Mastering Reference Words for Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

Reference words connect ideas by referring backward or forward to something else in the text. They save you from repeating the same nouns while keeping your writing concise.

They usually take the form of pronouns or short noun phrases like “this”, “that”, “these”, “those”, “it”, “they”, “such”, “the former”, “the latter”, etc.

Compare these two examples:

• Without referencing (Band 6): “The government should invest in public transport. The government should also provide bike-sharing systems. The government should encourage citizens to drive less.”
• With referencing (Band 7+): “The government should invest in public transport. It should also introduce bike-sharing systems and encourage citizens to drive less.”

• The second version sounds much more cohesive and fluent because the reader easily understands what “it” refers to.

Also read:

Mastering Linking Words for Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

Mastering Substitution for Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

Mastering Ellipsis for Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

Mastering Lexical Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

Upgrading Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

These pronouns refer to people or things already mentioned.

Examples: I, you, he, she, it, we, they, him, her, them, their, ours

Band 7 Examples:

• The cost of living has risen sharply in recent years. It has become difficult for low-income families to save money.
• Students benefit from group projects because they learn teamwork and communication skills.

Tip: Ensure that the referent (the thing the pronoun refers to) is 100 percent clear. Ambiguous pronouns confuse readers and reduce cohesion.

Also read:

Typical Coherence and Cohesion Pitfalls in IELTS Writing Task 2

Upgrading Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

These words point to something specific or previously mentioned.

Examples: this, that, these, those

Band 7 Examples:

• Air pollution continues to worsen in many cities. This issue requires urgent action from local authorities.
• Some countries impose strict recycling laws; these measures have significantly reduced waste generation.

Usage note:

• Use “this/these” for something close (recently mentioned).
• Use “that/those” for something further away or to signal contrast.

Example:

“Some people value short-term economic growth; those who think long-term prefer sustainable development.”

Also read:

Typical Coherence and Cohesion Pitfalls in IELTS Writing Task 2

Upgrading Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

These connect ideas by showing comparison or contrast.

Examples: the same, similar, such, other, another, more, less

Band 7 Examples:

• The government should invest more in hospitals and other essential public services.
• Singapore’s education reforms should serve as a model for other developing nations.
• Renewable energy is expensive at first, but such investment benefits the environment in the long run.

Also read:

Typical Coherence and Cohesion Pitfalls in IELTS Writing Task 2

Upgrading Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

Here are some practical tips for using reference words naturally:

• Avoid repetition: Replace repeated nouns with reference words after first mention.
  Example: Plastic pollution has become a global concern. This problem affects marine life severely.
• Keep referents clear: Make sure readers can identify exactly what “this” or “it” refers to.

Example:
Wrong: It causes various problems. (What does “it” mean?)
Correct: Deforestation causes various problems. It leads to soil erosion and loss of biodiversity.

• Link sentences smoothly: Reference words help maintain flow without heavy connectors.
  Example: Technology offers many benefits. These advantages include efficiency and accessibility.

Also read:

Typical Coherence and Cohesion Pitfalls in IELTS Writing Task 2

Upgrading Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

You are free to use both types of devices together for cohesion:

Example:
The number of cars is increasing every year. As a result, this trend contributes to rising greenhouse gas emissions.

Here, “as a result” (linking phrase) introduces cause and effect, while “this trend” (reference noun) clearly identifies the subject.

Example:
Many companies now allow remote work. However, this approach is not suitable for every profession.

This combination sounds mature because it blends explicit and implicit linking.

Also read:

Mastering Linking Words for Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Unclear reference
Education helps people find better jobs. This also improves health outcomes.

• What does “this” refer to? Be specific.

2. Overuse of “it”
Repeating “it” in every sentence makes your writing dull. Vary with “this”, “these”, or “such measures”.

3. Gender errors
Avoid using “he” or “she” generically in formal essays. Use “people”, “individuals”, or “they” instead.

4. Writing “this” without a noun
Wrong: This is important.
Correct: This policy is important.

• The noun clarifies what this refers to and improves precision.

Also read:

Typical Coherence and Cohesion Pitfalls in IELTS Writing Task 2

When examiners read your essay, they’re checking not just vocabulary or grammar but how smoothly ideas flow. Clear references show that you can manage information efficiently — a key skill of higher‑band writers. So, as you plan your next Task 2 essay, focus not only on linking words like “however” and “therefore” but also on subtle connectors like “this issue”, “these problems”, “such policies”. Together, they form the foundation of truly cohesive writing that can lift your score to Band 7+.

An Introduction to IELTS Academic Test

Everything You Need to Know about IELTS Academic Writing Test

An Overview of IELTS Writing Task 2

How IELTS Writing Task 2 is Assessed

What is Task Response in IELTS Writing Task 2 and how to reach Band 7+

Typical Task Response Pitfalls in IELTS Writing Task 2

How to Generate Ideas for 5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Question Types with WH- Questions

How to Stay on Topic in IELTS Writing Task 2

How to Develop Your Position in IELTS Writing Task 2

Writing Thesis Statements for IELTS Writing Task 2 Essays

What is Coherence and Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2 and how to reach Band 7+

Typical Coherence and Cohesion Pitfalls in IELTS Writing Task 2

Upgrading Coherence in IELTS Writing Task 2

How to Apply 5 Introduction Approaches to 5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Question Types

Paraphrasing in IELTS Writing Task 2 for Introduction

Practical Topic Sentence Writing Skills for Better Coherence in IELTS Writing Task 2

Practical Body Paragraph Writing Skills for Better Coherence in IELTS Writing Task 2

How to Apply 5 Conclusion Approaches to 5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Question Types

Summarizing IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay in Conclusion

Upgrading Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

Mastering Linking Words for Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

Mastering Substitution for Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

Mastering Ellipsis for Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

Mastering Lexical Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

What is Lexical Resource in IELTS Writing Task 2 and how to reach Band 7+

Typical Lexical Resource Pitfalls in IELTS Writing Task 2

Vocabulary Strategies for IELTS Writing Task 2

Collocation Strategies for IELTS Writing Task 2

Spelling Strategies for IELTS Writing Task 2

Paraphrasing Strategies for IELTS Writing Task 2

What is Grammatical Range and Accuracy in IELTS Writing Task 2 and how to reach Band 7+

Typical Grammatical Range and Accuracy Pitfalls in IELTS Writing Task 2

Common Sentence Structure Problems and How to Fix Them for IELTS Writing Task 2

Common Grammar Problems and How to Fix Them for IELTS Writing Task 2

Common Punctuation Problems and How to Fix Them for IELTS Writing Task 2

An Introduction to the 5 Question Types in IELTS Writing Task 2

An Introduction to 14 Common Topics for IELTS Writing Task 2

General Test Skills for IELTS Writing Task 2

Time Management Skills for IELTS Writing Task 2

Proofreading Skills for IELTS Writing Task 2

Common Mistakes to Avoid in IELTS Writing Task 2

An Overview of IELTS Writing Task 1

How IELTS Writing Task 1 is Assessed

What is Coherence and Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 1 and how to reach Band 7+