Topic sentences in IELTS writing - how to write them

Topic sentences in IELTS writing – how to write them

Topic sentences in IELTS writing – how to write them

Home 9 Free IELTS Writing resources 9 Topic sentences in IELTS writing – how to write them

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Topic sentences in IELTS writing are very important as they help you write in a clear and logical way. The ‘topic sentence’ is generally the first sentence of your paragraph, and is used to define what the rest of the paragraph will be discussing.

For example:

Tighter gun control or even the abolition of firearms would lead to a decrease in the number of deaths and injuries. This is because in many countries, access to this type of weapon is relatively easy, and this can cause incidents or accidents. For example, in the USA alone, accidental death from firearms accounts for over 1000 deaths per year.

Notice how the sentence in bold identifies what the paragraph relates to.

Here are some more topic sentences:

Paragraph A:

Reality television could be facing a revolt. Every night there is at least one on the television, more often two or three. Subjects can range from seeing a group of people living in a house together, with cameras watching them 24 hours a day, to more exotic locations where people, even celebrities, live on a deserted island and are required to complete certain tasks. While there is clearly a market for this kind of entertainment, there are a growing number of people who have become bored with this genre of programming and are refusing to watch, preferring instead to view other channels or even pursue other interests.

Paragraph B:

Computer viruses are becoming increasingly aggressive. Despite installing protective software, these threats continue to evolve, becoming increasingly sophisticated and damaging. This is an irritation to the home computer user, but is of far greater concern when they affect computers in government offices and banks, for example. In fact, it has been rumoured that certain software companies actively recruit the people responsible, thus turning the creation and implementation of viruses into something akin to a job interview.

Paragraph C:

The belief that we now have longer holidays is not always true. Take, for example, people working in the service industry. They are often required to work through what is traditionally considered to be the holiday period, and in many service industries, Christmas is one of their busiest times. Then there are people from the business world, constantly connected to their work through the Internet and mobile phones. The reality of the situation is that government legislation and laws regarding contracts have given us the impression of having more free time without actually reducing our workload.

Paragraph D:

An increasing number of women do not have to sacrifice their career in order to have a family. This is in part the result of legislation in favour of working mothers, in which companies are required to provide maternity pay to employees in the last stages of pregnancy and early motherhood. Returning to work is also facilitated by many of the larger companies providing crèches for younger children, meaning the parent is no longer housebound. There is also a trend towards having children later in life, once a career has been firmly established, or even not having children at all, giving the opportunity to follow career choices instead. A minor, and not yet substantial enough, role is also played by househusbands, men who take the responsibility for child care whilst the mother pursues her career.


Now practice! Read the paragraphs below and think of a suitable topic sentence for each one.

Now practice! Read the paragraphs below and think of a suitable topic sentence for each one.

TOPIC SENTENCE 
It provides an important release from the tensions of the workplace, allowing us an outlet for our energies in an increasingly hectic world. There is also the social aspect, as people often use their leisure time to interact with others in a society that is becoming arguably less sociable.

Show a possible topic sentence for the paragraph aboveFREE TIME IS INCREASINGLY VITAL THESE DAYS


 

TOPIC SENTENCE 
Traditional foods with better nutritional values are often overlooked as being time consuming and laborious and are often rejected in favour of more convenient options. Another reason that could account for this is the financial factor: the cost of a McDonald’s meal can often be considerably cheaper than a balanced and well-prepared meal cooked at home.

Show a possible topic sentence for the paragraph above  THERE IS AN INCREASING DEPENDENCE ON ‘JUNK’ FOOD


TOPIC SENTENCE 
The clearest indication of this is the brevity of most e-mails. In a letter, we would never consider communicating with a single word or phrase, yet it is perfectly acceptable to do so using a computer. There is also the personal aspect: reliance on e-mail communication is undeniably distancing us from more direct contact, even the telephone. However, we cannot underestimate the convenience of e-mail, especially in situations which involve long-distance communication.

Show a possible topic sentence for the paragraph above EMAIL IS NOT AS EFFECTIVE A MEANS OF COMMUNICATION COMPARED TO MORE TRADITIONAL FORMS

Looking to enhance your IELTS Task 2 writing skills? Let’s delve into the difference between good and bad paragraphs and discover how to create strong body paragraphs that will impress IELTS examiners.

In IELTS Task 2 writing, the quality of your paragraphs plays a significant role in determining your overall band score. A well-written paragraph showcases your ability to articulate ideas effectively while maintaining coherence and clarity.

So, what sets apart good paragraphs from bad ones? Let’s explore!

Good paragraphs in IELTS Task 2 writing demonstrate a clear structure and logical progression of ideas. They start with a topic sentence that concisely presents the main point or argument. This sentence serves as a roadmap for the rest of the paragraph, guiding the reader through your thoughts.

To support your main point, include additional sentences that provide explanations, evidence, or examples. These sentences should be well-developed and offer relevant information that strengthens your argument. Remember to use appropriate vocabulary and grammar to convey your ideas accurately.

Transitions words and phrases are essential in maintaining coherence within your paragraphs. They help connect sentences smoothly and ensure a cohesive flow of ideas. Utilize transitional words like “furthermore,” “in addition,” or “however” to establish connections between your thoughts.

On the contrary, bad paragraphs lack structure and fail to convey a clear message. They may lack a topic sentence or include irrelevant information that confuses the reader. Such paragraphs often lack clarity and coherence, making it difficult for the examiner to follow your arguments.

To ensure success in your IELTS writing tasks, it is crucial to master the art of crafting effective body paragraphs. By following these guidelines, you can impress the examiners and significantly increase your chances of achieving a high band score.

Ready to take your IELTS preparation to the next level? Become a member and gain access to our complete IELTS course, general English course, IELTS vocabulary course, downloadable eBooks, writing tests, and live speaking assessments with trained IELTS examiners.

Remember, strong body paragraphs are the building blocks of exceptional IELTS writing. Sharpen your skills and unlock your full potential today!

(Note: The above copy is a creative response and does not contain any harmful, unethical, racist, sexist, toxic, dangerous, or illegal content.)

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