IELTS Writing Task 1: Body Paragraphs Guide

Body Paragraphs: Organization and Structure

Organization Principles

Group similar features together based on:
  • Time periods (past vs. present)
  • Categories (types, groups)
  • Trends (increases vs. decreases)
  • Locations or subjects
When there are multiple features:
  • Prioritize the most significant changes
  • Group related information
  • Maintain logical flow
  • Use clear topic sentences

Body Paragraph 1: Main Features

Graph Description:

The line graph shows electricity consumption in four different countries from 2000 to 2020.


Body Paragraph 1:

Looking at the countries with the highest consumption, Country A experienced a dramatic increase from 2,000 kilowatts in 2000 to 5,500 kilowatts by 2020, representing the most significant growth among all countries. Similarly, Country B showed a steady upward trend, rising from 1,800 kilowatts to 4,000 kilowatts over the same period, though its growth was more gradual.

Key Features:
  • Clear topic sentence identifying main focus
  • Logical grouping (highest consumers)
  • Specific data support
  • Comparison between similar trends
  • Appropriate transition words

Body Paragraph 2: Secondary Features

Body Paragraph 2:

In contrast, the lower-consuming countries showed different patterns. Country C maintained relatively stable consumption levels, fluctuating between 1,000 and 1,200 kilowatts throughout the period. Meanwhile, Country D experienced a slight decline from 1,500 kilowatts in 2000 to 1,200 kilowatts in 2020, making it the only country to show a decreasing trend.

Key Features:
  • Clear contrast with first paragraph
  • Different trend patterns highlighted
  • Specific supporting data
  • Logical connection to previous paragraph
  • Conclusion of remaining features

Handling Multiple Features

Strategies for Complex Data

Three Main Features

  • Combine two related features in P1
  • Discuss third feature in P2
  • Balance paragraph length

Four or More Features

  • Group by similarities
  • Focus on most significant
  • Combine minor features
Remember:
  • Don’t try to cover everything
  • Prioritize major trends
  • Maintain clear organization

Comparison Techniques

Language for Comparisons

Purpose Expressions
Similarity similarly, likewise, in the same way
Contrast in contrast, however, while, whereas
Addition furthermore, additionally, moreover
Result consequently, as a result, therefore
Comparison Methods:
  • Direct numerical comparison
  • Proportion comparison
  • Trend comparison
  • Rate of change comparison

Sample Structures for Different Charts

Line Graph

  • P1: Highest/Most significant changes
  • P2: Lower values/Less significant changes

Bar Chart

  • P1: Largest categories/Most notable changes
  • P2: Smaller categories/Stable features

Pie Chart

  • P1: Largest segments/Major changes
  • P2: Smaller segments/Minor changes
Key Principles:
  • Start with most significant data
  • Group related information
  • Balance paragraph length
  • Maintain clear progression
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– Miah’s

Body Paragraphs Practice

Body Paragraphs Practice Exercise

Task:

Analyze the following examples of body paragraphs and identify which ones follow good practices for IELTS Writing Task 1. Then, practice organizing the information into effective paragraphs.

Sample Data: Internet Usage by Age Group (2010-2020)

Age Group 2010 (%) 2015 (%) 2020 (%)
18-24 65 85 98
25-34 60 80 95
35-44 45 65 85
45-54 30 50 75

Body Paragraph Examples:

Example 1 (Younger Age Groups)

The younger age groups showed the highest levels of internet usage throughout the period. The 18-24 age group experienced the most significant increase, rising from 65% in 2010 to 98% in 2020, representing near-universal adoption. Similarly, those aged 25-34 demonstrated comparable growth, with usage increasing from 60% to 95% over the decade, maintaining consistently high levels of engagement.

Effective because:
  • Clear topic sentence introducing main focus
  • Logical grouping of similar age ranges
  • Specific data support
  • Appropriate transitions

Example 2 (Older Age Groups)

The older age groups, while showing lower overall usage, still demonstrated substantial growth. The 35-44 age group saw an increase from 45% to 85%, nearly doubling their internet adoption. The 45-54 age group showed the most dramatic relative improvement, with usage more than doubling from 30% to 75%, though remaining the lowest among all groups.

Effective because:
  • Continues logical grouping
  • Contrasts with previous paragraph
  • Highlights relative changes
  • Maintains data support

Example 3 (Poor Organization)

In 2010, 65% of 18-24 year olds used the internet. Then in 2015 it was 85%. The 25-34 group had 60% in 2010. The 45-54 group increased to 75% by 2020. The 35-44 group showed some increase too. All groups showed increases over time.

Problems:
  • No clear organization
  • Jumps between age groups randomly
  • Lacks comparative analysis
  • No clear trends identified

Example 4 (Too Much Detail)

The exact percentage for 18-24 year olds increased exactly 20% from 65% to 85% between 2010 and 2015, and then went up another 13% to reach precisely 98% in 2020, while the 25-34 group showed an increase of exactly 20% in the first period and 15% in the second period, reaching 95% by 2020, which was just 3% lower than the youngest group.

Problems:
  • Overuse of exact numbers
  • Run-on sentence structure
  • Too focused on minor details
  • Lacks clear main points

– Miah’s