Writing Pro Tip: Focus on 1 Idea, 1 Paragraph – Simple Secret to Increase IELTS Score!

Hello everyone who is “fighting” with IELTS Writing!
Today, I want to share a small but extremely effective tip that I often “train” (okay, sometimes “force”) my students to apply: Focus on one idea per paragraph. Sounds simple, right? But don't let its simplicity fool you – it can completely change the way you write and your scores!

Writing 1 Idea 1 Paragraph – Pressure or Opportunity?

Many people think that writing one idea per paragraph will reduce the pressure of ideas. But in fact, it is the opposite – it is a bit more “pressure”! Why? You will have to think carefully to choose an idea. “wide enough but not too wide”.

However, this pressure is a great motivator to:

• Think Deeply: You will not just stop at the surface, but must find a way to exploit the idea in a more detailed and logical way.

• Find quality examples: Instead of listing a few sketchy examples, you'll choose examples that are truly compelling and relevant.

• Draw meaningful conclusions:A well-developed idea will lead to powerful concluding sentences, making your writing stand out.

For example, instead of cramming both “economic benefits” and “communication opportunities” into one paragraph when writing about learning a foreign language, dedicate a separate paragraph to just “communication opportunities” and explain why it’s important. Quality over quantity, right?

Practical Benefits: Your CC Points Will Thank You!

One of the important criteria in IELTS Writing is Coherence and Cohesion (CC) – Coherence and connection. This is also the point that many candidates struggle with and cannot improve, especially when they stick to available sentence patterns (templates) without really understanding how to connect ideas.

When you focus on one idea per paragraph, your writing will naturally become more logical and easier to follow. Each sentence in the paragraph will revolve around a single topic, helping the examiner not to “drift” while reading. The result? Your CC score will increase significantly – a practical benefit that everyone wants!

Try It Now: 342 Words Are Enough To Persuade!

1. Choose any IELTS Writing topic.

2. Make an outline with each paragraph revolving around only one main idea.

3. Write and feel the difference!

For example, if the prompt asks you to write about “the benefits of technology,” devote one paragraph to “saving time” and another to “global connectivity.” Don’t try to cram both into the same paragraph—give each idea room to “breathe” and shine.

Sample essay:

Topic: There is a belief that young individuals must attend school full-time until they are at least 18 years old. To what degree do you support or oppose this idea? Explain your viewpoint with reasons and include appropriate examples based on your knowledge or experiences.

In today's world, education is often seen as the foundation for personal growth and success. Some people believe that young individuals must attend school full-time until they are at least 18 years old to ensure they are well-prepared for life. I partially support this idea because while full-time education offers significant benefits, flexibility should also be considered based on individual circumstances. In this essay, I will explain my viewpoint with reasons and examples.

One key reason I support full-time schooling until 18 is that it provides young people with a strong foundation of knowledge and skills. During these years, students learn essential subjects like math, science, and literature, which develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. For instance, my cousin stayed in school until 18 and gained a solid understanding of various topics, which later helped her excel in university. Full-time education also exposes students to social experiences and extracurricular activities, such as sports or debate clubs, fostering teamwork and communication skills vital for adulthood. Thus, staying in school full-time equips young individuals for future challenges.

However, I also believe that full-time schooling until 18 may not suit everyone, as some young people have unique goals or circumstances. For example, a friend of mine left school at 16 to pursue a career in music and trained intensively with a professional mentor, achieve success as a performer by 20. This shows that for talents like arts or sports, early specialization might be more beneficial than traditional schooling. Additionally, some teenagers face financial pressures or family responsibilities that make full-time education impractical. In such cases, alternatives like part-time study or vocational training could better support their needs and aspirations.

In conclusion, while I agree that attending school full-time until 18 offers valuable opportunities for personal development, I believe there should be room for flexibility. Full-time education builds a strong base for most young individuals, but exceptions should be allowed for those with distinct talents or challenging situations. A balanced approach, combining mandatory schooling with adaptable options, would best serve the diverse needs of young people.