Why mechanical cohesion caps the score
The criteria consider progression, accurate cohesive devices, clear reference, and paragraph focus. Mechanical linking makes blockers more visible.
Coherence and cohesion
An essay can be full of linking words and still stand still.
Coherence is about whether the reader can follow the sequence of ideas; cohesion is about how sentences and paragraphs connect.
Short answer: fix the relationship between ideas first, then choose the linking device.
Wrong relationship marker
Therefore is used without cause-effect; however is used without contrast.
Unclear reference
This, they, or it points to an unclear noun, so the reader has to guess.
Paragraph topic drift
Each sentence is readable, but together they circle different centres.
Ask the relationship before choosing the word
Before linking, decide whether the next sentence adds, contrasts, explains a cause, shows a result, gives an example, or returns to the stance.
- Sentence relationship
- Paragraph focus
- Essay progression
What to revise next
If the essay uses many linking words but still feels loose, remove them temporarily and check whether each sentence naturally follows the previous one.
Guides
Keep going with these guides.
These pages explain the Banfen Writing diagnostic and blocker-repair method, Task 1 overview, Task 2 development, and common score blockers.
Task 2 development
Task 2 想提分，常见的关键是把观点发展成完整论证链。了解薄展开为什么压分，以及下一步该改哪个动作。检查重点：先写 claim、再补为什么成立、再用例子或结果把它撑起来。
Task 2 examples
Task 2 的例子要和 claim、reason、consequence 连在一起，才能支撑论证。例子出现了，还要说明它怎样支持前一句推理。
Home
半分写作是雅思写作练习网站。在雾港写作通关里选择 Task 1 来信或 Task 2 议事局，从自己的判断和短句写到完整作文。登录后免费玩 4 关，进度自动保存；也可先做一道短练习，获得点评并修改。
Coherence
IELTS Coherence and Cohesion 的范围比 linking words 大得多。更重要的是观点顺序、段落职责、句子推进和指代是否清楚。
CC 6 vs 7
IELTS Coherence 从 Band 6 到 7 的差距，常常在段落推进、指代清楚和观点关系，多背几个 linking words 帮助有限。
Start practising
Connect the logic first.
If you rely on linking words to hold the essay together, diagnose paragraph relationships and progression first.
References