7.2. Coherence and Cohesion
Whether a reader can follow your writing without effort.
The short version
Coherence is order. Cohesion is linking.
Paragraphing is marked here, and it is often ignored.
A clear topic sentence does most of the work.
Overusing linkers is penalised.
What the two words mean
Coherence means the ideas are in a clear order. One main idea in each paragraph.
Cohesion means the sentences connect. Use this, these, however, and because, not a long list of linking words.
Some people think city centres should ban private cars on weekdays. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
I agree only when the city can offer a reliable bus or tram in the same hour. A weekday ban on private cars can cut peak delays, because commuters then have one clear rule. If the same streets have no frequent bus, the ban just pushes the jam to the ring road.
- CoherenceClaim, then because. The reader can follow the idea.
- CoherenceThe same points back to the ban in the sentence before without repeating it. You do not need Moreover or Furthermore.
Coloured text shows what the examiner is looking for.
because, so, however, this, these, which
Moreover, Furthermore, In addition, On the other hand
Reference doing the work
A car ban can cut delays. Moreover, a car ban is important. Furthermore, this is important. In addition, cities like car bans.
A weekday ban can cut peak delays if a frequent bus already exists. That single service is what makes the rule usable.
Quiz time1 question
Check
Choose the correct answer.
What helps Coherence & Cohesion most?
Recap
Organise ideas logically, then link them.
Paragraph properly. It is part of this criterion.
Use linkers accurately rather than frequently.
Next: the words you choose.