Cohesion is how sentences and paragraphs connect. Band 6 writers use connectors like "however" and "furthermore" but apply them mechanically at the start of every sentence. Band 7 writers vary their cohesive devices and embed them within sentences — which is what this lesson covers.
Examples
Weak
AvoidFirstly, pollution is a major problem. Furthermore, it affects health. In addition, it harms the economy. However, some argue it is exaggerated. In conclusion, it is serious.
Stronger
BetterPollution poses a serious public health risk, the economic consequences of which are often underestimated. While some minimise its severity, the evidence from WHO reports suggests otherwise.
The strong version uses a relative clause ("the consequences of which"), a concession ("While some minimise"), and a reference chain ("its severity / the evidence") — three different cohesive devices with no mechanical connector in sight.
How It Works
Three cohesion layers
- Reference: it, this, these, such, the former/latter — link back to previous noun.
- Substitution: "do so," "this approach," "such policies" — replace a phrase without repeating it.
- Connectors: use sparingly (max 1 per paragraph); embed mid-sentence when possible.
When each device works best
- Between clauses in the same sentence: relative clauses, participle phrases.
- Between sentences: reference chains (this issue, such measures).
- Between paragraphs: topic sentence that echoes the previous paragraph's conclusion.
Embedded connectors
Quick rules
- Never start three sentences in a row with a connector word.
- Use "this" to refer to the previous idea — not to something mentioned two paragraphs ago.
- Vary: one relative clause, one reference, one connector per paragraph is enough.
Common Mistakes
Connector at the start of every sentence
Avoid"Firstly... Furthermore... Moreover... In addition... Finally..."
BetterMix: one connector per paragraph, plus relative clauses and reference chains for the rest.
Fix: Count your connectors per paragraph; reduce to one explicit one and use implicit cohesion for the rest.
Unclear pronoun reference
Avoid"Governments should act on pollution. It is a major issue."
Better"Governments should act on air pollution, which has become a major public health issue."
Fix: Replace vague "it" with a specific noun or a relative clause.
Practice Lab
Self-mark each task. Retry until every answer is correct.
Score: 0/3
1. Quick pick
Which pair of sentences shows the best cohesion?
2. Build it
Put the sentence in the correct order.
Tap a chunk to move it between the bank and answer area.
3. Sort it
Sort each item into the correct category.
Plastic pollution endangers marine life, the effects of which may be irreversible.
Furthermore, plastic pollution is bad for fish. Moreover, it harms the ocean.
Such damage is difficult to reverse once ecosystems are disrupted.
In addition, the economy is affected. Also, tourism suffers.
Why It Matters
Coherence and Cohesion is worth 25% of your Task 2 score. The Band 7 descriptor requires cohesive devices to be used "flexibly." Using only sentence-initial connectors is the exact pattern described in Band 6. Embedding cohesion within sentences is the single change that most reliably lifts Band 6 writers to Band 7 on this criterion.
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