Original BandLadder material
It teaches a 3-step method: reference, substitution and progression. Along the way you get worked examples with the key words marked, before-and-after fixes that show why the first version loses marks, a model answer with its key moves highlighted, a one-page visual summary, a quick check to test yourself and a recap of the rules to remember. Each card holds one idea, so you can read it on a phone between practice sessions.
With a free BandLadder account you can read the first three cards online in our study reader, on the web and in the app. The other 8 cards and the PDF download come with any plan.
The first 2 of 11 cards
the habit that looks organised
The public Band 6 descriptor calls some cohesion "faulty or mechanical". A linker on every sentence is one way to get there.
Firstly,linker libraries are quiet. Secondly, libraries are free. Moreover, libraries have books. In conclusion, libraries are good.
Four linkers. Nothing connects.
Coherence and Cohesion, in plain English
| Band | What it says |
|---|---|
| Band 5 | Sentences not fluently linked |
| Band 6 | Linking sometimes mechanical |
| Band 7 | Clear progression, flexible links |
| Band 8 | Cohesion well managed |
| Band 9 | Cohesion rarely draws attention |
From the public descriptors. It is one of four equally weighted criteria (ielts.org).
Card 3 of 11 onwards
Card 3 is free too
Create a free account for card 3; the other 8 come with any plan.
Create a free account →11 cards
Start Connected, not just linked free
Create a free account to read the first 3 cards. The full lesson and its PDF come with any plan.
Create a free account →Free practice
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Questions
The first three cards are free to read online with a free BandLadder account. The full lesson opens with any plan.
The PDF download comes with any BandLadder plan. Free accounts read the lesson online in the study reader, on the web and in the app.
The BandLadder team wrote and checked it. It is original BandLadder material, not copied from books or other websites, and its exam facts are checked against the official IELTS and PTE pages.
Both versions of the test: it covers what they share and says where they differ.
IELTS is a registered trademark of the University of Cambridge, the British Council and IDP Education Australia. PTE is a trademark of Pearson. BandLadder is not affiliated with either.
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