⚛️Achieving a high band score in the IELTS Writing Tasks requires more than just good grammar and vocabulary.     

Coherence and cohesion—how well your ideas are organised and connected—are crucial to moving from Band 5 to Bands 7 or 8. These elements form 25% of your Writing score and distinguish a good task response from an excellent one.

In this post, we’ll explore the British Council's official band descriptors for coherence and cohesion, compare Band 5 with Bands 7 and 8, and provide actionable strategies to help you reach the top scores. 

⚛️ Understanding Coherence and Cohesion  

• Coherence: Ensures your essay is logically organised, with clear and easy-to-follow ideas.

• Cohesion: Refers to how well your ideas are connected using linking words, phrases, and referencing.

Strong coherence and cohesion mean that your essay reads smoothly, with ideas building logically and cohesively from one to the next.

⚛️ Band 5 vs Band 7+ in Coherence and Cohesion 

Band 5: Limited Organisation and Connections

At Band 5, your essay:

• Shows limited organisation, with ideas that don’t flow logically.

• Overuses basic cohesive devices (e.g., and, but, so).

• May lack clear paragraphing or use inconsistent structure.

Example:
"Education is important for getting a job. And it helps people improve their skills. But some people cannot afford education. So they struggle to get jobs. Therefore, governments should help students."

Band 5 Features:

• Overuse of basic connectors (and, but, so).

• No clear paragraphing or logical structure to develop ideas.

• Repetition of ideas without expansion.

Band 7: Logical Organisation and Effective Connections

At Band 7, your essay:

• Presents ideas logically and clearly, with effective paragraphing.

• Uses a variety of cohesive devices appropriately (e.g., however, in contrast, as a result).

• Maintains a natural flow without overusing linking words.

Example:
"Education is a key factor in securing employment. However, the high cost of tuition often prevents many from pursuing higher education. As a result, individuals from lower-income backgrounds may struggle to compete in the job market. To address this issue, governments should offer financial support to students in need."

Band 7 Features:

• Effective use of linking words (however, as a result).

• Clear paragraphing and logical flow of ideas.

• Complex ideas are developed and connected seamlessly.

Band 8: Seamless and Sophisticated Organisation

At Band 8, your essay:

• Demonstrates a fully logical and well-developed structure.

• Uses cohesive devices effortlessly and with precision.

• Avoids over-reliance on mechanical linking words.

Example:
"Education plays a vital role in career advancement. Nonetheless, rising tuition fees create significant barriers, particularly for low-income families. This disparity not only limits access to education but also perpetuates cycles of poverty. Governments could alleviate this issue by implementing targeted financial aid schemes, enabling equal opportunities for all students."

Band 8 Features:

• Ideas flow seamlessly with advanced cohesion.

• Linking phrases are used naturally and sparingly.

• Clear and sophisticated development of complex ideas.

⚛️ Strategies to Improve Coherence and Cohesion

1. Plan Your Essay Thoroughly

   • Spend 5 minutes planning your ideas and essay structure.

   • Aim for a clear introduction, body paragraphs (with one idea per paragraph), and a conclusion.

2. Master Paragraphing

   • Each paragraph should have a clear topic sentence, supporting details, and a concluding sentence.

   • Avoid mixing multiple ideas in one paragraph.

3. Expand Your Use of Linking Words

   • Move beyond simple connectors like and or but. Use a range of cohesive devices, such as:

     • In contrast, on the other hand, as a result, for example, consequently.

   • Avoid overusing phrases like moreover or furthermore.

4. Focus on Logical Progression

   • Ensure each sentence connects logically to the previous one.

   • Use referencing (e.g., this issue, such measures) to avoid repetition.

5. Practise Writing Essays Under Time Pressure

   • Practice improves your ability to organise ideas quickly and cohesively.

   • Analyse high-scoring sample essays to understand how coherence and cohesion are achieved.

⚛️ Need Some Help and Inspiration?  

Mastering coherence and cohesion requires both practice and strategy. In our Atomic IELTS Writing Strategy Course, you’ll learn:

• How to structure your essay for maximum clarity and impact.

• Advanced techniques for coherence and cohesion that target Band 7+.

• Common mistakes to avoid in linking words and paragraphing.