Essential IELTS Task 2 Writing Skills

Using Examples Effectively in IELTS Writing Task 2

Many IELTS Task 2 questions ask you to support your ideas with examples.
Some students do this poorly — inventing statistics, quoting newspapers, or adding vague generalisations.
This is not what the examiner wants.

This guide explains when to include examples, how to structure them properly using QPEE and PEE, and what kind of examples are actually accepted in IELTS Writing.

When Are You Expected to Include Examples?

Some IELTS essay prompts include the instruction:
“Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.”

If this sentence appears, you must include at least one example in your essay.

If the instruction is not included, examples are optional.
However, a well-developed example can still help clarify and extend your ideas — if it is done properly.

What Kind of Example is Accepted in IELTS?

IELTS is a language test, not a university assignment.
You are not expected to reference real research or academic sources.
The goal is to demonstrate clear thinking and explanation, not factual accuracy.

Good Examples:
✔ General, realistic scenarios
✔ Situations based on common knowledge
✔ Clear cause–effect relationships

Bad Examples:
✘ Invented statistics (“According to a study by Harvard…”)
✘ Specific dates or figures (“In 2021, 42.6% of…”)
✘ Named newspapers, articles, or experts
✘ Vague phrases like “I once read…” or “Some scientists say…”
✘ Personal anecdotes (“My uncle travelled once and…”)

Keep examples neutral, realistic, and relevant.

Use One Example Per Paragraph

If you include an example, the paragraph must focus on one main idea.
Do not list multiple points or link unrelated ideas.
The example is there to develop a single idea — not to pad your word count.

Important:
Never “drop” an example into a paragraph.
Use either the QPEE or PEE structure properly.

The QPEE and PEE Structures

QPEE (Recommended for Body Paragraph 1)

Question → Point → Explain → Example → Extend

Use this structure when the idea needs gradual building.
It lets you present the idea, give background or logic, then support it with an example.

Example:
One major advantage is the increase in employment opportunities. Many areas, particularly rural regions, often suffer from job shortages. For example, if a new tourist resort opens in a small town, it usually creates a wide range of jobs in hotels, restaurants, and tour services. This additional employment can reduce local unemployment rates significantly and help lift families out of poverty, improving living standards across the community.

PEE (Recommended for Body Paragraph 2)

Point → Example → Extend

Use this when the idea is already clear.
State the idea directly, provide a short example, and then extend or explain the result.

Example:
Another serious problem is the housing shortage caused by tourism. In many cities, for example, landlords convert residential homes into short-term rentals for tourists, reducing the availability of affordable housing for local residents. As a result, many families are forced to move to distant suburbs, which disrupts community ties and increases daily commuting times, leading to higher stress levels.

Should You Include an Example in Every Essay?

Only if:
✔ The question specifically asks you to
✔ Or you can include a natural, high-quality example using QPEE or PEE

If the example feels weak, forced, or off-topic — leave it out.
Poor examples hurt your score more than they help.

Final Tips

✔ Never use more than one example per paragraph
✔ Never introduce new ideas through an example
✔ Do not write examples as personal stories or vague experiences
✔ If the question demands examples, include them — without fail
✔ If you choose to include an example, structure it properly

Try This

Task Question:
Some people think the government should invest more in public transport than in building new roads.
Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Use one example per body paragraph:
✔ Use QPEE in Body 1
✔ Use PEE in Body 2