How to use Cohesive Devices in
IELTS
Learn about Linking and Cohesion in
IELTS.
One of the most important skills for getting a good score in the IELTS writing
exam is the way cohesive devices or linking devices are used. In the marking
criteria for task 2 essays and Writing task 1 reports, Coherence and Cohesion
accounts for 25% of your marks, therefore it is important to use them correctly
and sparingly.
In this lesson we will look at:
1. What cohesive devices are.
2. How they are marked in the exam.
3. Examples of cohesive devices.
4. Example sentences with cohesive devices.
If you prefer to watch the video click below
What are cohesive devices?
These are often called by different names such as : Linkers, Discourse
markers, Transitional words, Signposting Language or Connectors. These
are words like “However” “For example” “To Conclude” “Also” “In addition”
“Therefore” “Similarly” and so on. However, they need to be used correctly
and effectively and many IELTS students have trouble with their use.
Here are 2 examples from an essay about environmental
issues.
1. The government should tackle the issue of river pollution, in addition, the
problem of factory emissions has to be resolved.
2. The government should tackle the issue of river pollution, however, the
problem of factory emissions has to be resolved.
In the first example the student has given extra information . We can use another
linker such as ” additionally, also, and, therefore”
In the second example the meaning is slightly different because I have used a
linker which shows contrast. The second part of the sentence puts emphasis on
the issue of factory emissions and they need to be tackled or resolved first.
How are they marked in the Exam?
Source: British Council
Click here for the PDF to the marking criteria from the British Council.
Band 5 : “makes inadequate, inaccurate or over use of cohesive devices”
Band 7 : “uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately although there
may be some under/over-use”
Band 8: “manages all aspects of cohesion well”
The problem is that some students over use them or they are not used correctly.
They often put cohesive devices in every sentence or every 2 sentences thinking
that this will impress the examiner . In fact this technique is going to cause real
problems with your essay and most likey this will lead to a band 5 essay in
coherence and cohesion.
Band 7 or 8 essays show that cohesive devices are used well and effectively.
Interestingly if you look at most Band 8 or 9 essays there are not that many
cohesive devices and when they are used they are very effective. It is not
necessary to have them all over the essay , just 2 per paragraph is fine.
Cohesive devices are also very important to use in Writing task 1 when writing
about pie charts, bar graphs, line graphs and tables.
Examples of Cohesive devices
Here is a list of linkers and devices but I don’t recommend memorising them, you
should practice using them in your writing first. Remember that you only need 2
per paragraph so do not over use these.
Some example sentences with cohesive devices. These are
taken from Band 8 and Band 9 essays on various topics.
1. Crime is increasing in big cities in the developed world, to illustrate this,
robberies have risen by 35% in London since 2008. (giving an example)
2. The quality of air in most big cities is getting worse, in
particular, cities such as Beijing and Delhi have had real issues with air
pollution over the past 10 years. (Emphasizing and giving an example)
3. Global warming is a big concern for the world , additionally, sea levels
pose a threat to low lying coastal areas. (addition)
4. There are advantages to fast food which are low cost and convenience, on
the other hand, there are health issues that must be
considered, namely heart disease and diabetes. (contrasting and giving an
example)
5. One parent families need financial support from the
government , additionally,educational support should be part of
that. (addition)
6. Many company employees have been working more and more overtime in
recent years due to the fear of them losing their jobs, consequently the
health and wellbeing of company workers has become a big
concern. (cause and results)
7. In my view, public transportation should be made cheaper to motivate
people to take the train or bus to work. (opinion)
Remember not to use too many of these. For the essays, just two in each
paragraph is enough.
Leave a comment in the box below if you have any questions.
