IELTS Extending Ideas

Why Extension Matters

Every IELTS Task 2 body paragraph must do more than just make a point — it has to develop it.
That development, or “extension,” is what separates a Band 6 essay from a Band 8 one.

When examiners see ideas that are underdeveloped, vague, or repeated, your Task Response score drops.
So does your Coherence and Cohesion score.
Even if your grammar and vocabulary are solid, you will never get a high mark if you don’t properly extend your ideas.

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What Does “Extend” Actually Mean?

“Extend” means to go beyond the basic idea.
You’re not just stating something — you’re showing why it matters, how it works, or what result it leads to.
You’re adding a second layer of thought.

It is not:

• Repeating the same point using different words

• Throwing in a memorised phrase

• Adding an unrelated idea

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Example: Not Extended vs Extended

Point Only (Weak):
Tourism creates jobs for local people.

Extended (Strong):
Tourism creates jobs for local people. When tourists spend money in hotels, restaurants, and shops, it increases demand for services. As a result, more local residents can find employment, especially in areas where job opportunities were previously limited.

That’s a full extension.
You’ve gone from what → to how → to why it matters.

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How to Extend Your Ideas (Without Waffling)

Once you make your point, immediately ask yourself:

• What happens as a result?

• Who is affected, and how?

• Why is this a problem or benefit?

• Can I explain this with a realistic example?

Do not pad your essay with empty phrases like “this is very important” or “this affects many people.”
That’s not development — that’s filler.

Use plain, clear language to explain cause and effect.
Be logical. Be direct. Push your idea forward.

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Sentence Starters to Help Extend

• This means that…

• As a result…

• This leads to…

• One effect of this is…

• Because of this…

• This can result in…

Use these naturally to guide your reader through your thinking, not just to tick a box.

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The Role of Examples

If you’re following the QPEE / PEE structure (which you should be), then your extension always comes after the example.

QPEE:

• Question

• Point

• Example

• Extend → explain what the example shows, why it proves your point, and what the wider impact is.

PEE:

• Point

• Example

• Extend → same deal.
  If there’s no extension, the paragraph ends flat and loses impact.

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Common Mistakes

Listing:
Tourism creates jobs, improves roads, and helps education.
→ These are three separate points. None are extended. Choose one and develop it fully.

Waffling:
Tourism is important. It’s very important. And it can help people.
→ No clarity, no development, no score.

Changing topic mid-paragraph:
Tourism creates jobs. These jobs are not always permanent. Also, many tourists litter.
→ New topic = new paragraph.

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Final Thought

One clear idea, extended fully, is always better than three shallow ones.
The examiner isn’t counting how many ideas you write.
They are checking how well you have developed each idea.

Clarity + logic + full development = higher band score.