How many paragraphs in an IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay?
Paragraphs are marked by the examiner in IELTS writing task 2. The criterion of Coherence and Cohesion, which is 25% of your writing marks, is about linking and paragraphing.
All essays will have an introduction and conclusion – that is 2 paragraphs already. The body of the essay MUST be divided into different body paragraphs (usually either 2 or 3). That makes 4 or 5 paragraphs in total.
No, you can’t. You are being assessed on your ability to separate ideas into different body paragraphs. To get band score 7 in coherence and cohesion, you must have a central idea in each body paragraph with supporting points. You will be marked down if you put all your ideas in only one body paragraph.
It is not advisable to have so many body paragraphs. To get a high score in IELTS writing task 2, you must develop and extend your main points. This means that each body paragraph must contain enough supporting points. Having 4 or 5 body paragraphs will not give you enough words to develop ideas properly for a high score.
Either 2 or 3 body paragraphs is enough to develop ideas and show your ability to organise paragraphs. With 2 or 3 body paragraphs, you can get a high score. When you read your essay question, you plan your ideas and then decide how many body paragraphs to have (2 or 3). You should not decide this before you enter the test. The number of body paragraphs will be decided by the type of question and your ideas.