IELTS TIP#9

Preparing & Writing the Body Section of Task 2

The Body section is designed to persuade a reader of your point of view based on your predetermined structure. Usually you can structure your view around reasons. So a good approach is to list your reasons for your point of view before you begin the essay

For Example
Should the minimum driving age be raised?
Yes
Reason 1: Lack of maturity
Reason 2: Give more time to train
Reason 3: Encourage public transport habits

Take the reason and make it the basis for the paragraph
Typically your body structure will be:

Topic opener
Reason
Support 1
Support 2
Support 3 (if necessary)
Support 4 (If necessary)

What are some forms of support?

Here are a few:

1. Chain arguments
         a. based on condition/consequences (If we do A, we can B)  (If A, B will result)
         b. based on cause and effect (When A happens, B occurs  Whenever A, B results)
         C. based on paired occurances  (The more A, the more B)
2. Counterarguments
         a. Contradict other side's argument (Some say it will A ,but I think it will B)
         b. Acknowledge truth but de-emphasize (While A may be true, it is more important to B
3. Examples
        a. Personal experiences
        b. Other cases
        c. Hypothetical examples (If a person does A, he/she may B)
4. Appeals to fairness
        a. Analogies (Since we don't allow A why should we allow B)
        b. Rights statements (No A has the right to B)

The key issue is to try a good variety of support strategies rather than just rush to examples. One common mistake is overemphasizing the reason and over elaborating it. You are not an expert on the topic in terms of facts, you are expected to be a good persuader
Example:

Do you believe that younger children should never be given homework?

1. Topic Opener
Socializing is an important life skill and one that is often made harder in today's rushed world

2. Reason
Consequently, the first reason I think that children should not have homework is it will make their social lives worse.

3. If…then…
If students have too much homework, they may not have time to enjoy their lives, causing/making their social skills worse, which is a strong ingredient for success.

4. Cause & Effect
Whenever, a teacher gives homework it is a sign that he or she has not planned his or her lesson time management well

4. Counterargument 
Some say that giving children no homework makes them lazy, but I think too much homework kills a child’s interest.

5. Example
I have a personal experience that can illustrate this point. When I was 8 years old I was given too much homework in math and I have never enjoyed math since then. This proves that homework can kill interest.

6. Fairness Analogy 
Since we do not like to receive overtime work from our bosses, why should we give overtime to students

7. Rights argument
Student's have the right to enjoy their time off of school