IELTS Winners | Band 8–9 Writing Strategy
In IELTS Writing Task 2, giving an example is not enough. You must explain how that example supports your main idea and demonstrate its impact on the argument.
A relevant example can strengthen your essay, but an example that is merely a fact or personal story may not fully develop your argument.
The key principle is:
MAIN IDEA → EXAMPLE → EXPLANATION → RESULT → LINK TO THE ARGUMENT
Let’s understand each step using the question in your image.
1. The IELTS Writing Task 2 Question
Some people believe that working from home improves employee productivity. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Suppose you agree that working from home can improve productivity.
Your paragraph needs to establish one clear reason for your position, support it with a relevant example, and explain why that example matters.
Step 1: Write a clear main idea
Your main idea introduces the specific point you want to establish.
Example:
Working from home can improve employee productivity by allowing workers to use their commuting time more effectively.
Why does this work?
It presents one clear argument.
It directly addresses the question.
It identifies a reason: more effective use of time.
It creates an opportunity to explain the relationship between working from home and productivity.
Weak main idea:
Working from home has many advantages for employees.
This statement is too broad. It does not identify which advantage you will discuss or how it relates to productivity.
Tip: Each body paragraph should generally develop one central argument rather than introduce several unrelated ideas.
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2. Understand the Difference Between a Weak and a Strong Example
Consider these two versions.
❌ Weak example
Working from home saves commuting time, which can improve productivity. For example, an IT worker saves an hour travelling to the office every day. Therefore, it is a good option.
What is wrong with this paragraph?
The example is relevant, but the explanation is missing.
The reader knows that the IT worker saves time. However, the paragraph does not explain what the worker does with that time or how the saved time results in greater productivity.
The final sentence, “Therefore, it is a good option,” merely repeats a general opinion. It does not demonstrate the effect on productivity.
The missing connection is:
Saved commuting time → more time available for work → earlier completion of tasks → improved productivity.
✅ Strong example
Working from home can improve employee productivity by allowing workers to use their commuting time more effectively. For example, an IT worker who saves around an hour each day by working from home can use this additional time to begin important tasks earlier and complete more work before the end of the day. As a result, the employee may accomplish more within the available working hours, demonstrating how remote work can contribute to higher productivity.
Why is this stronger?
1. Main idea: Working from home can improve productivity.
2. Example: An IT worker saves around an hour each day.
3. Explanation: The worker uses the additional time to begin tasks earlier.
4. Result: More work may be completed within the available working hours.
5. Link to the argument: The example demonstrates how remote work can improve productivity.
Notice that the example itself is not dramatically different. The improvement comes from explaining the connection between the example and the argument.
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3. The Four-Part Structure You Can Use in Your Essays
Use this structure when you need to develop an example in IELTS Writing Task 2.
Part 1: Main idea
Introduce your argument.
Useful structures:
One significant reason for this is that…
This is particularly beneficial because…
A major advantage of this approach is that…
One way in which this can improve the situation is by…
Example:
One significant reason why working from home can improve productivity is that it reduces the time employees spend commuting.
Part 2: Example
Give a specific, relevant illustration.
Useful structures:
For example, an employee who…
This can be illustrated by…
Consider an IT professional who…
A practical example of this can be seen when…
Example:
For example, an IT professional who normally spends an hour travelling to the office can save this time by working remotely.
Part 3: Explanation
Explain what happens in your example and why it supports your argument.
This is the most important step to practise.
Useful structures:
This allows the individual to…
The reason this matters is that…
By doing so, the employee can…
This is because…
Consequently, the individual is better able to…
Example:
This allows the employee to begin important tasks earlier, organise the working day more efficiently and devote additional time to completing assignments.
Part 4: Result and link
Show the impact and connect it to the main argument.
Useful structures:
As a result,…
Consequently,…
This demonstrates how…
Therefore, this can contribute to…
This supports the argument that…
Example:
As a result, the employee may complete more tasks within the same working day, supporting the argument that working from home can improve productivity.
The complete formula
MAIN IDEA: State your point.
EXAMPLE: Show how the point applies in a realistic situation.
EXPLANATION: Explain why the situation supports your point.
RESULT: Describe the outcome.
LINK: Connect the outcome to the question.
