🎯 Lesson Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Understand the concept of cohesion in academic writing, specifically how ideas are logically connected in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays.
- Identify and use a range of cohesive devices (e.g., linkers, sequence markers, result phrases) to organise their writing clearly and fluently.
- Apply referencing techniques (e.g., pronouns, determiners, and synonyms) to avoid repetition and maintain clarity and unity in their writing.
- Recognise weak and strong examples of cohesion in sample paragraphs and revise them for improved coherence.
- Produce a short IELTS Task 2 essay that demonstrates effective use of cohesion and referencing, suitable for achieving a Band 7 or higher in the Coherence and Cohesion criteria.
- Self-evaluate their writing using a cohesion checklist based on IELTS Band Descriptors.
✅ What is Cohesion?
Cohesion refers to how well the sentences and ideas in your essay stick together. It includes:
- Linking words/phrases (e.g., however, therefore, in addition)
- Referencing (e.g., using “this”, “these”, “they”, or synonyms)
- Parallel structures and logical sequencing
✅ What are Linking Devices?
These help organise your ideas and make relationships between sentences clear:
| Function | Linking Words/Phrases |
|---|---|
| Adding ideas | Furthermore, In addition, Also, Moreover |
| Contrasting ideas | However, On the other hand, Nevertheless, Although |
| Giving examples | For example, For instance, Such as |
| Explaining results | Therefore, As a result, Consequently |
| Sequencing | Firstly, Secondly, Lastly, To begin with, Finally |
| Emphasising | Indeed, In fact, Significantly |
Parallel Structures (Also called parallelism)
✅ What it is:
Parallel structure means using the same grammatical pattern when listing or connecting ideas. It makes your writing smoother, clearer, and more formal — perfect for IELTS.
✅ Examples:
Incorrect (not parallel):
The government should invest in education, creating more jobs, and to improve healthcare.
(Notice the verbs: “invest,” “creating,” “to improve” — not consistent.)
Correct (parallel):
The government should invest in education, create more jobs, and improve healthcare.
(All verbs follow the same pattern: base form of verb.)
🎯 Why it matters for IELTS:
- It boosts clarity and flow.
- It shows control of complex sentence structures (needed for Band 8+).
- It’s essential in lists, comparisons, and formal arguments.
Logical Sequencing
✅ What it is:
Logical sequencing is the clear and orderly progression of ideas in a paragraph or essay. It answers:
“Does one idea naturally follow the next?”
✅ Example of poor sequencing:
Technology affects communication. People also care about privacy. Face-to-face communication is better in some cases.
(Disorganized — ideas jump around with no clear connection.)
✅ Example of logical sequencing:
Technology has revolutionized how we communicate, making it faster and more convenient. However, this digital shift has raised concerns about privacy. In response, many people still value face-to-face interaction for its personal and secure nature.
(Natural flow: tech → consequence → counterpoint.)
🎯 How to improve your logical sequencing:
- Use topic sentences to guide each paragraph.
- Ensure each sentence builds on the one before.
- Use sequencing linkers (e.g., “Firstly”, “In contrast”, “As a result”, “For this reason”, “Finally”) to guide the reader.
✍️ In Summary:
| Concept | Purpose | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Parallel Structure | Keeps sentence patterns consistent and elegant | “to reduce crime, to improve safety, and to save money” |
| Logical Sequencing | Makes your ideas flow naturally | Idea → Support → Example → Result/Implication |
EXERCISE 1: Fill in the Linking Device
Fill in the blanks using appropriate linking words:
- __________, online platforms like Zoom and WhatsApp have enabled remote interactions.
- Some people still prefer face-to-face interaction. __________, they feel it builds stronger trust.
- Technology saves time. __________, it can reduce the need for travel.
