Cohesion and Coherence Devices

Coherence and Cohesion is one of the four equally weighted assessment criteria. Many candidates misunderstand it, believing that using more linking words equals a higher score. In reality, overusing connectors is as damaging as underusing them. This lesson explains how to achieve genuine coherence at Band 7+.

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Coherence vs. Cohesion: Understanding the Difference

These terms are related but distinct:

Coherence

Coherence refers to the logical organisation and flow of ideas. A coherent essay makes sense as a whole — each paragraph follows logically from the previous one, and each sentence within a paragraph connects to the one before it.

Coherence is about meaning and logic.

Cohesion

Cohesion refers to the linguistic devices that connect parts of the text — linking words, pronouns, repetition, and other grammatical ties.

Cohesion is about language and connection.

The Relationship
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Coherence = the IDEAS are logically organised
Cohesion  = the LANGUAGE connects them smoothly

You need BOTH. Cohesive devices without logical organisation
produce text that sounds connected but makes no sense.
Logical ideas without cohesive devices produce text that
feels disjointed even when the argument is sound.

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Types of Cohesive Devices

1. Linking Words and Phrases (Discourse Markers)

These are the most obvious cohesive devices, but they must be used appropriately.

Addition

Device	Usage	Example
Furthermore	Adds a stronger or more important point	Furthermore, this policy would reduce inequality.
In addition	Adds a point of equal weight	In addition, students would develop practical skills.
Moreover	Adds a particularly significant point	Moreover, the economic benefits are substantial.
Also	Adds a general additional point (less formal)	Remote workers also report higher job satisfaction.

Contrast

Device	Usage	Example
However	Introduces a contrasting idea	However, this approach has significant limitations.
Nevertheless	Contrasts despite what was just said	Nevertheless, the benefits outweigh the costs.
On the other hand	Introduces an opposing viewpoint	On the other hand, critics argue that...
Although / While	Concessive clause (within a sentence)	Although this has merit, it overlooks a key issue.
Conversely	Introduces the direct opposite	Conversely, rural communities have seen population decline.

Cause and Result

Device	Usage	Example
Therefore	Shows a logical conclusion	Therefore, investment in education is essential.
Consequently	Shows a direct result	Consequently, many families face financial hardship.
As a result	Shows a result of what was described	As a result, demand for healthcare has surged.
This means that	Explains the implication	This means that fewer young people enter the profession.

Example and Illustration

Device	Usage	Example
For example	Introduces a specific example	For example, Finland has invested heavily in...
For instance	Same as "for example" (interchangeable)	For instance, many employers now offer...
To illustrate	Introduces a more detailed illustration	To illustrate, consider the case of...
Such as	Lists examples within a sentence	Skills such as teamwork and communication...

Concession

Device	Usage	Example
Admittedly	Acknowledges a valid opposing point	Admittedly, there are costs involved.
It is true that	Concedes a point before countering	It is true that not all students benefit equally.
While I accept that	Concedes while maintaining your position	While I accept that this has drawbacks, the overall impact...
Granted	Formal concession	Granted, implementation would be challenging.

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2. Reference Words

Reference words replace or refer back to something already mentioned, avoiding unnecessary repetition.

Pronouns

The government introduced a new education policy. It was designed to improve literacy rates among children under ten. They responded positively to the changes.

Demonstratives

• This/These: refers to something just mentioned
• That/Those: refers to something mentioned earlier
• Such: refers to something of the type just described

Universities are becoming increasingly expensive. This trend is particularly concerning for students from low-income backgrounds.

Band 7+ tip: Using "this" + a summary noun (this trend, this problem, this approach) is more precise and sophisticated than using "this" alone.

Comparative Reference

Private schools often have smaller class sizes. Public schools, by contrast, typically have larger classes.

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3. Lexical Cohesion

This involves creating connections through vocabulary choices.

Repetition of Key Terms

Strategic repetition of important terms creates cohesion: