IELTS Coherence and Cohesion Band 7 Examples
Replace mechanical linkers and disconnected lists with paragraphs that progress naturally from one idea to the next.
Quick answer
Band 7 coherence and cohesion is visible when ideas are logically organised, each paragraph has a clear central purpose, and cohesive devices help the reader follow relationships without becoming distracting. It is not achieved by placing 'moreover' or 'on the other hand' at the start of every sentence. Progression comes mainly from the reasoning itself, supported by accurate referencing and linking.
Progression is a relationship, not a list
A list can be grammatically connected yet logically flat. 'Firstly', 'secondly', and 'finally' tell the reader where items appear, but they do not explain whether the second sentence is a cause, consequence, contrast, or example of the first.
Build progression by deciding the relationship before choosing a connector. Often no formal linker is needed: repeating a key noun with a more specific reference, using a pronoun clearly, or placing cause before effect can make the sequence obvious.
Reference words must have clear owners
Words such as this, they, and it create cohesion only when the reader can identify what they refer to. If two possible nouns appear in the previous sentence, an unclear pronoun forces the reader to guess and weakens the flow.
Use a short summarising noun phrase when needed. 'This investment' is clearer than 'this' after a sentence about both a policy and its cost. Precise referencing also reduces awkward repetition without sacrificing meaning.
Worked examples
Before-and-after IELTS Writing fixes
Weak direction
Firstly, parks are healthy. Secondly, parks are social. Moreover, parks are beautiful.
Stronger direction
Accessible parks encourage residents to walk regularly. This daily activity can improve physical health, while shared paths and play areas also create informal opportunities for neighbours to meet.
Weak direction
The council expanded the railway near the market, and this made it better.
Stronger direction
The council expanded the railway near the market. This transport investment made the district easier to reach without increasing parking demand.
Weak direction
However, online education is flexible. However, students may feel isolated.
Stronger direction
Online education gives learners greater control over study time, but that flexibility can come at the cost of informal contact with classmates.
Weak direction
Cycling reduces pollution. Bikes are cheap. Cities also need more hospitals.
Stronger direction
Cycling can reduce short urban car journeys, particularly when protected routes connect homes with workplaces and stations. As more commuters switch modes, local traffic emissions can fall without requiring expensive new road capacity.
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Self-check before you submit
- Does each paragraph have one central purpose?
- Can I name the relationship between consecutive sentences?
- Are pronouns and reference words unambiguous?
- Have I used linking devices because they express meaning, not because I memorised them?
- Does information progress from claim to explanation and support?
Frequently asked questions
How many linking words should I use in IELTS Writing?
There is no target number. Use enough to make relationships clear, but vary the method: logical order, referencing, conjunctions, and occasional transition phrases all contribute.
Does paragraphing affect coherence and cohesion?
Yes. Paragraphs should organise ideas by function or central topic. A new paragraph is useful when the argument changes direction, not after an arbitrary number of sentences.
Continue with a related fix
IELTS Task 2 Topic Sentence Examples (Weak vs Strong)
See how precise topic sentences create paragraph focus without memorised phrases or unnecessary background.
IELTS Body Paragraph Examples for Band 7
Build paragraph unity and depth with complete before-and-after argument examples rather than fixed sentence templates.