How to Use Examples Effectively in IELTS Writing?

How to use examples effectively in IELTS Writing should be an etching question in your mind during your preparation time. As you might have already known, using examples in your IELTS Writing Task 2 essays will help you strengthen your supporting points. So, using examples should be developed as a skill as you prepare as well.

As the extension of your word count in task 2 is important, using necessary and relevant examples can help you do this. Note that, the examples you state must be highly relatable to your main idea and its supporting statements. Never make them seem confusing and vague. Also, make sure to not prefer using personal examples but to use general yet specific ones. Let us explore a bit more on how to use examples effectively in IELTS Writing in this article!

Benefits of Using Examples Effectively in IELTS Writing

• Remember that not every point needs a supporting example.
• With an example, it makes it easier for the examiner to understand your points.
• Since the IELTS Exam is a test that assesses the quality of your writing and not the quantity, you are supposed to write two to three supporting points for one body paragraph and give an example in support of your points.
• You will only be marked for logically developing your ideas with explanations and an example.

Phrases to Use to Cite an Example

To begin with an example, the following IELTS Connectors can be used.

• For example
• For instance
• To cite an example
• Namely
• Such as

Structure Of Writing An Example

In the body paragraphs, first write your topic sentence that explains briefly about your main idea. Then, move on to develop your ideas. In this,

• Write what your main topic sentence means.
• Why you have picked it as your main idea?
• A specific example that will clearly support your main point.
• Even one or two examples to support your whole essay is enough.

Avoid Overgeneralization

Now that you know how to structure a proper body paragraph, read ahead to know about what type of examples in your essays. They must be formally used but also avoid the mistake of being too informal. For instance, you can find examples in journals and they will be specific and explain the content.

• Dates
• Names of people/university/city/country
• Statistics

Note: You don’t have to add these forcibly. You can just try to be as specific as possible!

Example Sentences That Has Proper Examples

Question:

Big salary is more important than job satisfaction.

Do you agree or disagree?

The answer is based on opposing the statement. Hence, the following example can be given to support your points.

Example:

For example, Henry Miller decided to leave his full-time job even when he had a good salary and pursued his passion for writing. After some years of enduring struggles, he became one of the highest-paid authors of the 20th century.

Question:

Some people think that governments should invest mainly in making public transportation faster while others think there are more important priorities (cost, the environment).

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

While supporting the first point of “Some people think that governments should invest mainly in making public transportation faster,” the following example sentence will perfectly support your idea.

Example:

For instance, Japan has a faster and more efficient railway system both inside its cities and provinces within the country. Hence, if someone desires to spend more time with their family, faster transport helps them reach home earlier right after work. This enhances the quality of life of the working-class people.

In conclusion, the answer to how to use examples effectively in IELTS Writing is given to you. Make sure to use these tricks effectively as you start preparing for the writing test. Also, always use formal language and never become informal as you write.