Academic Grammar Intermediate

Cohesive Devices

Master cohesive devices in academic writing: discourse markers, reference pronouns, substitution, and ellipsis. Essential for achieving IELTS band 7+ in Coherence & Cohesion and PTE Essay structure.

What is Cohesive Devices?

Cohesive devices are the linguistic tools that make a text flow logically and coherently. In IELTS Writing, "Coherence & Cohesion" is a 25% marking criterion. The four types of cohesion are: conjunction (linking words), reference (pronouns pointing back/forward), substitution (replacing a word with another), and ellipsis (omitting repeated words).

Rules & Formation

Discourse markers by function: Addition (furthermore, moreover, in addition, additionally); Contrast (however, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand, conversely); Cause (therefore, consequently, as a result, hence, thus); Concession (admittedly, granted, it must be acknowledged that); Exemplification (for instance, for example, such as, including, notably); Summary (in conclusion, in summary, overall, to summarise).
Reference: pronouns and demonstratives refer back to previously mentioned nouns. "The study was published in 2020. It showed..." ("it" = the study).
Demonstrative reference: this, these, that, those — often followed by a summary noun. "This trend suggests..." "These findings indicate..."
Substitution: replacing a repeated idea with "one", "do/does", "so". "Some researchers support this approach; others do not."
Avoid overusing the same discourse marker — vary your linking language.
Coherence also involves paragraph organisation: topic sentence → explanation → evidence → analysis → link to argument.

Examples

Furthermore, the data suggests a significant positive correlation. (addition)

Nevertheless, the methodology has been widely criticised. (concession/contrast)

As a result, enrolment figures have declined by 15%. (consequence)

This approach, while innovative, raises several ethical concerns. (concession within sentence)

This development has had far-reaching implications for education policy. ("this development" = reference to previous paragraph idea)

Such measures have been adopted by numerous governments. ("such measures" = substitution/reference)

🎯 Exam Tip — PTE & IELTS

IELTS Writing Task 2 Coherence & Cohesion is one of the most differentiating criteria between band 6 and band 7. Band 6 = linking is mechanical and repeated ("Firstly... Secondly... Thirdly..."). Band 7 = linking is varied, logical, and flows naturally. Key: use summary nouns ("this trend", "this concern", "such challenges") to create cohesion without repeating exact words. This is a hallmark of proficient academic English.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start a sentence with "However", "Furthermore" or "Therefore" in IELTS?

Yes, this is standard academic practice. However, they must be followed by a comma: "However, the evidence suggests..." "Furthermore, additional factors must be considered..." "Therefore, further research is required..." These are NOT subordinating conjunctions (they do not join clauses within one sentence without a semicolon). Correct: "The results were promising; however, the sample size was limited." OR "The results were promising. However, the sample size was limited."

How do I avoid repeating the same linking words in IELTS Writing?

Group your discourse markers by function and rotate within each group. For addition: "furthermore", "moreover", "in addition", "additionally", "what is more". For contrast: "however", "nevertheless", "nonetheless", "on the other hand", "conversely", "by contrast". For cause: "therefore", "consequently", "as a result", "hence", "thus". For concession: "although", "even though", "while", "admittedly". Having 3–4 alternatives per function prevents repetition.

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