📖 Introduction

One of the key skills in IELTS Writing Task 2 is paragraphing. A clear and well-structured paragraph not only helps you organize your ideas but also improves your Coherence and Cohesion score.

A strong paragraph usually contains:

• A topic sentence (the main point of the paragraph)

• A controlling idea (the direction or opinion about the topic)

• Supporting sentences (examples, reasons, or evidence)

This lesson will guide you through writing a focused paragraph based on the structure: One paragraph = One topic + one controlling idea.

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🔍 Understanding the Topic Sentence

The topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph. It introduces the subject of the paragraph and gives the reader a clear idea of what to expect.

📓 Example:

Topic sentence: Public transport is essential in reducing traffic congestion.
Explanation: The topic is "public transport," and the controlling idea is "essential in reducing traffic congestion."

Everything that follows in the paragraph should support this idea.

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✅ Structure of a Paragraph

1. Topic sentence – Introduce the idea

2. Explanation or reason – Give more detail

3. Example – Real-world or hypothetical

4. Linking sentence – Connect to the next idea (optional)

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🔗 Useful Linking Words

To make your writing flow, use linking words or cohesive devices. Here are some grouped by function:

1. Addition:

• Furthermore

• Moreover

• In addition

• Also

Example: Public transport helps reduce emissions. Moreover, it is more affordable than private vehicles.

2. Contrast:

• However

• On the other hand

• Although

• Nevertheless

Example: Cars offer more freedom. However, they contribute to pollution.

3. Examples:

• For example

• For instance

• Such as

• To illustrate

Example: Many cities, such as Tokyo and London, rely heavily on public transport systems.

4. Sequence/Order:

• Firstly / Secondly / Finally

• Then / Next

• To begin with

Example: Firstly, investing in buses and trains encourages people to stop using their cars.

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📒 Sample Paragraph (Band 7+ Style)

Topic sentence: Online education has become increasingly popular due to its flexibility.

Support: Many students can now study from home and manage their own time.

Example: For example, working professionals can attend university courses without quitting their jobs.

Link: This convenience makes online education a preferred choice for many.

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✍️ Practice Questions (1–15)

Instructions: Read each paragraph topic. Choose the best controlling idea and complete the topic sentence.

Part A: Choose the best controlling idea (1–5)

1. Topic: Fast food
   a) is tasty
   b) is unhealthy if consumed regularly
   c) comes in different varieties

2. Topic: Learning a foreign language
   a) is a hobby
   b) is difficult at first
   c) improves career opportunities

3. Topic: Social media
   a) connects people worldwide
   b) is a type of technology
   c) is available on phones

4. Topic: Renewable energy
   a) includes wind and solar
   b) is better for the environment
   c) needs investment

5. Topic: Reading books
   a) is popular among students
   b) helps improve language skills
   c) has many genres

Part B: Complete the topic sentence using a controlling idea (6–10)

6. Topic: Tourism
   Complete: Tourism _________________.

7. Topic: Homework
   Complete: Homework _________________.

8. Topic: Public libraries
   Complete: Public libraries _________________.

9. Topic: Mobile phones
   Complete: Mobile phones _________________.

10. Topic: Exercise
    Complete: Exercise _________________.

Part C: Identify the linking word function (11–15)

11. "However, some people think zoos are cruel."
    Function: ______________

12. "For instance, elephants need a large space to roam."
    Function: ______________

13. "Moreover, it is cost-effective."
    Function: ______________

14. "Firstly, students learn how to manage time."
    Function: ______________

15. "Although online learning is flexible, it lacks face-to-face interaction."
    Function: ______________

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✅ Answer Key

Part A:

1. b) is unhealthy if consumed regularly

2. c) improves career opportunities

3. a) connects people worldwide

4. b) is better for the environment

5. b) helps improve language skills

Part B:

6. Tourism creates jobs and supports the economy.

7. Homework reinforces what students learn in class.

8. Public libraries provide free access to knowledge and resources.

9. Mobile phones have changed the way we communicate.

10. Exercise is essential for physical and mental health.

Part C:

11. Contrast

12. Example

13. Addition

14. Sequence

15. Contrast

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🚀 Final Tips

• Use one clear topic sentence per paragraph.

• Support your idea with explanations and examples.

• Use linking words to guide the reader.

Practising this structure will help you write better, clearer, and more organized essays in IELTS Writing Task 2. Happy writing!