Chapter 3.

Four ways to link sentences

ü 4 Ways to Link Sentences

Together (Cohesion)

Cohesion

Do your ideas follow

one from another?

Are your sentences

linked together?

Linking words and

other cohesive devices

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IELTS 1
Chapter 3. Four ways to link sentences

To achieve Band 7 for Coherence and Cohesion, you must link

your sentences together. One idea must follow from another.

4 ways to link sentences together

• Use linking words (and, because, however…)

1

• Use pronouns (this, that, such, it, they)

2

• Refer to the previous sentence

3

• Logically connect sentences

4

• Use linking words | Informal letter

1

The day after your party I have a business meeting in Paris. It was
✗ initially scheduled for that afternoon. My plan was to catch an early
morning train to Paris. A week ago the meeting was moved forward
to 9 am. I have to go there on the night of the celebration.

The day after your party I have a business meeting in Paris, which
✓ was initially scheduled for that afternoon. So my plan was to catch
an early morning train to Paris. However, a week ago the meeting
was moved forward to 9 am. This means I have to go there on the
night of the celebration.

Therefore, I have to go there on the night of the celebration.

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IELTS 2
Chapter 3. Four ways to link sentences

• Use linking words | Formal letter

1

My only grievance was the room where most of our studies took
place. Although it was large enough to accommodate ten people
comfortably, there were only eight desks and two pairs of students
had to share tables designed for one. Moreover, insufficient light
during our evening classes made it difficult to see the sample
photographs that Mr Edwards handed out.

Use a variety of linking words

Use linking words appropriately

Informal linking words Formal linking words

but however
I must admit admittedly
so therefore
on top of that moreover

Letter to a friend
The conference has been cancelled. So I’m not coming to Toronto after
all.

Letter to a hotel
The conference has been cancelled. Therefore, I would like to cancel my
hotel reservation as well.

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IELTS 3
Chapter 3. Four ways to link sentences

Informal linking words Formal linking words

but however
I must admit admittedly
so therefore
on top of that moreover

Letter to a friend
My purse was stolen last week. On top of that, I dropped and broke my
phone.

Letter to a shop
The chair I purchased from your store arrived with a two-week delay.
Moreover, its colour is not what I have ordered.

• Use pronouns (this, that, such, it, they)

2

✓ I sent the letter last week but it hasn’t arrived.

✗ I bought a vase. The vase was broken. I would like to replace the
vase.

✓ I bought a vase, which was broken. I would like to replace it.

Use pronouns to link sentences together

and avoid word repetition

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IELTS 4
Chapter 3. Four ways to link sentences

• Refer to the previous sentence

3

✓ I would like to apply for the position of sales representative. I believe

that my knowledge and skills are a perfect match for this opportunity.

✓ I am arriving on Monday, 23 November 2020, and intend to stay in

town for three days. Could you please confirm whether a suite is
available for these days?

• Logically connect sentences

4

You recently did a short photography course. The photography school

has asked for your feedback on this course.

Write a letter to the school director. In your letter:

• describe what you enjoyed about the course

• give reasons why you were unhappy about the classroom
• suggest what the school should do to improve the classroom

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

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IELTS 5
Chapter 3. Four ways to link sentences

• Logically connect sentences

4

topic
sentence My only grievance was the room where most of our studies took
place. Although it was large enough to accommodate ten
problem 1: people comfortably, there were only eight desks and two pairs
desks
of students had to share tables designed for one. Moreover,
problem 2: insufficient light during our evening classes made it difficult to
light see the sample photographs that Mr Edwards handed out.
topic
sentence It seems to me that a couple of easy alterations would solve the
problem. Extra desks could be moved from the class next door,
solution 1: which has more than twenty. Additionally, instead of replacing
desks the ceiling light, I would suggest purchasing two dimmable floor
solution 2: lamps. With this setup, the light could easily be increased to the
light required level.

Coherence & Cohesion Score

Cohesion

Band 9 Uses cohesion in such a way that it attracts no attention

Band 8 Manages all aspects of cohesion well

Uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately although

Band 7
there may be some under-/over-use

Band 6 May not always use referencing clearly or appropriately

Makes inadequate, inaccurate use or overuse of cohesive

devices.
Band 5
May be repetitive because of lack of referencing and
substitution

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IELTS 6