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Lesson
Writing Task 2: Build a clear paragraph
Learn the four parts of a strong body paragraph (point, reason, example and link) and the linking words that join them. Then write your own paragraph.
The four parts of a body paragraph
A good Task 2 body paragraph makes one main point and supports it.
| Part | What it does | Useful language |
|---|---|---|
| Point | Gives the main idea of the paragraph | I believe that… / One advantage of… is that… |
| Reason | Explains why | This is because… / The main reason is that… |
| Example | Makes the reason real | For example,… / For instance,… |
| Link | Shows how it answers the question | Therefore,… / As a result,… |
A model paragraph
Point: I believe that children should start learning a foreign language at primary school.
Reason: This is because young children copy new sounds easily and are not afraid of making mistakes.
Example: For example, my cousin started English at six and now speaks it more confidently than I do.
Link: Therefore, an early start gives children a clear advantage later in life.
Reason: This is because young children copy new sounds easily and are not afraid of making mistakes.
Example: For example, my cousin started English at six and now speaks it more confidently than I do.
Link: Therefore, an early start gives children a clear advantage later in life.
Linking words by job
- Adding: also, in addition, moreover
- Giving reasons: because, since, this is because
- Giving examples: for example, for instance, such as
- Showing results: so, therefore, as a result
- Contrasting: however, but, although
Use each one where it fits. Two or three in a paragraph is plenty.
Practise freely
Questions 1–4
These sentences come from one paragraph, but they are mixed up. What job does each sentence do? Choose A–D.
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For instance, a student who cooks at home can make a healthy dinner for a few hundred taka instead of buying fast food.
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In my opinion, every teenager should learn basic cooking skills.
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As a result, young people who can cook are likely to be healthier and save money.
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This is because home-cooked food is usually cheaper and contains less salt and oil.
Questions 5–7
Choose the best answer, A, B or C.
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Which is the best point (topic sentence) for a paragraph about why cities should improve public transport?
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Many people cannot afford a car. ___, cheap buses help them get to work.
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Cars cause air pollution. ___, they make city centres noisy.
Questions 8–11
Complete each sentence with a linking word or phrase from the box. Use each one once.
becausefor examplealsoas a result
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Many students work part-time university fees are high.
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Working gives students useful skills. , a café job teaches teamwork.
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Students learn how to manage their own money.
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Some students work too many hours. , their grades fall.
Your turn: write a paragraph
Some people think that all young people should learn to cook at school. Do you agree or disagree?
Write one body paragraph of 80–100 words. Give your opinion, one reason and one example, and finish with a link sentence.
Check your answer
Model answer
I agree that cooking should be taught in every secondary school. This is because many young people leave home without knowing how to prepare a simple meal, so they depend on expensive and unhealthy fast food. For example, when my older brother started university in Dhaka, he spent most of his money on takeaways during the first term and often felt tired. If he had learned to cook rice, dal and vegetables at school, he could have eaten better for far less. Therefore, cooking lessons would help students stay healthy and manage their money.
(94 words)
More writing practice
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64 academic collocations for Writing Task 2
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