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Mindset for IELTS - Level 3 (Unit 02: Health)


Good paragraphs in essays usually begin with a topic sentence (expressing the main idea of the paragraph) which is then followed by supporting ideas - explanations, examples, etc. which 'support' or 'clarify' the idea of the topic sentence. Topic sentences should introduce and establish the main idea of each paragraph dearly and simply. Avoid trying to write anything too complex or long. You can go into more detail with your supporting ideas.

03. Use the phrases below to write topic sentences for your ideas from exercise 2.

1. One problem with ...is ...
One problem with increased life expectancy is an ageing population that puts a strain on health care services.

2. The main advantage of ...is ...

3. The principle issue with ...is ...

4. One obvious negative effect of ...is ...

5. Another disadvantage of ...is ...

6. Overall, the benefits of ... outweigh the drawbacks because ...

Overall, the benefits of living in a city outweigh the drawbacks because there are many more facilities available than in small towns or in the countryside.

Think carefully about the kind of supporting ideas you want to follow your main idea and what their functions are.


04. Read the topic sentence and the possible supporting ideas for it below. Which two are not effective at developing the topic sentence idea further?

One obvious benefit of participating in a contact sport is the improvement in one's physical health and well-being.

1. Regularly taking part in a demanding and potentially dangerous activity leads to enhanced physical conditioning, as well as improved speed of thought and reaction time.

2. Any physical exercise, however minimal, is bound to improve fitness in some way, but studies show that boxing, in particular, produces the fittest and sharpest athletes of any sport there is.

3. On the other hand, it is arguable that the potential dangers involved in doing so - and injuries are inevitable, after all - outweigh any benefits that may be felt or gained.

4. Despite the fact that there have been many accidents, and even occasional fatalities, the vast majority of people who take part gain a high level of fitness and rarely, if ever, suffer injury.

5. The healthier you are, the less likely you are to visit a doctor, and this can only be a good thing as it is often difficult to get an appointment to see a medical specialist.

6. Not only that, but the sometimes risky nature of sports such as rugby or ice hockey also demand intense levels of concentration that positively affect mental awareness.


Idea is illogical because it immediately argues the opposite to the topic sentence, leaving the original idea stated in the topic sentence undeveloped.

Idea is not effective because it does not logically develop the original idea in the topic sentence, which introduces the idea of personal fitness. It does not make sense to expand this into a discussion about the problems caused by a busy doctor's surgery.



05. Match the four possible supporting you identified in with their function (a-d) in relation to the topic sentence.

a. It gives a specific supporting example.

b. It uses a cause and effect argument to clarify the idea.

c. It supports the topic sentence but shows a contrasting view that looks at another side of the argument.

d. It adds an additional point to strengthen the idea in the topic sentence.

06. Write two supporting sentences for this topic sentence. Use two different functions.

One significant drawback is the fact that participating in contact sports can cause injury and, in some extreme cases, death.



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