyms for my main keywords?
• Are my high-level transitions (However, Furthermore, Consequently) followed by a comma?

Don't worry if this seems tricky at first! Cohesion is a skill that improves with practice. Start by trying to include just two or three high-level transitions in your next practice essay, and soon it will feel like a natural part of your writing.

Quick check

Can you answer these now?

Open each question to check the key ideas from this chapter.

What is the definition and purpose of "cohesion" in TOEFL writing?

Cohesion is the "glue" that holds sentences and paragraphs together, ensuring that ideas flow logically like a professional academic essay rather than a list of random facts.

How does the use of cohesive devices impact your TOEFL score?

Cohesion is evaluated under the "Organization and Development" and "Language Use" categories; using transitions naturally can raise a score from a 2.0-3.0 range to a 4.0-5.0 range.

Which high-level linking words are best for adding information to a point?

To expand on or support a previous idea, use high-level transitions such as "Furthermore," "Moreover," "In addition," and "Additionally."

Why are contrast transitions particularly important for the Integrated Writing task?

Contrast transitions like "Conversely," "In contrast," and "However" are vital for clearly comparing and highlighting the differences between the reading passage and the lecture.

Which linking words should be used to signal a cause-and-effect relationship?

Use "Consequently," "Therefore," "As a result," and "Thus" to explain the logical outcome or result of a specific action or event.

What is the essential punctuation rule for high-level linking words at the start of a sentence?

Most high-level linking words, such as "However," "Therefore," and "Moreover," must be followed by a comma when they are used to start a sentence.

How does the use of pronouns function as a tool for cohesion?

Pronouns like "it," "they," "this," and "those" act as pointers that refer back to previously mentioned subjects, preventing repetitive and basic-sounding writing.

What is the "This + Summary Noun" technique in academic writing?

This technique involves following the word "this" with a noun that summarizes the previous idea (e.g., "This decision" or "This trend") to link sentences together effectively.

How do synonyms contribute to a better score in the Language Use category?

Synonyms prevent repetitive vocabulary; using words like "issue," "challenge," or "dilemma" instead of repeating "problem" demonstrates a wide lexical range.

What is the risk of over-using linking words in a TOEFL essay?

Over-using transitions (e.g., starting every sentence with one) can make your writing feel robotic and unnatural; they should only be used when the connection between ideas needs clarification.

What is a "vague reference" and why is it a mistake?

A vague reference occurs when a pronoun (like "they") could refer to more than one noun, leaving the reader confused about which subject is being discussed.

Why should you avoid starting academic sentences with "And" or "But" in the TOEFL?

Starting sentences with "And" or "But" is generally considered informal; academic writing prefers more formal alternatives like "In addition" or "However."

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