You do not need to write five separate sentences every time. These are five functions your paragraph should fulfil, and some can be combined naturally.
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4. How to Write a Strong Example Without Inventing Statistics
Many candidates believe that a Band 8 or Band 9 essay requires impressive statistics, research studies or real-life incidents.
That is not the case.
You can use a realistic hypothetical example, provided it is relevant and logically developed.
Weak approach
For example, 85% of employees are more productive when working from home.
Problem: Unless you have a reliable basis for the figure, this statistic may be invented. It is also not necessary to support the argument.
Better approach
For example, an IT professional who works remotely can use the time saved on commuting to review project requirements and begin essential tasks earlier.
Why it works:
It is realistic.
It is directly relevant to productivity.
It does not depend on an unsupported statistic.
It gives you an opportunity to explain the result.
Remember: IELTS Writing Task 2 assesses your ability to present and develop a coherent argument. You do not need to prove your claims with academic research.
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5. Five Common Mistakes Candidates Make With Examples
Mistake 1: Giving an example without explaining it
Weak:
For example, many employees work from home.
This simply states a fact. It does not support the argument that productivity improves.
Improved:
For example, employees who work from home can avoid lengthy commutes and use the time saved to begin work earlier, potentially allowing them to complete more tasks during the day.
Mistake 2: Giving an example that is unrelated to the main idea
Main idea: Working from home improves productivity.
Irrelevant example:
For example, employees can spend more time with their families.
This may be an advantage of remote work, but it does not directly establish that productivity improves.
Improved:
For example, employees who avoid lengthy commutes may have more time available to prepare for demanding assignments and complete their work efficiently.
Mistake 3: Using a vague example
Weak:
For example, some companies have benefited from remote working.
Which companies? What benefit? How does it support your argument?
You do not necessarily need to name a company, but you should explain the situation clearly.
Improved:
For example, a software developer working remotely may use the time saved on commuting to review code, resolve technical problems and complete project tasks before the end of the working day.
Mistake 4: Repeating the main idea instead of explaining the example
Weak:
For example, an IT worker saves an hour by working from home. This shows that working from home is beneficial.
The second sentence merely repeats the general claim.
Improved:
For example, an IT worker saves an hour by working from home. By using this time to review project requirements and begin essential tasks earlier, the employee may complete assignments more efficiently.
The improved version explains the mechanism connecting the example to the claim.
Mistake 5: Using too many examples
Weak approach:
An employee saves commuting time. A student saves travelling time. A company reduces office expenses. Another worker spends more time with family.
These examples introduce several different ideas without developing any of them sufficiently.
Better approach:
Choose one relevant example and explain it properly.
IELTS strategy: One well-developed example is often more effective than several undeveloped examples.
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6. Three More Examples Across Different IELTS Topics
The same principle applies to almost any IELTS Writing Task 2 topic.
Topic A: Online education
Question: Some people believe that online education is as effective as classroom learning. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Main idea: Online education can make learning more accessible to students who live far from educational institutions.
Weak example:
For example, students can attend online classes from home. Therefore, online education is useful.
Strong example:
For example, a student living in a rural area may attend lessons delivered by an experienced teacher in another city without having to relocate or travel long distances. This allows the student to access educational resources that might otherwise be unavailable locally. Consequently, online learning can expand educational opportunities for students in remote communities.
Why it works: The explanation shows how online learning improves access, and the result links that benefit to the main argument.
Notice that this paragraph supports accessibility, not necessarily the claim that online education is equally effective. If you use it in an essay about effectiveness, you must make the connection to learning outcomes explicit or choose a more suitable example.
Topic B: Public transport
Question: Governments should invest more money in public transport than in road construction. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Main idea: Investing in public transport can reduce traffic congestion.
Weak example:
For example, many people use buses and trains. This is good for cities.
Strong example:
For example, when a city introduces frequent bus services connecting residential areas with major employment centres, some commuters may choose public transport instead of driving private cars. This can reduce the number of vehicles on busy roads, particularly during peak hours. Consequently, greater investment in public transport can help ease congestion and improve urban mobility.
Why it works: The example explains a process, identifies an outcome and connects that outcome to the argument.
