Coherence Analyzer
Paste any IELTS paragraph to see your linking words highlighted by category and flagged if overused.
Examiner tip: Variety matters more than quantity. Using “however” three times in one paragraph is worse than using no linking word at all. Aim for different devices across the 6 categories above.
What does this tool check?
This tool scans your paragraph for cohesive devices and groups them by function — addition (furthermore, moreover), contrast (however, although), cause/effect (therefore, as a result), sequencing (firstly, subsequently), and emphasis (in particular, notably). It flags any device used more than once per paragraph so you can spot mechanical repetition before the examiner does.
Coherence & Cohesion is worth 25% of your IELTS Writing band score. A common mistake is relying on three or four connectors throughout an entire essay. Examiners reward variety and accuracy — not volume.
Frequently asked questions
What is Coherence & Cohesion in IELTS?
Coherence & Cohesion (CC) is one of the four IELTS Writing criteria, worth 25% of your Writing band score. Coherence is how logically your ideas flow. Cohesion is the language — linking words, pronouns, reference chains — that ties sentences together. Examiners want a varied, accurate range of cohesive devices, not a fixed set of phrases used on repeat.
Which linking words should I avoid overusing?
The most overused are 'Furthermore', 'Moreover', 'In addition', 'However', and 'In conclusion'. Using the same connector at the start of every sentence signals mechanical writing. Mix sentence-level connectors with paragraph-level signposting and try placing them mid-sentence rather than always at the start.
How many linking words should I use per paragraph?
There is no fixed number. A typical body paragraph needs one topic sentence, one or two internal connectors, and a closing or transition sentence. Overloading with connectors makes writing feel unnatural. Aim for flow, not a checklist.
What is the difference between coherence and cohesion?
Coherence is the logic and organisation of your ideas — whether the argument is easy to follow. Cohesion is the language tools you use to connect ideas — linking words, pronouns, synonyms. You can have strong cohesion but poor coherence (connectors everywhere, ideas in the wrong order), so both need to work together.
Does using more linking words improve my band score?
No. The criteria reward accurate and varied use — not quantity. Stuffing every sentence with 'Furthermore' and 'Moreover' actually lowers your score. Use a mix of addition, contrast, cause/effect, and sequencing connectors, and vary their position in sentences.