How to Improve IELTS Writing Task 2 Coherence and Cohesion – Paragraph Structure and Logical Flow

When you’re doing IELTS Writing Task 2, one of the most important things is not what you say but how well you say it. This is where coherence and harmony come in. These are two things that can have a big effect on your writing band score.

You’ll learn the following from this guide:

• How to do well on the IELTS with consistency and cohesion
• How to make lines easy to understand
• The best ways to make logical flow happen
• Putting together thoughts with linking words and other devices
• What mistakes people make and how to fix them
• Example breaks between paragraphs for writing at Band 8–9 level

What Does Cohesion and Coherence Mean?

Twenty-five percent of your Writing Task 2 band score is based on how well you use coherence and cohesion.

What words mean:

Making sense: Your writing makes sense and moves from one idea to the next in a way that makes sense.
Cohesion: In order to connect sentences and paragraphs easily, you should use linking words, pronouns, and reference phrases.

What IELTS Examiners Look For:
High scores are given for:

• Easy-to-read paragraphs (each with one idea)
• Flow of thoughts that makes sense
• The right linking words and methods to hold things together
• Not too many or too few repetitions of linkers
• Use of references and substitutions (like “this,” “such an approach,” and “the issue”)
• Tone and subject that don’t change

The Best Way to Structure an Essay (4–5 paragraphs):

Line of Text	Reason
The Beginning	Rewrite the question and the thesis statement
Body 1	The main idea, an explanation, and an example
Body 2	Second main idea + explain + give an example
Chosen Body 3 (for talk or a second question)	Third point of view or argument
In Conclusion	Points summed up + opinion stated again

Tip: Each body line should have a single idea that it talks about.

How to Make a Paragraph Make Sense
Follow the PEEL method:

• P = Point (Subject Sentence)
• E = Explain (Make the point clear)
• E = Example (Back it up with details from real life)
• L = Link (Explain or connect to the next idea)

Example of a PEEL-Useful Paragraph:
Question: Should college be free?

Point: One strong reason to make college free is to make sure that all people have the same chances.
High tuition costs keep many talented kids from low-income families from going to college, which limits their job options.
Example: Studies show that more low-income students go to college in places like Germany where higher education is paid for by the government, compared to places where tuition is more expensive.
Link: Getting rid of the cash barrier can make the workforce more skilled and open to everyone.

Connecting Words and Devices That Hold Things Together (Band 8+):

Also,
In addition,
Besides that,
Compare and contrast:

• In any case
• Even so

Cause and effect:

• Because of this
• Since then
• Because

Putting things in order:

• First, second, third
• To begin with
• After that

Giving examples:

• As an example
• One example is
• Like

Making clear or explaining:

• That is to say
• In other words
• To wit

Tip: To sound realistic, use a range of linkers. Also, don’t begin every line with “however” or “also.”

Referencing and Substitution to Make Things Fit Together
Don’t repeat yourself; use names and reference words instead:

• “This matter…”
• “That kind of a system…”
• “They think…”
• “These steps…”
• “A suggestion has been made…”

Example:
Students can focus better if they spend less time in front of screens. This change might help students do better in school.

Mistakes People Often Make with Coherence and Cohesion

Mistake	Correction
Not a clear subject sentence	Learning is good for everyone. It’s good. → Education is a strong way to grow as a person and as a member of society.
Too many ideas in one sentence	It helps with work, money, self-control, and confidence to go to school. → Each paragraph should have one main idea.
Using linking words over and over	Also, also, also… → Use also, additionally, moreover.
Not enough links	People work out. They’re feeling better. → It is known that exercise makes people feel better.
Not good paragraphing	The whole essay is in one long line. → Use four to five well-organised paragraphs.

Practice Activity for Coherence and Cohesion

Original Words (Band 6 Style):
There are people who like the web. It helps people. It’s helpful. But it has some issues as well. Some say it makes people lazy.

Better Version (Band 8 Style):
A lot of people think the internet is a great way to communicate and get information. It lets people all over the world connect, share information, and get to educational tools right away. But some critics say that relying too much on the internet may make people less motivated and active, especially younger users. This point of view says that usage should be balanced.

What Changed:

• Simple subject sentence
• Ideas that make sense
• Using tools that stick together
• Use words like “this perspective” as references

Example of a Well-Ordered Essay Outline (Band 8+):

Prompt: Some people think that the government should put money into public transport. Some people say that roads and highways should get more money. Talk about both points of view and say what you think.

Outline:

• Beginning: Background information
• Both points of view
• Thesis: Public travel should come first
• Body Paragraph 1: The Roads Point of View – Roads help with business and make life easier
  • Give an example (logistics, personal cars) and explain it
• Body Paragraph 2: The Point of View of Public Transportation – Lessens traffic and pollution
  • Give an example (subway lines in Singapore and Seoul)
• In the end:
  • Say both views again
  • Last word: For sustainability’s sake, put public travel first

There are smooth transitions between each paragraph, and thoughts are not jumbled.

How to Make Things More Cohesive and Coherent

• Quick Plan Before You Write: Make a 5-minute plan of your lines and linked ideas
• Begin Paragraphs with Topic Sentences: Introduce one thought at a time in a strong way
• Be Smart About Transition Words: Pick a range of linked words and don’t use too many of them
• Referencing: Use “this,” “these,” “such,” etc. instead of using the same words over and over
• Get Better at Writing Paragraphs: The PEEL method says to write just one paragraph every day
• Change for Flow: Check the flow of your work by asking yourself, “Does this sentence make sense after that?”

PEEL Practice Test

Prompt: Kids should start learning other languages when they are in elementary school.

Use the PEEL format to write one paragraph:

• Point: Learning a language early works better
• Explain: Young brains change quickly
• Example: Sweden, for example, starts teaching English in the first grade
• Link: So, earlier experience makes later years easier to speak fluently

Resources That Can Help You Work on Coherence and Cohesion

Resource	Why Use It
Essays for Cambridge IELTS Band 9	Check out some examples of great flow and structure
IELTS Liz and IELTS Simon’s lessons	Learn how to write paragraphs
Lessons on Cohesion and Coherence (British Council)	Free lessons that focus on grammar
Hemingway Editor	Helps make hard or confusing writing easier to understand
Linking Words Sets on Quizlet	Practice with flashcards for changes

Thoughts for Now
The reviewer will be able to follow your ideas better if your essay is well-organised and has strong coherence and cohesion. This will also help you get a higher band score.

To meet this requirement:

• Clear out and focus your lines
• Use the right linking words and changes
• Connect thoughts in a way that makes sense

Coherent writing can help you get a Band 8 or 9 if you also use correct language and words.

Call to Action
Which part of writing do you find harder: the framework or the words that connect them? You can leave your answer in the comments, and I’ll send you custom paragraph styles.