Writing Task 2 · Academic language · Lesson 17 of 18

Cohesion: reference, substitution and linking

Avoid repetition with reference and substitution, and link your ideas without overusing linking words, in both Task 1 and Task 2.

50–60 minutes
Level B1+
7 exercises

In this lesson you will

use reference words to avoid repetition
use substitution with one, ones, do and so
link ideas without overusing linking words
make Task 1 and Task 2 answers easy to follow

Why it matters

What is cohesion?

Cohesion is what holds your sentences together. The band descriptors name reference and substitution at several bands, and they warn against using linking words too often.

Band	Coherence and Cohesion
9	“Cohesion is used in such a way that it very rarely attracts attention.”
7	“A range of cohesive devices including reference and substitution is used flexibly but with some inaccuracies or some over/under use.”
6	“Cohesive devices are used to some good effect but cohesion within and/or between sentences may be faulty or mechanical due to misuse, overuse or omission.”
5	“The writing may be repetitive due to inadequate and/or inaccurate use of reference and substitution.”

Part A

Reference

Reference words point back to something that you have already mentioned, so you do not need to repeat it.

Pronouns: it, they, them, their
This / these + noun: this trend, these problems, this way of working
The former / the latter: the first or second of two things

Make it clear. This on its own can be unclear. Adding a noun usually helps: This increase was… Every it and they must point clearly to one thing.

Exercise 1

What does it refer to?

Read the text, then choose what each word in bold refers to.

Many employees now work from home. They [1] do not need to commute, and this [2] gives them more free time. This way of working [3] also benefits companies, as they [4] can spend less on office space.

1 They
2 this
3 This way of working
4 they

Exercise 2

Complete with reference words

Use they, this, these, it or their.

Many cities have introduced bike-sharing schemes. schemes are popular with students because are cheap and convenient. has helped to reduce traffic in city centres. However, cycling can be dangerous when takes place on busy roads, so riders should always wear helmets.

Part B

Substitution

Substitution replaces a word or phrase with a shorter one.

Word	Replaces	Example
one / ones	A noun	Older employees prefer offices, whereas younger ones like working from home.
do / does / did	A verb phrase	People smoke less now than they did in the past.
do so	A verb phrase	Some governments have cut taxes, and others plan to do so.
so	A clause	Many people believe that this is unfair, and I think so too.

Exercise 3

Complete the sentences

Large companies can afford these costs, but small often cannot.
Women now live longer than men .
Some countries have banned plastic bags, and others intend to do .
Cars are cheaper today than they in the past.
Public parks are more popular than private .

Part C

Do not overuse linking words

Good writers do not put a linking word at the start of every sentence. A linking word must show the real relationship between the ideas, and it can often go in the middle of a sentence or be replaced by a reference.

Exercise 4

Which is better?

A Firstly, cars are expensive. Secondly, they pollute the air. Thirdly, they cause traffic. Moreover, parking is difficult. Furthermore, accidents are common. B Cars are expensive to own and pollute the air. They also cause traffic, which makes parking difficult in many city centres.
A Online courses are cheap. On the other hand, they are also flexible. B Online courses are cheap. They are also flexible.
A Rents have risen sharply. As a result, many young people live with their parents. B Rents have risen sharply. For example, many people have a car.

Exercise 5

Choose the correct link

Think about the relationship between the two ideas.

Many people enjoy city life. ___, it can be stressful.
Exercise improves health. ___, it can reduce stress.
Prices have doubled. ___, fewer people can afford a home.
Some jobs have been automated. ___, many factories now use robots.

Part D

Cohesion in Task 1

These techniques also matter in Task 1, where the same figures and categories appear many times.

Referring to data: this figure, the former, the latter, the same period
Comparing: By contrast, Similarly, while, whereas
Time: After that, Over the following decade, By 2020

Exercise 6

Complete the description

Use this figure, the latter, By contrast, while.

In 2000, 40% of visitors came from Asia. By 2020, had risen to 55%, the proportion from Europe remained stable at 20%. , the numbers from Africa and South America declined, and fell to just 5% of the total.

Exercise 7

Remove the repetition

Rewrite this paragraph using reference and substitution.

Many students use mobile phones in class. Mobile phones can distract students from lessons. Students who use mobile phones often get lower marks than students who do not use mobile phones. Schools should ban mobile phones during lessons.

Model answers and lesson materials by Tips4IELTS.