Formal & Informal Cohesive Devices Mix

All students need to be aware of which cohesive devices are formal and which are
informal.
Formal Informal

Task 2 Speaking exam

Academic Task 1 General Task 1 (informal letters)

General Task 1 (formal letters)

Task A

Look at the cohesive devices below, and divide them into three groups:
Formal: These can only be used in formal writing.
Informal: These can only be used in informal writing (or in IELTS speaking).
Both: These can be used in both. (This means there may also be more formal
and/or more informal alternatives.) The first one has been done for you.

and because furthermore on the other hand, though

although because of however, so till
another thing is besides in addition (to) such as to
as but in contrast, that is why too
as a result, consequently in order to until
as well as , like the other thing is while (contrast)
due to moreover therefore whereas
even though

Formal Informal Both

and*
*There are more formal alternatives, but can be used in both formal and
informal writing.

Task B
Read the sentences below about students at university.
Change the cohesive device in each sentence to make the tone more
formal/informal:

Sentences 1-5: change from more informal to more formal.

Sentences 6-10: change from more formal to more informal.
 I have tried to choose neutral vocabulary (not too formal or informal) for the
se
vocabulary apart from the cohesive device itself.

You might need to change the grammar, sentence structure and/or

punctuation to make a different cohesive device fit.

There may be many possible correct answers. I will give some suggested
answers in the class

Example (informal to formal):

Most graduates have fond memories of their university days because of the
friendships they made.

due to the
friendships they made.

Informal to formal:

1. University is a good choice for people who want better job opportunities
because many employers want well-educated employees.
as/since/for
2. Nowadays, many young people go to university, but only rich people could
afford an education in the past. while/ whereas

3. Students can benefit from free university education in some countries. The
other thing is, there are often special discounts in shops for students.
Moreover/Furthermore/In addition/Additionally
4. Many students have part-time jobs to pay the rent.
in order to/ for/
5. Students often work in bars and shops till they graduate.
until

Formal to informal:
as well as pass the exam
6. Students want to socialise with others in addition to passing their exams.
but/
7. Most students study hard. However, some students will fail their exams.
though
8. Although a degree can lead to a good job, some students struggle to find
work after they graduate.

9. Job opportunities depend on which subjects students study. Therefore, they

should choose their subjects carefully. that's why/so

10. Graduates in subjects such as medicine can usually find well-paid jobs.
like