IELTS Writing Test | Writing Strong Body Paragraphs

Zilpah D'Souza Published:
April 12, 2025

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In IELTS writing task 2, the body paragraphs are where you present and develop your main ideas, arguments, etc. While the introduction gives a general overview and the conclusion wraps everything up, it is the body paragraphs that carry the weight of your ideas. To achieve a high band score, you must demonstrate the ability to organize your thoughts logically, develop them clearly, and support them with relevant evidence. A well-written body paragraph can convince the examiner of your position and show your command of your writing skills, including coherence, cohesion, and grammatical range.

The Core Structure of an Effective Body Paragraph

A powerful body paragraph typically follows a 4-part structure. Here’s the formula:

1. Topic Sentence

This sentence introduces the main idea of your paragraph. It should be:

Clear and concise
Directly related to the essay question
Focused on one single point

2. Explanation

This is where you elaborate on your topic sentence. Think of it as answering the question: Why is this point important?

You can:

Explain how the idea works
Clarify any details
Add logical reasoning

3. Example or Evidence

To make your point more convincing, use a specific example. This could be:

A real-world example (a country, city, or study)
A hypothetical but realistic scenario

The IELTS examiner will not fact-check you, so it's okay to invent an example—as long as it's realistic and supports your point.

4. Result or Summary

This sentence wraps up the paragraph or shows the impact of your main point. It is not always necessary, but it helps create a strong conclusion to the idea.

Writing strong body paragraphs is a skill that takes practice, but by following a clear structure and developing ideas logically, will improve quickly. Remember: it is not about how many points you make rather how well you explain and support each one.

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