How to Link Ideas in IELTS Essays
If you’re aiming for a Band 7 or above in IELTS Writing Task 2, two things matter a lot: Coherence and Cohesion. These simply mean how well your ideas connect and how clearly your essay flows from one point to the next.
To write an essay that’s easy to read and logically structured, there are three powerful techniques you should master:
- Pronoun Referencing
- Signposting (or using connective words)
- Academic Phrases
Let’s break these down with easy examples and tips you can use right away.
1. Pronoun Referencing: Say Goodbye to Repetition
One of the biggest mistakes IELTS candidates make is repeating the same noun over and over. That’s where pronouns come in. They help your writing feel smoother and more natural.
Example Without Pronouns:
Global warming is a serious issue. Global warming is caused by human activities. Global warming leads to extreme weather. Global warming must be addressed.
Pretty robotic, right?
Now with Pronoun Referencing:
Global warming is a serious issue. It is caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels. This leads to rising sea levels and extreme weather events. It must be addressed urgently.
Much better! We replaced “global warming” with “it” and “this” — and suddenly it sounds more natural and academic.
Useful Pronouns to Remember:
- It / They → Refer back to things already mentioned.
- This / These → Refer to an idea or situation.
- That / Those → Refer to specific items or points made earlier.
2. Signposting Words: Guide Your Reader Smoothly
Signposting words (also known as linkers or connectives) help your reader follow your ideas. Think of them as road signs in your essay — they show when you’re changing direction, giving an example, or drawing a conclusion.
Example Without Signposting:
Technology improves communication. It also creates misunderstandings. Face-to-face communication is better.
Now let’s fix that.
Example With Signposting:
Technology improves communication. However, it can also create misunderstandings due to the lack of non-verbal cues. Therefore, face-to-face communication is often considered more effective.
With just a few linkers, the paragraph feels smoother and the logic is easier to follow.
Signposting Words by Function:
| Function | Common Signposts |
|---|---|
| Add an idea | also, moreover, furthermore, in addition |
| Show contrast | however, on the other hand, although, nevertheless |
| Give a reason | because of, due to, since |
| Show a result | therefore, as a result, consequently |
| Give an example | for example, for instance |
| Sequence or list ideas | firstly, secondly, finally, the main reason |
| Conclude | in conclusion, to sum up, in summary |
3. Academic Phrases: Sound More Formal and Persuasive
If you want to write like a Band 8 or 9 candidate, using academic phrases is a game-changer. These expressions help you present opinions, arguments, and solutions more clearly and formally.
Without Academic Phrases:
Smoking is bad. It causes health problems. Restaurants should ban smoking.
With Academic Phrases:
Smoking is a significant public health issue. It is widely acknowledged that smoking causes severe health problems, such as lung cancer and heart disease. Therefore, I firmly believe that smoking should be banned in all restaurants to protect non-smokers.
Here, phrases like “It is widely acknowledged that” and “I firmly believe that” elevate your writing and show control of formal language.
Handy Academic Phrases to Use:
| Purpose | Phrases |
|---|---|
| Giving your opinion | I believe that, I think, I am of the opinion that |
| Stating others’ views | Many people argue that, Some say, It is believed that |
| Arguing against a view | However, I would argue, To counter this |
| Showing cause and effect | This results in, This leads to, This is due to |
| Giving a solution | A possible solution would be, I would recommend |
| Making a prediction | It is likely that, I am confident that |
Let’s Compare: With and Without These Techniques
Here’s a side-by-side look at how these strategies change a typical paragraph.
❌ Version Without Coherence and Cohesion:
Online education is becoming popular. Online education offers flexibility. Online education allows students to learn at their own pace. Online education is isolating. Online education lacks interaction.
✅ Version Using Coherence and Cohesion:
Online education is becoming increasingly popular due to its flexibility. It allows students to learn at their own pace, which is especially helpful for those with busy schedules. However, it can also be isolating, as it lacks face-to-face interaction. For this reason, online education may not be suitable for everyone, especially those who learn better in social settings.
Final Thoughts
Coherence and cohesion are more than just fancy terms. They are what make your writing readable, logical, and impressive to the IELTS examiner.
By mastering pronoun referencing, signposting, and academic phrasing, you’ll turn basic ideas into a powerful, high-scoring essay. Practice consistently, and you’ll see a big jump in both your confidence and your score.