The Band 8+ Secret: Mastering Cohesive Devices and Discourse Markers in Speaking and Writing

 To achieve a Band 8 or higher in the IELTS Speaking and Writing modules, you must move beyond basic English and demonstrate high-level coherence and fluency. This is primarily achieved through the strategic use of cohesive devices (linking words/phrases) and discourse markers (signposts for thought). These tools structure your arguments and make your ideas flow naturally, signaling sophisticated language control to the examiner.

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Writing Module: Coherence and Cohesion (Band 8 Criterion)

In Writing Task 2, using a wide range of cohesive devices is crucial for logically connecting paragraphs and sentences. Avoid overusing simple connectors like and and but.

1. Connecting Opposing Ideas (Contrast)

Use these to introduce a counter-argument or highlight a discrepancy within your body paragraphs.

• Advanced Devices: Notwithstanding this point, Conversely, Nevertheless, On the contrary, While this may be true, Despite this evidence.

• Example: "Online learning offers unparalleled flexibility; nevertheless, the lack of face-to-face interaction can hinder collaborative development."

2. Adding Information or Emphasizing a Point (Addition/Emphasis)

Use these to introduce evidence or expand upon a previous statement.

• Advanced Devices: Furthermore, Moreover, In addition to this, Crucially, It is pertinent to note that, What’s more.

• Example: "The government must invest in green technology. Furthermore, educational campaigns are required to shift public behavior."

3. Stating Cause and Effect (Result/Consequence)

Use these to clearly signal a logical relationship between your evidence and your conclusion.

• Advanced Devices: Consequently, Hence, As a result, Due to this factor, Therefore, Thereby leading to.

• Example: "The cost of living has risen sharply; consequently, many students are struggling to afford housing."

4. Structuring the Argument (Sequencing)

Use these in your introduction or body paragraphs to signal the organization of your essay.

• Advanced Devices: Initially, Primarily, Subsequently, In the first instance, To begin with.

• Example: "I will initially address the economic benefits of tourism, and subsequently examine its environmental impact."

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🗣️ Speaking Module: Fluency and Coherence (Band 8 Criterion)

In the Speaking test, discourse markers help you sound natural, give you time to think, and signal the direction of your thoughts. Examiners specifically listen for these markers as indicators of fluent, native-like speech.

1. Buying Time and Hesitation Management

Use these natural fillers to avoid awkward silence or excessive "um/ah."

• Markers: Well, actually..., To be honest with you, That’s a fascinating question, Let me see, If I had to choose, As a matter of fact.

• Example: "To be honest with you, I hadn't really considered the environmental implications of that specific policy before."

2. Giving Opinions and Introducing Ideas

Use these to clearly signpost when you are expressing a personal view or starting a new point.

• Markers: In my opinion, Personally speaking, From my perspective, I strongly believe that, What I mean is.

• Example: "Personally speaking, I think the most significant change in technology is the rise of wearable devices."

3. Clarifying and Adding Examples

Use these to elaborate on a point or make your argument clearer.

• Markers: For example, For instance, To illustrate, Such as, In other words, To clarify.

• Example: "I often travel by train. For instance, last month I took the high-speed rail to visit my grandparents in the south."

4. Concluding and Summarizing

Use these to wrap up your response to Part 3 questions or finish your Part 2 Cue Card.

• Markers: Overall, So, to sum up, Ultimately, In conclusion, All things considered.

• Example: "Ultimately, I believe that local authorities hold the greatest responsibility for protecting these historic sites."

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Study Smart Protocol for Mastery

1. Stop Memorizing Lists: Don't try to force academic phrases into casual speech. Practice using markers naturally in conversation until they become part of your active vocabulary.

2. Audio Shadowing: Listen to high-level English speakers (podcasts, news interviews) and shadow their speech. Pay attention to when and how they use markers like "Well," or "Actually" to manage pauses.

3. Active Review: After writing a practice essay, highlight every cohesive device. If you find yourself using the same 3-4 words (e.g., However, Also, Because), make a deliberate effort to swap them out for more sophisticated options from the lists above in your next draft.

Mastering these devices and markers elevates your score by improving Lexical Resource and ensuring the examiner perceives your speech and writing as highly fluent and coherent.

Ready to incorporate these high-scoring devices into your next practice test? Follow Study Smart today!