Writing
Topic sentence, explanation, example. The shape that carries most of the marks. With a practice exercise.
IELTS Task 2 body paragraphs carry the argument and most of the marks. The introduction and conclusion together are eighty words; the body is everything else, and it is where Task Response is really decided.
The reliable shape is one idea per paragraph, opened by a topic sentence, explained, then illustrated. Paragraphs that contain three ideas each and develop none are the standard Band 6 pattern.
The shape
Four parts, in this order, and two rules about what not to do.
One sentence saying what this paragraph will argue. An examiner should be able to read only your topic sentences and follow the whole essay.
Why is that true? This is where the why-twice question earns its place, and where most Band 6 essays stop too early.
A concrete case. It can be invented, provided it is plausible. Without one, the point stays an assertion.
One short sentence tying the point to the question. It stops paragraphs drifting away from what was asked.
Three ideas in a paragraph means none of them is developed. Split them or drop one.
Three is fine if you have time to develop each. Four short ones is worse than two full ones.
Method
Six checks. The last one is the test that matters.
Not this paragraph is about cost, but public transport delivers more benefit per pound than road building.
If it needs two, you probably have two ideas and should split the paragraph.
The examiner should know the direction of the paragraph before reading the rest of it.
The topic sentence states the point. The example comes later, as support.
A paragraph that argues something true but irrelevant scores nothing on Task Response.
If those two or three sentences on their own answer the question, the essay is well structured. If they do not, no amount of detail fixes it.
Practice
Choices about paragraph structure.
Some people believe that companies should be required to allow employees to work from home. To what extent do you agree?
You have decided to agree, and your first point is about commuting time.
1Which is the better topic sentence?
B. It makes a claim connected to the question. A announces the topic, C is background, and D is the example, which belongs later.
2What comes after the topic sentence?
The explanation. Why is the claim true, and why does it matter? Jumping straight to the example leaves the reasoning unstated.
3How many main ideas should one body paragraph contain?
One. More than one means none is developed, which is the most reliable marker of a Band 6 essay.
4Which is the strongest support?
C. It gives a specific figure and then follows it through to a result. The others state an opinion, or mention evidence without giving any.
5What is the test of a well structured essay?
The topic sentences alone answer the question. If they do, the structure works. If they do not, adding detail will not repair it.
Usually the topic sentence was missing, so nothing held the paragraph to a single point. It is one of the fastest things to fix once someone shows you.
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Structure you can check yourself. Whether your explanation is developed enough for Band 7 is a judgement.
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Usually two, each developing one idea. Three works if you have time to develop each properly. Four short paragraphs score worse than two full ones.
The first sentence of a paragraph, stating the claim that paragraph will argue. It should be a position, not a description of what the paragraph is about.
Around 80 to 100 words. Enough for a claim, an explanation and an example.
You can, but it usually means neither is developed. One idea per paragraph is the reliable pattern.
No. They must be plausible and relevant. What is assessed is whether the example develops the point, not whether it is factually verifiable.
Full membership
Almost everyone thinks their paragraphs are developed. Being told which ones stop a sentence too early is what moves the band.
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