It seems to be true that people care about a lot of things but not the examples in IELTS Writing Task 2. When I help my clients prepare for their exams, I often give them this cooking analogy.
“An example in your paragraph is like the salt at the end of the cooking process. You need the right amount for your dish to taste good.”
Too little salt? The dish is bland.
Too much salt? It’s inedible.
No salt at all? Even if everything else is perfect, something still feels off.
That’s exactly how examples in your IELTS Writing Task 2 essay work. It’s not the main ingredient, but it completes the flavor. So how do you add the right amount?
Let’s play a little game. Imagine you’re writing a body paragraph. I’m your judge today. I’ve got three examples from my clients — all of them wrote great paragraphs… until the example showed up.
Let’s go through each one, and I’ll show you what to avoid — and what to do instead.
Example 1: No Example At All
Advertising has a strong influence on consumer choices by shaping their preferences and attitudes. It presents products in ways that appeal to people’s emotions or needs, making them more likely to consider buying them. Over time, repeated exposure to the same brand or message can lead consumers to trust the product and believe it is better than others. This process often happens subconsciously, which means people may not realize how much their decisions are affected by advertising. Without being aware of it, they may end up buying things they do not truly need.
Verdict: Lethal injection 😆.
Why it doesn’t work: This paragraph explains the idea very well but where’s the example? There’s not even a pinch of salt! You’ve cooked the whole dish, but forgot the final touch. The reader understands the theory, but it lacks that real-life falovor that brings your point to life.
👉 Fix: Add a short, clear example. For instance:
“For example, many people buy the latest phone models not because they need them, but because they are influenced by emotional ads that promise a better lifestyle.”
Example 2: The Example is Too Weak/Irrelevant
“School uniforms are often seen as a way to create a more focused learning environment. When students are all dressed the same, there may be fewer distractions caused by fashion or peer pressure. Some also believe that uniforms help improve discipline. For example, when I was in high school, the uniform shop was always very crowded at the beginning of the year, and students often bought multiple sets to wear throughout the academic year.”
Verdict: You are guilty of putting sugar in the curry. Does anyone want a sugary chicken tikka masala? Absolutely no one. Life sentence without parole 😅
Why it doesn’t work: It tells a story, but it doesn’t support the main idea clearly. How does a crowded uniform shop show that uniforms improve discipline or reduce distraction?
👉 Fix: Keep the example relevant. Try this instead:
“For example, two weeks after my high school introduced a uniform policy, our teachers announced that they noticed fewer arguments about clothing and better focus during lessons.”
Example 3: The Story Becomes the Whole Paragraph
“Investing in public transportation is important because it can help reduce traffic and pollution in cities. When more people use buses and trains, there are fewer cars on the road, which means less air pollution and shorter travel times. For example, I remember when I visited my aunt in another city two years ago. She lives near a big train station, and every morning she takes the train to work. One day I went with her, and we left her house at 7:30. The train came exactly on time at 7:42, and the ride took only 15 minutes. During the trip, she told me how much money she saves by not owning a car. She also mentioned that the train is usually clean and not too crowded. I noticed that many people seemed relaxed and some were even reading books. It made me realise how convenient good public transport can be. Although this is just one case, it shows how helpful it can be for daily life.”
Verdict: I’m not sure if you’re writing an IELTS paragraph or a novel. We love Auntie, but this is too much. You’re given “the chair”.
Why it doesn’t work: The story takes over. The original idea that public transport reduces traffic and pollution gets lost in the details.
👉 Fix: Cut the story down and focus on the main message.
“For example, my aunt lives near a train station and uses it to commute daily. She saves time and money, and says it’s much less stressful than driving. This shows how public transport can benefit individuals and the environment.”
Quick Summary: How to Correctly Use Examples in IELTS Writing Task 2
If you want a simple formula to get your examples right in Task 2, here it is:
✅ How to Use Examples in IELTS Writing Task 2 (3 Simple Steps):
Step 1: Explain your main idea clearly.
Always start your body paragraph by giving it a main idea then explaining your main point in a direct, simple way. Don’t rush to give examples before your idea is fully introduced.
Step 2: Add a short, relevant example.
Once your idea is clear, add one brief example to support it. This can be a general example, a common situation, or a quick observation. Keep it natural and relevant.
Step 3: Keep it brief and connected to your main point.
Your example should be just one or two sentences, directly supporting the idea of the paragraph. Don’t let it take over! Examples complete your argument, not replace it.
🎁 Pro Tip:
If you’re not sure whether your examples are helping or hurting your score, I’m here to help.
📝 Get your IELTS Writing evaluated by me,
🎓 Join my Masterclass,
📚 Or start with a free IELTS practice test to see where you are right now.
You’ve got this!
And remember: The next time you write an IELTS paragraph, ask yourself:
“Did I add the salt?” 👩🍳
Have fun learning!
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