Mastering Substitution for Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

Substitution is when a word or short phrase replaces another to avoid repeating it. It keeps your sentences concise and prevents your writing from sounding heavy or monotonous.

Compare these two examples:

• Without substitution (repetitive):
  Some people prefer online learning. Other people prefer online learning because it is convenient.
• With substitution (natural):
  Some people prefer online learning, while others do so because it is convenient.

• The meaning stays the same, but now the writing feels smoother and more academic.

Also read:

Upgrading Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

Mastering Linking Words for Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

Mastering Reference Words for Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

Mastering Ellipsis for Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

Mastering Lexical Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

“One” and “ones” are the most common substitutes for nouns you have already mentioned. They refer to countable nouns and prevent clunky repetition.

Examples:

• Renting a flat is cheaper than buying one.
• Policies supporting renewable energy are far more effective than traditional ones.

• Each example avoids repeating “flat” or “policy,” yet the meaning remains clear.

Tip: Use “one” (singular) and “ones” (plural) only with countable nouns, and avoid putting an article before “ones”.

Also read:

Upgrading Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

The expression “do so” substitutes an action or entire verb phrase previously mentioned. It helps maintain cohesion by referring back to what was done earlier.

Examples:

• Some universities require students to complete internships, and many companies also encourage them to do so.
• Parents should guide their children to follow rules, and teachers should help them do so in school settings.

• This technique reduces wordiness and keeps your writing clear and efficient.

Common Error: Don’t confuse “do so” with simply “do it”. The word “it” usually replaces a noun, while “do so” refers to an activity or process.

Wrong: Young people should recycle, and schools can encourage them to do it.

• This sounds more like an informal command.

Correct: Young people should recycle, and schools can encourage them to do so.

Also read:

Typical Coherence and Cohesion Pitfalls in IELTS Writing Task 2

Upgrading Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

The word “such” helps you avoid repeating long expressions or examples, especially nouns described by adjectives. It means “things of that kind/type.”

 Examples:

• Many governments have introduced recycling programmes. Such initiatives are essential for environmental protection.
• Public protests can bring social change, but such actions must remain peaceful.

Tip: Combine “such” with reference words to clarify meaning, e.g., “such a policy”, “such issues”, “such measures”.

 Example:

Climate change poses challenges, and governments must address such issues through international cooperation.

Also read:

Mastering Reference Words for Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

Upgrading Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

• Noun → one/ones:
• Form: one(s)
• Example: Modern jobs require soft skills, unlike traditional ones.
• Verb → do so:
• Form: do so / does so / did so / doing so
• Example: Some countries recycle waste, and others are now beginning to do so.
• Phrase → such:
• Form: such + noun

Example: Renewable energy policies are costly, but such initiatives benefit the planet.

Also read:

Upgrading Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

Use substitution after you’ve clearly introduced a noun or idea. It makes your essay shorter and prevents redundant repetition.

Example:
The city invested heavily in renewable energy projects. Such efforts have not only created jobs but also reduced emissions.

Also, combine substitution with linking phrases and reference words for seamless flow:

Some people argue that advertising harms children. However, such criticism ignores the role of parental guidance.

Also read:

Upgrading Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

Mastering Linking Words for Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

Mastering Reference Words for Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

Mastering Ellipsis for Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

Mastering Lexical Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

Substitution often pairs naturally with reference devices like “this/these”. Together they create professional cohesion.

Example:
Some individuals donate to charity. This act of generosity sets a positive example for others, and many people try to do so regularly.

• This sentence demonstrates reference (“this act”) plus substitution (“do so”). Together they replace entire ideas efficiently.

Also read:

Mastering Reference Words for Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

Upgrading Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

• Using substitution too early: Make sure your reader knows exactly what phrase you’re replacing. Introduce the noun first.
• Forgetting agreement: Use “one” for singular and “ones” for plural, e.g., “expensive ones”.
• Overusing “such” without context: Avoid vague phrases like “such is important.” Specify what “such” refers to.

Also read:

Typical Coherence and Cohesion Pitfalls in IELTS Writing Task 2

Upgrading Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

Substitution might look like a small grammatical trick, yet it plays a huge role in raising the quality of your IELTS writing. It removes repetition, adds variety, and shows you can form cohesive links without depending only on traditional connectors. By practising substitutes you’ve learned (i.e. “one/ones”, “do so”, and “such”), you’ll write shorter, sharper, and more coherent IELTS Task 2 essays — a hallmark of Band 7‑level writing.

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 Reference Words 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+