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Pronoun Reference & Cohesion

Pronoun reference and cohesion is about using words to connect ideas and show which person or thing we are talking about, making our text clear and easy to follow

B2Pronouns & Reference

What is Pronoun Reference & Cohesion

Pronoun reference and cohesion is a way to use pronouns like he, she, it, they, to refer to people or things and link our ideas together.

  • We use pronouns to replace nouns so we don't repeat them, making our text more interesting and easier to read.
  • A pronoun must clearly refer to a specific noun, so the reader knows what we are talking about.

Why Do We Use It

  • We use pronouns to avoid repeating the same nouns over and over, which makes our writing more engaging.
  • Pronouns help us to connect our ideas and make our text flow better.
  • Using the right pronoun helps to avoid confusion about who or what we are talking about.

Examples

  • I saw my friend, and he was very happy.
  • The dog is very old, and it needs to rest.
  • My sister lives in Paris, and she loves the city.
  • The students are working on a project, and they are doing a great job.
  • The book is on the table, and it is mine.
  • The flowers are beautiful, and they smell wonderful.

Common Mistakes

  • Wrong: Me and my friend are going to the store. Correct: My friend and I are going to the store.
  • Wrong: The dog chase it tail. Correct: The dog chases its tail.
  • Wrong: The book are mine. Correct: The book is mine.

Memory Trick

To remember to use the right pronoun, try reading your text aloud and see if it sounds clear and logical.

Quick check
Which of the following sentences demonstrates correct pronoun reference?

Where this matters in your exam

In IELTS, pronoun reference and cohesion is crucial for a high score in Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 2, where examiners check how clearly and logically we express our ideas

  • Writing Task 2

    Clear and logical use of pronouns to connect ideas is key to a good score

  • Speaking Part 2

    Using pronouns correctly helps to present a clear and coherent talk about the given topic