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Practise one body paragraph
No time for a whole essay? Write one body paragraph for a real Task 2 question and see whether it makes its point, explains it and proves it, with the sentences to fix.
The question
Some people believe university education should be free for all students. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Write one body paragraph
Make one point that answers the question, in four moves:
- 1 · Main idea
- 2 · Explain why
- 3 · A specific example
- 4 · Link back
0 words
The difference between band 6 and band 7 is often one sentence
At band 6, ideas are relevant but not developed enough. At band 7, they are extended and supported. In practice the gap is usually the explanation: the sentence that says why the main idea is true. The body paragraph guide shows a worked paragraph move by move, and the sample essays show it across whole answers.
Questions
Why practise one paragraph instead of a whole essay?
Body paragraphs carry most of your Task Response score, and the most common band 6 problem is an idea that is stated but not explained. A paragraph takes ten minutes, so you can practise the habit that matters most several times a day.
Why doesn’t the paragraph get a band?
IELTS bands describe a whole essay: a position held from start to finish, paragraphing and an overall range of language. One paragraph cannot be placed on that scale honestly, so you get feedback on what a paragraph can show. For a band, write the full essay in the checker.
What makes a body paragraph well developed?
One main idea in the first sentence, an explanation of why it is true, a specific example that proves it, and a short link back to your position. Four or five sentences, about 90 to 110 words, is enough.