How to Improve Coherence and Cohesion in IELTS Writing

Coherence and Cohesion makes up 25% of your IELTS Writing Task 2 score, yet it’s often misunderstood as simply “using linking words.” Overusing connectors like “moreover” and “furthermore” can actually lower your band.

What examiners actually check

Coherence is whether your ideas are organised logically — one idea per paragraph, in a sensible order. Cohesion is whether sentences connect naturally, through a mix of linking words, pronoun reference, and substitution — not just connector overuse.

The overuse problem

Starting every sentence with “Moreover,” “In addition,” or “Furthermore” is a recognisable Band 6 pattern. Natural cohesion also uses referencing (“this issue,” “such an approach”) and doesn’t need a connector in every sentence.

A simple structure that works

One central idea per paragraph, introduced clearly, developed with an explanation and example, and linked back to your overall position. This alone fixes most coherence problems.