Handout · Day 4

Cohesion & Argument Development

Duration: 90 minutes Module: Writing Focus: Linking words, topic sentences, logical flow between paragraphs

Objectives

0:00 – 0:10

Warm-Up: Link the Ideas

Coherence & Cohesion is one of the four IELTS scoring criteria — worth 25% of your Writing score. Using a range of linking words correctly is one of the fastest ways to push from Band 6 to Band 7+.

Match each linking word to its category

Categories: Addition · Contrast · Cause · Result · Example · Sequence · Conclusion

  1. therefore →
  2. despite →
  3. firstly →
  4. furthermore →
  5. in conclusion →
  6. because →
  7. for instance →
  8. as a result →
  9. however →
  10. moreover →

1 Result · 2 Contrast · 3 Sequence · 4 Addition · 5 Conclusion · 6 Cause · 7 Example · 8 Result · 9 Contrast · 10 Addition

0:10 – 0:30

The 8 Linking Word Categories

CategoryWords/phrasesExample
1. Additionfurthermore, moreover, in addition, also, what is more, not only…but also"Furthermore, this policy reduces emissions."
2. Contrasthowever, although, despite, nevertheless, on the other hand, whereas, while"However, this approach has drawbacks."
3. Causebecause, since, due to, owing to, as"Due to rising costs, demand fell."
4. Resulttherefore, thus, consequently, as a result, hence"As a result, emissions dropped."
5. Examplefor example, for instance, such as, to illustrate, in particular"For instance, London introduced…"
6. Emphasisindeed, in fact, clearly, certainly"In fact, the trend continues."
7. Sequencefirstly, secondly, finally, next, subsequently, eventually"Firstly, the population grew…"
8. Conclusionin conclusion, in summary, overall, to sum up, all in all"In conclusion, the benefits outweigh the costs."

Write one example sentence per category

Use a different word from each row above. Don't repeat.

  1. Addition:
  2. Contrast:
  3. Cause:
  4. Result:
  5. Example:
  6. Sequence:
Three traps to avoid
  • Don't overuse "Firstly, Secondly, Finally." They're fine, but examiners see them constantly. Mix with "One major reason…", "Furthermore…", "Finally…".
  • Don't put linking words everywhere. One per sentence-pair is enough. "Stuffing" them in feels mechanical.
  • Punctuation matters. Most introductory linking words take a comma: "However, …", "Furthermore, …", "For instance, …".
Band 8+ variety

Once you've nailed the basics, throw in occasional advanced linkers: nonetheless, accordingly, similarly, additionally, notwithstanding. Don't force them — use them once or twice if they fit naturally.

0:30 – 0:50

Topic Sentences & Paragraph Flow

Every body paragraph needs a clear, direct topic sentence that previews the main idea. If an examiner reads only your topic sentences, they should understand your whole argument.

Weak vs strong topic sentences
WeakStrong
"Cars are bad." "One major drawback of private cars in city centres is the pollution they generate."
"There are many reasons for this." "The primary reason for this trend is the affordability of public transport."
"Now I will talk about the disadvantages." "However, this policy also raises significant concerns about fairness."

Paragraph rewriting

Rewrite this weak paragraph with a clear topic sentence and at least 2 linking words.

Weak paragraph

"Cars pollute. Ban them. Traffic bad. People should use buses. Buses are cheaper. Cities will be cleaner."

Your rewrite:

One major reason to limit private vehicles in urban areas is the substantial pollution they generate. Cars contribute heavily to harmful emissions, which damage public health and the environment. Furthermore, congestion caused by private vehicles makes daily commutes longer and less efficient. For this reason, encouraging the use of cheaper, cleaner alternatives such as public buses would not only reduce pollution but also create more liveable city centres.

What changed:

  • Six choppy sentences became one paragraph with logical flow.
  • Topic sentence states the position clearly.
  • Linking words: Furthermore, For this reason, not only…but also.
  • Vocabulary upgraded: "bad" → "damage", "buses" → "cleaner alternatives".
0:50 – 1:20

Practice: Mini Essay

30 minutes. Write a 3-paragraph mini-essay (intro + body 1 + body 2 — skip the conclusion to save time). You must use at least 5 different linking words from at least 3 different categories.

Prompt

"Should cities ban private cars in the city centre?

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your opinion."

Quick plan (3 min)

My position:

Body 1 — main advantage:

Body 2 — main disadvantage (then refute or balance):

Your 3-paragraph mini-essay

Target: 200+ words
Words: 0 Not saved yet
25:00
Mini essay — 25 min

Peer review checklist

After writing, swap with a partner (or self-check). Tick each box.

  • ☐ Each paragraph starts with a clear topic sentence.
  • ☐ At least 5 different linking words across the essay.
  • ☐ Linking words come from at least 3 different categories.
  • ☐ A specific example appears in at least one body paragraph.
  • ☐ The position is clear from the introduction.

Compare with the Band 8 mini-essay

Introduction. The proposal to prohibit private vehicles in urban centres has gained traction in response to growing traffic and pollution issues. While such a ban could significantly enhance environmental quality and public transport efficiency, it may inconvenience residents reliant on personal mobility. In my view, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, provided alternative options are well-implemented.

Body 1. On the one hand, banning private cars would markedly reduce congestion and emissions in city cores. For example, London's congestion charge zone has demonstrated that restricting vehicles leads to cleaner air and faster commutes, with a 30% drop in traffic since its introduction. Furthermore, this encourages the use of sustainable alternatives like cycling or subways, fostering healthier lifestyles and lower carbon footprints. Consequently, urban areas could become more liveable and pedestrian-friendly.

Body 2. On the other hand, such a policy might disadvantage certain groups, such as the elderly or those with disabilities, who depend on cars for accessibility. In sprawling cities like Los Angeles, inadequate public transport could exacerbate isolation or economic losses for businesses. Nevertheless, these issues can be addressed through exemptions, improved transit systems, or ride-sharing incentives, making the ban more equitable.

Linkers used (count them!):

While, In my view, On the one hand, For example, Furthermore, like, Consequently, On the other hand, such as, In sprawling cities like, Nevertheless. That's 11 cohesive devices in a 3-paragraph essay — and they're not crowbarred in.

Last 40 min

Task 2 Mock — Timed + Instant AI Feedback

Mock conditions. 40 minutes. At least 250 words. One sitting, no notes. This is a discuss-both-views question — make your cohesion and your own position unmistakable.

Apply today's work: strong topic sentences, a full range of linking words, and a clear line of argument. Give both views a balanced paragraph, then your own opinion. Get AI Evaluation for a four-criteria read, and Submit by email for your teacher.

Task 2 prompt

Some people think that the best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison sentences. Others, however, believe there are better alternative ways of reducing crime. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Your Task 2 essay

Target: 250+ words · 40 min
Words: 0 Not saved yet
40:00
Task 2 mock — 40 min
1:20 – 1:30

Wrap-Up & Homework

Discuss in pairs: which linking word from today's essay improved your writing most? Where could you have used more?

Tonight's homework

Rewrite one full paragraph from today's mini-essay with better cohesion. Tomorrow is the full mock — Task 1 (20 min) + Task 2 (40 min) under exam conditions.

Open homework →

Practice online (free)

A little extra self-study for this skill — each link opens in a new tab. These are free resources; some may ask you to create a free account.