TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
🎯 Choose ideas that are easy to explain and directly answer the question
🔍 Avoid ideas that sound smart but are hard to support in 2–3 sentences
↔ Focus on comparison if the question asks you to compare two things
🧠 Spend 30 seconds planning your main ideas before writing
✅ A clear main idea makes the rest of the paragraph easier to write (and score!)
When it comes to writing a high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 essay, most people know they need to include body paragraphs. But what many don’t realize is this: the strength of your entire paragraph depends on how you choose your main idea.
In this blog post, I’ll show you how to pick the right idea to build a clear, relevant, and easy-to-develop body paragraph that can help you achieve Band 7 or higher.
For this blog, I will use this follow task:
Some people think the government should invest more in public transportation rather than building new roads. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Why Choosing the Right Main Idea Matters
Choosing the right main idea is like laying the foundation of a house. If it’s solid, everything you build on top of it (your explanation, your example, your linking sentences) will stand strong. But if it’s weak or unclear, your entire paragraph can collapse.
A good main idea does more than just introduce a topic. It gives your paragraph direction, clarity, and relevance. It ensures that:
- Your paragraph directly responds to the essay prompt
- You avoid going off-topic or sounding too general
- Your explanation is easier to develop logically and persuasively
IELTS examiners are trained to look for focused, relevant arguments that answer the specific question being asked. That’s why choosing the right main idea is essential. With the right idea in place, you can guide your reader step-by-step through a clear and convincing argument.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Ideas
Mistake #1: Picking Ideas That Sound Good But Are Hard to Explain
For example: Public transport improves social equality.
It sounds impressive, but what does it actually mean? How exactly does it connect to roads? Most students struggle to explain this idea clearly in 2–3 sentences.
IELTS Tip: If you can’t explain your idea simply, don’t use it.
Mistake #2: Choosing Ideas That Don’t Address the Question
Here’s another one: Public transport helps the environment.
True. But does that explain why it deserves more investment than roads? Not really. It doesn’t make the required comparison that the task requires.
Not all tasks require you to make comparisons, however, the one in this blog post does.
If you only write about the benefits of public transport, without comparing it directly to building new roads, you’re not fully answering the question. This is one of the most common reasons candidates get stuck at Band 6.0.
IELTS Tip: Make sure your main idea answers the question exactly as it is asked.
How to Choose a Good Main Idea
When choosing a main idea, make sure it is:
✅ Easy to explain in 2–3 sentences
✅ Directly connected to the question type
✅ Focused on comparison if the question asks for one
Let’s go back to our example:
Some people think the government should invest more in public transportation rather than building new roads.
A better main idea would be:
Investing in public transport is more effective at reducing traffic than building new roads.
Why this works:
👉It clearly supports the comparison
👉It’s relevant to the topic of investment priorities
👉It’s easy to develop with explanations or examples
Planning Tip: Spend 30 Seconds Choosing Your Ideas
Many people rush into writing. Instead, take 30 seconds to plan 2-3 clear main ideas before you begin. Ask yourself:
- Can I explain this idea in 2–3 sentences?
- Does it directly answer the question?
- Can I give a real or realistic example?
If the answer is yes, you’re good to go.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right main idea can make or break your body paragraph. The best ideas are simple, relevant, and connected to the question. Avoid over-complicating things. The IELTS exam is about clarity, not complexity.
So next time you face an IELTS essay question, don’t just write. Plan smart. Choose wisely.
You’ve got this! 💪
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