Why Examples Matter
Every IELTS Task 2 essay should include at least one example — not because the task always asks for it, but because the example forces you to fully develop your ideas.
But most students get this part wrong. They either:
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Skip the example altogether
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Write something made-up about a newspaper article or fake research
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Dump in a personal anecdote that sounds like a diary entry
None of that works. So here’s how to fix it.
When Do You Use an Example?
You must include at least one example in your essay — usually in each body paragraph.
Even if the task doesn’t explicitly ask for an example, using one helps you:
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Prove you understood the point you’re making
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Extend your ideas properly
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Avoid vague or underdeveloped writing
And if you include an example, your paragraph structure must change to fit it.
No mixing. No freestyling. Use the correct format:
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Body Paragraph 1: QPEE → Question, Point, Explain, Example
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Body Paragraph 2: PEE → Point, Explain, Example
Every sentence has a purpose. The example is integrated, not just dropped in.
The Right Kind of Example
A good IELTS example is:
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Realistic — something that could actually happen
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General — not about you, your cousin, or your home country
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Relevant — directly supports the point you’re making
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Clear — one example, not three jammed into a sentence
You’re not proving a point.
You’re illustrating it.
What Not to Do
The Invented Study
“According to a recent study in The Times, 78% of students who work part-time perform better at university.”
No, they don’t. And the examiner knows it.
You’re not being tested on imagination. Stick to reality.
The Personal Story
“I remember when I was in secondary school, I worked in a shop and…”
This is not a personal reflection essay.
The examiner doesn’t care what happened to you. Keep it general.
Good vs. Bad Example
Topic: Tourism can damage local communities.
Bad Example:
Many people have had bad experiences with tourism.
Too vague. Who are these people? What does “bad” mean? No development.
Good Example:
In popular destinations like Barcelona, rising tourism has pushed up housing prices, making it harder for local families to afford accommodation.
This is general, realistic, and clearly supports the point.
Where Do You Get Ideas for Examples?
Use your ABC brainstorm grid:
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Work
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Health
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Education
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Environment
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Family and Society
Pick one relevant area, and think of a basic, real-world situation that proves your point.
You’re not writing an academic paper.
You’re showing the examiner that you understood your own argument.
Final Rule
If you include an example — and you should — the paragraph structure must follow QPEE or PEE.
You cannot mix formats.
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One clear point per paragraph
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Full development using an example
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No multiple ideas crammed together
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No half-formed thoughts
The examiner isn’t judging your creativity.
They’re judging your control.
Want to Practise?
Prompt:
In many cities, more people are choosing to cycle instead of drive.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?
Write one paragraph that includes a realistic example and make sure your structure fits.
If it doesn’t, rewrite the whole thing. That’s how you build control.