IELTS PreparationUpdated 2026-11-028 min read

IELTS Task 2 Examples: Where They Go and How to Write Them

Priya Sharma writes English learning guides for ESL students. Pune-based language enthusiast.

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Quick answer: Put your example right after you explain your point, keep it to one or two sentences, and finish with a sentence linking it back to the question. You can invent examples, as long as they are specific and believable, with no fake statistics or experts.↗ Share on X

In IELTS Writing Task 2, a good example is a short, specific case that proves the point you just made, and you should place it right after your explanation, in one or two sentences. The formula is simple: make a point, explain why it's true, then give one specific example, and link it back. You don't need real statistics or famous studies. Examiners accept realistic, invented examples as long as they are believable, specific, and clearly connected to your argument.

This article shows you exactly where examples go, what makes one strong or weak, and how to write them quickly under exam pressure.

Why do examples matter for your band score?

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Where should the example go in your paragraph?

Use this body paragraph structure. It works for every essay type.

Part	What it does	Length
1. Topic sentence	States the main point of the paragraph	1 sentence
2. Explanation	Says why or how the point is true	1 to 2 sentences
3. Example	Shows the point in a real-life case	1 to 2 sentences
4. Link back	Connects the example to the question	1 sentence

A full body paragraph is usually 80 to 120 words. That leaves room for two body paragraphs, an introduction, and a conclusion in about 250 to 300 words.

The most common mistake is putting the example before the explanation. If the examiner reads the example first, they don't yet know what it's supposed to prove.

What makes an example strong or weak?

Can you invent examples in IELTS?

Yes. The examiner is checking your English and your argument, not your knowledge of real research. You are not expected to know statistics, and nobody checks your facts.

But invented examples must be believable. Avoid:

Fake precise statistics, like "Studies show 87.3% of teenagers..." This sounds unnatural and can make your writing feel less credible.
Fake named experts, like "Professor John Smith from Harvard said..."
Exaggerated claims, like "Everyone in the world uses smartphones."

Instead, use safe, general framing:

"In many large cities, such as..."
"A common situation is when..."
"In my country, for instance..."
"Consider a family where both parents work full-time..."

Personal and local examples are perfectly fine. "In my hometown, the opening of a new metro line reduced the time many workers spent commuting" is believable and specific.

What types of examples can you use?

Having a few types ready makes it easier to think of examples fast.

1. Hypothetical person. "Imagine a young graduate who cannot find a job in their field..."

2. Country or city. "In countries with free public transport, such as..." Only use real places if you are confident the fact is true. If unsure, say "in some countries."

3. Personal experience. "When I was at school, my teachers..."

4. Common everyday situation. "When people shop online late at night, they often buy things they don't need."

5. Before and after. "Before online banking, people had to visit a branch during working hours. Now, they can pay bills in seconds."

How do you introduce an example naturally?

Don't repeat "for example" every time. Mix these phrases, but use them correctly:

Phrase	How to use it
For example, / For instance,	Start of a sentence, followed by a full sentence
such as	Inside a sentence, followed by a noun: "public services such as hospitals"
A clear example of this is...	Followed by a noun or noun phrase
This can be seen in...	Followed by a place or situation
To illustrate,	Start of a sentence, slightly more formal
In my country, for instance,	Good for personal or local examples

A frequent grammar error is "For example, such as..." Use one or the other, never both together.

Another one: "Such as" cannot start a full sentence. Wrong: "Such as students who work part-time." Right: "Some groups, such as students who work part-time, have less free time."

How do you link the example back to the question?

This step separates Band 6 from Band 7 writing. After your example, add one sentence that tells the examiner why the example matters.

Useful phrases:

"This shows that..."
"This demonstrates how..."
"As a result, ..."
"Therefore, it is clear that..."

A full model paragraph

Question: Some people think that the government should spend more money on public transport rather than building new roads. To what extent do you agree?

Body paragraph:

The main reason to invest in public transport is that it reduces traffic congestion. When a city has fast and affordable buses and trains, many commuters choose to leave their cars at home, which means fewer vehicles on the roads during rush hour. For example, if a new metro line connects a large residential area to the city centre, thousands of workers who previously drove can travel by train instead. This shows that spending on public transport can solve congestion more effectively than simply adding more roads, which often fill up with new traffic.

Let's break it down:

1. Topic sentence: "The main reason... reduces traffic congestion."

2. Explanation: "When a city has fast and affordable buses... fewer vehicles."

3. Example: "For example, if a new metro line connects..."

4. Link back: "This shows that spending on public transport..."

Notice the example uses no fake numbers. "Thousands of workers" is general and believable for a large city.

How many examples do you need?

One clear example per body paragraph is enough. Two body paragraphs means two examples.

More examples don't raise your score. A paragraph with three rushed examples and no explanation is weaker than one with a single example that's well explained and well linked.

Don't put examples in your introduction or conclusion. The introduction states your position. The conclusion summarizes it.

How do you think of examples quickly in the exam?

You have about 40 minutes for Task 2. Spend 5 minutes planning. During planning:

1. Write your two main ideas in a few words each.

2. Next to each one, write a quick example in three or four words, like "metro line, commuters."

3. Ask: "Does this example prove THIS idea?" If not, change it.

4. Then start writing.

To get faster before test day, build an "example bank." Common IELTS topics include education, technology, environment, health, work, crime, transport, and globalization. For each topic, prepare two or three flexible examples you could adapt.

Common mistakes to avoid

Telling a long story. Keep it to one or two sentences.
Using an example that proves a different point. Re-read your topic sentence first.
Giving only an example, with no explanation. The explanation is where you show reasoning.
Overusing "I." Personal examples are fine occasionally, but don't make the whole essay about yourself.
Using memorized examples that don't fit. Examiners notice when a paragraph seems copied from somewhere else.

Your next step

Take one Task 2 question you've already answered. Look at each body paragraph and label the four parts: topic sentence, explanation, example, and link back. If any part is missing, rewrite that paragraph. Then pick three common topics, like education, technology, and environment, and write two short examples for each in a notebook. That small example bank will save you minutes in the exam.

FAQ

Can I make up examples in IELTS Writing Task 2?

Yes. Examiners assess your English and your argument, not your facts. Invented examples are fine if they are realistic. Avoid fake precise statistics and invented experts.

How many examples should I use in Task 2?

One clear example per body paragraph is enough. More examples do not raise your score if they are not explained and linked to your point.

Can I use personal examples in IELTS?

Yes, personal and local examples like 'in my hometown' are acceptable. Just don't make the whole essay about yourself.