Linking & Cohesion — Making Ideas Flow
Transitions (however, therefore, in addition) and reference words (this, it, such) are what turn separate sentences into a smooth, coherent argument.
Two tools create flow between sentences: transition words (however, therefore, for instance) that signal how ideas relate, and reference words (this, it, such) that point back to something already mentioned instead of repeating it. Coherence/Cohesion is a scored criterion in CELPIP Writing, so a rater literally uses your linkers to follow your logic — but use just one good linker per idea, since a transition in every sentence reads as mechanical.
- What are the main categories of transition words to use?
- Five: adding (in addition, furthermore, moreover), contrasting (however, on the other hand, nevertheless), result (therefore, as a result, consequently), example (for example, for instance), and concluding (in conclusion, overall, to sum up).
- How do reference words help my writing?
- Words like this, that, these, it, such, the former, and the latter point back to something already mentioned so you avoid repeating a noun — for example, 'The council approved a new bike lane. This decision pleased commuters,' where 'this' means the approval.
- How many transitions should I use per sentence?
- Not one in every sentence — a linker in every sentence sounds robotic. Use them only where the logic genuinely turns, such as to add a point, contrast an idea, or conclude.
- 1.Use transitions to signal relationships: addition (furthermore), contrast (however), result (therefore), example (for instance).
- 2.Do not overload — one good linker per idea is enough; a transition in every sentence sounds mechanical.
- 3.Reference words (this, that, these, it, such) connect a sentence back to the previous one and avoid repetition.
- 4.Coherence is a scored criterion in CELPIP Writing — linkers are how the rater SEES your logic.
Two tools for flow
- Transition words — signal how one idea relates to the next.
- Reference words — point back to something already mentioned, so you do not repeat yourself.
A transitions toolkit
| Relationship | Connectors |
|---|---|
| Adding | In addition, Furthermore, Moreover, What is more |
| Contrasting | However, On the other hand, Nevertheless, Although |
| Result | Therefore, As a result, Consequently, So |
| Example | For example, For instance, In particular |
| Concluding | In conclusion, Overall, To sum up |
"The plan is expensive. However, the long-term savings are significant. Therefore, I support it."
Reference words avoid repetition
Instead of repeating a noun, point back to it:
"The council approved a new bike lane. This decision pleased commuters." (this = the approval)
Useful reference words: this, that, these, those, it, such, the former, the latter.
Do not overdo it
A linker in every sentence sounds robotic. Use them where the logic genuinely turns — to add, to contrast, to conclude.
CELPIP application
Coherence/Cohesion is explicitly part of your Writing score. Well-placed transitions make your argument easy to follow, and reference words make your writing feel mature and connected rather than list-like.
Check yourself
A quick self-check on this lesson — pick an answer, then see the explanation. Not graded.
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