IELTS Cohesive Devices | Band 9 Linking Words

IELTS Cohesive Devices Masterclass

Linking words and phrases that connect your ideas – essential for Band 7-9 coherence and cohesion.

What Are Cohesive Devices?

They are linking words and phrases that connect sentences and paragraphs. They help your reader follow your argument. Overuse is repetitive; underuse is confusing. Balance is key.

Cohesive Devices by Function

📌 Addition & Similarity

and – basic addition
also / too – adds information
furthermore – formal addition
moreover – adds weight
in addition – formal
besides – adds another point
similarly / likewise – shows similarity

Example: "Regular exercise improves physical health. Furthermore, it boosts mental well-being."

⚡ Contrast & Concession

but / however – basic contrast
although / though – concession
nevertheless – formal contrast
nonetheless – despite that
on the other hand – alternative view
in contrast – highlights difference
whereas / while – compares two things

Example: "Online learning offers flexibility. However, it lacks face-to-face interaction."

📊 Cause & Effect

so / therefore – conclusion
consequently / as a result – outcome
thus / hence – formal conclusion
because / since – reason
due to / owing to – cause
leads to / results in – effect

Example: "Fossil fuels are finite. Consequently, we must invest in renewable energy."

📝 Giving Examples

for example – most common
for instance – same as 'for example'
such as – introduces examples
including – part of a group
namely – specifies exactly
to illustrate – more formal

Example: "Many countries have banned single-use plastics, for example, Rwanda and Bangladesh."

⏱️ Sequence & Time

firstly / secondly – ordering points
next / then – chronological
after that / subsequently – formal
finally / lastly – end of sequence
meanwhile / simultaneously – at the same time

Example: "Firstly, the raw materials are crushed. Then, they are heated and ground. Finally, the cement is packaged."

🏁 Conclusion & Summary

in conclusion – formal essay ending
to summarise – brief restatement
overall – general statement
in short – concise summary
on balance – weighing both sides

Example: "In conclusion, while both sides have merits, the benefits of renewable energy clearly outweigh the costs."

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

❌ Overusing the same linker

Wrong: "Firstly, ... Secondly, ... Thirdly, ... Finally, ..." (repetitive and mechanical)

Better: "To begin with, ... In addition, ... Moreover, ... Lastly, ..."

❌ Using 'however' as a conjunction

Wrong: "It was raining, however we went out."

Correct: "It was raining. However, we went out." or "It was raining; however, we went out."

❌ 'Moreover' vs 'However'

Moreover = adds similar information.
However = shows contrast.
Don't confuse them!

❌ Starting every sentence with a linker

Linkers are tools, not decorations. Use them only when the logical relationship needs to be clear.

Band 9 Example Paragraph

💡 Cohesive Devices in Action

"Many people believe that technology has improved communication. However, there is evidence that face-to-face interactions have declined. For example, families often sit together but scroll on their phones instead of talking. Therefore, while technology offers convenience, it also presents challenges. On balance, mindful usage is essential."

Linkers used: However (contrast), For example (illustration), Therefore (conclusion), On balance (weighing).

Quick Reference Table by Function

Function	Linkers
Addition	and, also, furthermore, moreover, in addition
Contrast	but, however, although, nevertheless, on the other hand
Cause/Effect	so, therefore, consequently, as a result, because
Example	for example, for instance, such as, to illustrate
Sequence	firstly, secondly, then, next, finally
Conclusion	in conclusion, to summarise, overall, on balance

Practice Exercise

📝 Fill in the gaps

Complete the paragraph with suitable cohesive devices from the list below:

"Regular exercise has numerous benefits. ______, it improves cardiovascular health. ______, it reduces stress and anxiety. ______, excessive exercise without rest can lead to injury. ______, it is important to find a balanced routine."

Word bank: However, For example, Moreover, Therefore

Suggested answers: "Regular exercise has numerous benefits. For example, it improves cardiovascular health. Moreover, it reduces stress and anxiety. However, excessive exercise without rest can lead to injury. Therefore, it is important to find a balanced routine."