Answers
1. However/ Nevertheless/ On the other hand, online platforms like Zoom and WhatsApp have enabled remote interactions.
2. Some people still prefer face-to-face interaction. For example/ For instance, they feel it builds stronger trust.
3. Technology saves time. Moreover/ Furthermore/ Also, it can reduce the need for travel.
EXERCISE 2: Identify the Referencing
Task: Read the paragraph and take note of the referencing words. Then, say what each refers to.
The use of electric cars has increased in recent years. This is largely due to concerns about climate change. Many consumers find them more environmentally friendly than traditional petrol vehicles. Governments are also supporting such measures with subsidies and tax cuts.
Questions:
- What does “This” refer to?
- What does “them” refer to?
- What does “such measures” refer to?
Answers
1.What does “This” refer to? -> The increase in the use of electric cars
2. What does “them” refer to? -> Electric cars
3. What does “such measures” refer to? -> Using electric cars / Government efforts to encourage green alternatives
EXERCISE 3: Improve Cohesion (Rewriting Task)
Instructions: Rewrite the following paragraph using better cohesion and linking devices.
Many people are using social media. They use it to connect with friends. It can be addictive. Some people spend too much time on it.
Sample
“Many people use social media to connect with friends and family. However, it can also be highly addictive. As a result, some individuals spend excessive amounts of time on these platforms, which may negatively affect their productivity and well-being.”
EXERCISE 4: Identify and Replace Repetition
Instructions: Find repeated words and improve the paragraph using referencing and synonyms.
The government should improve public transport. The public transport is not reliable. Improving public transport would reduce traffic.
Sample
“The government should improve public transport, as it is currently unreliable. Enhancing these services could significantly reduce traffic congestion.”
✍️ PART 3: IELTS Writing Task 2 Practice Prompts (Cohesion Focus)
Prompt 1:
Some people think that environmental protection is the responsibility of governments. Others believe every individual should be responsible for it. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
✏️ Task: Write a 250-word essay using at least 5 different linking devices and 4 referencing techniques.
Prompt 2:
In many countries, people now wear Western-style clothing. This is seen as a loss of culture by some. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
✏️ Task: Highlight the cohesive devices used after writing and check that each idea connects clearly to the next.
Exercise 1: Fix the Parallelism
Instructions: Rewrite the following sentences using correct parallel structure.
- The proposal aims to increase investment, creating new jobs, and to reduce poverty.
- Students must be able to think critically, communicating ideas clearly, and solve problems.
- He is known for his intelligence, hard work, and that he is honest.
Answers
1.The proposal aims to increase investment, create new jobs, and reduce poverty.
2. Students must be able to think critically, communicate ideas clearly, and solve problems.
3. He is known for his intelligence, his hard work, and his honesty.
Exercise 2: Create Your Own Parallel Structure
Instructions: Complete the sentence using parallel ideas (keep the same grammatical form).
- In order to succeed in university, students need to:
- __________,
- __________, and
- __________.
Sample Answer
In order to succeed in university, students need to manage their time well, stay focused, and participate actively in class.
Exercise 3: Arrange the Sentences
Instructions: Put the following sentences in a logical order to form a coherent paragraph.
Sentences:
A. As a result, many small stores have been forced to close.
B. This has led to major changes in consumer behaviour.
C. Online shopping has become increasingly popular in recent years.
D. People now prefer convenience and lower prices offered by e-commerce platforms.
Answers
1.C – Online shopping has become increasingly popular in recent years.
2. B – This has led to major changes in consumer behaviour.
3. D – People now prefer convenience and lower prices offered by e-commerce platforms.
4. A – As a result, many small stores have been forced to close.
Exercise 4: Rewrite for Parallelism + Sequencing
Original Paragraph:
Young people should be taught about climate change. They should plant trees. Saving energy. They learn about recycling too. This prepares them to become better citizens.
Your Task: Rewrite the paragraph using parallel structures and logical sequencing.
Sample Answer
Young people should be taught about climate change through a variety of practical actions. These include planting trees, saving energy, and learning how to recycle properly. By taking part in such activities, students are better prepared to become environmentally responsible citizens.