Topic C: Technology in education
Question: Technology has changed the way children learn. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Main idea: Digital tools can help students understand difficult concepts.
Weak example:
For example, children use educational applications on tablets. This makes learning better.
Strong example:
For example, a child who struggles to understand fractions may use an interactive application that allows them to divide a digital shape into equal parts and immediately see how the fractions change. This visual feedback can help the child identify mistakes and understand the relationship between different fractions. As a result, educational technology can support the learning of abstract mathematical concepts when it is used appropriately.
Why it works: It explains exactly how the tool assists learning rather than simply claiming that technology is beneficial.
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7. An Advanced Technique: Explain the Mechanism
For stronger essay development, ask yourself:
“How exactly does this example lead to the result I am claiming?”
This question forces you to explain the mechanism behind your argument.
Consider this example:
Claim: Regular exercise improves mental health.
Basic example:
For example, people who exercise regularly may feel happier.
This is relevant but underdeveloped.
Better development:
For example, an office worker who takes a brisk walk after work may use the activity as an opportunity to step away from work-related demands and establish a regular routine. This can provide a constructive way to manage daily stress and support psychological well-being. Therefore, regular physical activity may contribute to better mental health.
The stronger version explains a plausible relationship between the activity and the outcome.
However, avoid presenting a possible result as guaranteed. Words such as can, may and is likely to help you make appropriately qualified claims.
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8. How Long Should Your Example Be?
There is no fixed number of sentences or words required for an example in IELTS Writing Task 2.
As a practical guideline, a developed body paragraph might contain:
One sentence introducing the main idea.
One sentence providing the example.
One or two sentences explaining the example and its consequences.
A concluding link, if it adds something useful.
For example:
Main idea: Working from home can improve productivity by reducing commuting time.
Example: An IT professional who saves an hour travelling to the office can use this time to begin important tasks earlier.
Explanation: Starting earlier may give the employee additional time to review project requirements, address technical problems and organise the day's workload.
Result and link: Consequently, the employee may complete assignments more efficiently, illustrating how remote work can contribute to improved productivity.
This is a useful framework, not a rigid rule. You can combine sentences or develop the argument further when necessary.
Do not add unnecessary sentences simply to reach a target word count.
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9. A Simple Self-Checking Method
After writing an example, check these five questions:
1. Is the example relevant?
Does it directly support the main idea of the paragraph?
2. Is it specific?
Can the reader understand the situation you are describing?
3. Have I explained it?
Have I shown how the example supports my claim?
4. Have I identified the result?
Have I explained the consequence or impact?
5. Have I linked it to my argument?
Is the connection to the essay question clear?
If your example only answers the question “What happened?”, it may need more development.
Aim to answer:
What happened?
Why does it matter?
What was the result?
How does this support my argument?
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10. Practice Exercise: Improve This Example
IELTS Writing Task 2 question:
Some people believe that children should learn practical skills at school, while others think schools should focus mainly on academic subjects. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Main idea: Learning practical skills can prepare students for independent adult life.
Weak example:
For example, students can learn cooking at school. This is useful for their future.
Your task
Improve the example by adding:
1. A specific situation involving a student.
2. An explanation of how learning the skill helps.
3. A clear result.
4. A link to independent adult life.
Sample improved answer
For example, students who learn to prepare simple, nutritious meals at school may become more confident about cooking when they eventually live independently. By understanding basic food preparation and meal planning, they can make healthier choices instead of relying heavily on takeaway meals. Consequently, practical lessons can equip young people with everyday skills that help them manage adult responsibilities more effectively.
Why this works: The example develops a clear chain of reasoning:
Learning to cook → gaining practical knowledge → making informed food choices → managing independent life more effectively.
The example is relevant, the explanation is logical, and the result directly supports the main idea.
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Final IELTS Winners Takeaway
Do not stop after giving an example. Explain why it matters.
Remember this structure:
POINT → EXAMPLE → EXPLANATION → RESULT → LINK
The example makes your argument concrete. The explanation demonstrates your reasoning. The result shows the significance of the example.
Together, these elements help you develop a coherent, relevant and well-supported body paragraph.
IELTS Winners practice challenge: Write one body paragraph on the topic of working from home using the five-part structure. Then check whether your example actually proves your point.
