How Examiners Evaluate Coherence and Cohesion in IELTS Writing
Writing CC criterion · Progression · May 2026
Coherence and Cohesion measures whether a reader can follow your argument—not how many linking words you paste in. Examiners look for clear paragraph roles (position, reason, example, concession), logical progression between sentences, accurate reference (this policy, they), and cohesive devices that match meaning. Essays with flashy connectors but list-like bodies or drifting topic sentences typically stay at Band 6 CC even when vocabulary looks strong.
What CC descriptors reward
CC sits alongside Task Response, Lexical Resource, and GRA. A Band 7 CC essay presents information with clear overall progression; uses cohesive devices appropriately; and may have occasional lapses. See Task Response evaluation and coherence collapse under pressure.
CC traps examiners penalize
| Student habit | Examiner read |
|---|---|
| Connector stuffing (Moreover, Furthermore…) | Mechanical—logic still unclear |
| Body = bullet list | No sustained development |
| New idea every sentence | No cohesive thread |
| Conclusion introduces new argument | Breaks progression |
CC upgrade protocol
- Outline: thesis + two topic sentences before writing.
- Start each body paragraph with a line that names the paragraph job.
- End paragraphs by linking forward: This is why governments should…
- Cut connectors that do not change meaning—keep one per paragraph max unless contrast is real.
Key takeaways
- CC = logical progression and clear reference, not connector count.
- Topic sentences and paragraph roles matter more than Moreover.
- List bodies rarely reach Band 7 CC.
- TR answers the question; CC makes the answer followable.
FAQ
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