An Ultimate Guide on Cohesive Devices in the IELTS Writing

Every year, more than 3 million people trust the IELTS exam to test their skills in writing, reading, listening, and speaking the English language. They need to work on several skills to get their desired scores. However, they struggle to develop skills for the IELTS writing section. In this case, the best trainers advise them to learn how to use cohesive devices and IELTS writing test checker tools to prepare for it. Now, you might be thinking, why does the guide do so? Read this article and know its answer. But first, let us know a bit about the writing section.

A Brief on the IELTS Writing Section

The writing section is an important part of the IELTS test pattern, consisting of two different tasks. In the first one, test takers get an image that consists of some details in the form of a bar or line graph, pie chart, table, or image. Test takers have to go through them well and describe them in 150 words. Further, they must write an opinion, advantage/disadvantage, discussion, problem/solution, and double-question essay of approximately 250 words to showcase their listening skills. It should be well structured and must be completed in 60 minutes. However, test takers must have outstanding writing skills to answer both tasks. So, the experts guide them to use cohesive devices because it can help them increase their writing skills. Let's understand how.

What Are Cohesive Devices?

Test takers need great writing skills to answer all the questions in the IELTS writing section. They need to maintain a flow. However, it is not easy to do so while writing sentences of two different intents. In this case, IELTS aspirants use cohesive words or devices. These connecting words help maintain a flow in sentences with different intents. Therefore, However, In addition, and Thus are some examples of such words. Well, there are 5 different types of cohesive devices used in the IELTS exam. Let's know about them below.

Referencing

Referencing words are used to refer to the ideas already mentioned in the text. These are the most commonly used cohesive devices. Words like 'such', 'this', 'those', 'it', and more are some of the best examples of it.

Substitution

Substitutes are used to replace some words already used in the text. They help reduce the chances of repetition and enhance the flow of text. Words like 'do', 'so', and 'one' are the best examples of substitution cohesive devices.

Ellipsis

This cohesive device removes a word from a phrase to make a meaningful sentence. It helps reduce the repetition of words and maintain the flow while writing an essay in the writing section of the IELTS exam.

Conjunctions

These are cohesive words used to join sentences, phrases or ideas in the IELTS writing section. It includes some commonly used words such as 'like', 'and', 'or', 'but', 'then', 'because', and more. Every test taker must know how to place conjunctions at the right place to secure a high band score.

Lexical Cohesion

Lexical cohesion refers to the repetition of words using synonyms and antonyms. Test takers need a strong command of their English grammar and vocabulary to use this cohesive device. However, it is the best way to avoid repetition, connect sentences, and showcase English writing skills.

Using cohesive devices or connecting words is the best way to showcase English writing skills. However, many test takers have questions about whether their essays are grammatically correct or wrong. In this case, experts advise them to take the practice test. Well, let's understand why.

How Practice Test Helps to Prepare for the IELTS Writing

There are n benefits of taking practice tests to prepare for the IELTS writing section. Let us have an eye on some of them.

• Practice For Every Possible Question - A practice test is a replica of previous question papers. Thus, test takers can anticipate what they will face on the exam and practice to describe every image question and essay.

Track Mistakes - Practice test papers come with theIELTS writing test checker AI tool. This tool helps test takers identify their mistakes in their essay or writing task 1 and work on improvements.

• Build Confidence - Test takers can monitor their progress and readiness for the exam. This can boost their confidence and secure a high score.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the writing section is an integral part of the IELTS exam pattern. It has two different tasks that help test English writing skills. However, many test takers struggle to prepare for it. So, they take help from experts at gradding. This is because they take regular sessions and guides to use cohesive devices to connect different sentences. Also, they help to clear doubts about questions like when and how to register for IELTS exam. Thus, it helps the test takers to build confidence and get their dream scores.