IELTS lesson · Writing

IELTS Writing Task 2 Body Paragraphs notesBody paragraphs: build one idea

Claim, explain, example: why one developed idea beats a list of five. This IELTS lesson is a deck of 10 visual cards from BandLadder's own study library, written and fact-checked by our team.
  • 10 cards
  • 3 cards free
  • PDF with any plan
  • Updated 30 September 2026

Original BandLadder material

What's inside

It teaches a 3-step method: claim, explain and example. Along the way you get worked examples with the key words marked, before-and-after fixes that show why the first version loses marks, a model answer with its key moves highlighted, a one-page visual summary, a quick check to test yourself and a recap of the rules to remember. Each card holds one idea, so you can read it on a phone between practice sessions.

With a free BandLadder account you can read the first three cards online in our study reader, on the web and in the app. The other 7 cards and the PDF download come with any plan.

The first 2 of 10 cards

Preview

  1. IELTSWriting · Task 2 · Body paragraphs

    Five ideas, none developed

    the body paragraph that reads like a list

    Five ideas in one paragraph means none gets developed. The descriptors reward ideas that are extended and supported.

    Cooking is healthy. It saves money. It is fun. Children learn maths.claims, none built It also prepares them for adult life.

    Five ideas. Not one of them proved.

    © 2026 BandLadder · original material1 / 10
  2. IELTSWriting · Task 2 · Body paragraphs

    What the descriptors reward

    Task Response, on your main ideas

    Task 2 · Task Response · main ideas
    BandMain ideas are…
    Band 5Limited, not developed enough
    Band 6Relevant, but some underdeveloped
    Band 7Extended and supported
    Band 8Well extended and supported

    Paraphrased from IELTS's public band descriptors. Task 2: at least 250 words, in about 40 minutes.

    © 2026 BandLadder · original material2 / 10
  3. Card 3 of 10 onwards

    Card 3 is free too

    Create a free account for card 3; the other 7 come with any plan.

    Create a free account →

10 cards

Contents

  1. 1Five ideas, none developedthe body paragraph that reads like a listIn the preview
  2. 2What the descriptors rewardTask Response, on your main ideasIn the preview
  3. 3Claim, explain, exampleBandLadder's method, not an exam ruleFree account
  4. 4Paragraph A: a listsame prompt, ideas onlyWith a plan
  5. 5Paragraph B: one idea, builtsame prompt, same sideWith a plan
  6. 6Zoom: build the examplewho, when, what happenedWith a plan
  7. 7Two ways to fake itboth add words, not ideasWith a plan
  8. 8One idea, fully builta second reason on the same promptWith a plan
  9. 9Your turnspot the moveWith a plan
  10. 10Save thisthe body-paragraph checklistWith a plan

Start Body paragraphs: build one idea free

Create a free account to read the first 3 cards. The full lesson and its PDF come with any plan.

Create a free account →

Free practice

Practise it

Keep reading

More free IELTS study material

All free IELTS study material

Questions

FAQ

Is the Body paragraphs: build one idea lesson free?+

The first three cards are free to read online with a free BandLadder account. The full lesson opens with any plan.

Can I download the Body paragraphs: build one idea PDF?+

The PDF download comes with any BandLadder plan. Free accounts read the lesson online in the study reader, on the web and in the app.

Who wrote this lesson?+

The BandLadder team wrote and checked it. It is original BandLadder material, not copied from books or other websites, and its exam facts are checked against the official IELTS and PTE pages.

Is it for IELTS Academic or General Training?+

Both versions of the test: it covers what they share and says where they differ.

IELTS is a registered trademark of the University of Cambridge, the British Council and IDP Education Australia. PTE is a trademark of Pearson. BandLadder is not affiliated with either.

© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy

Read the first 3 cards free: create a free account