🎯 The Core Concept#
The main body paragraphs are the core (核心) of your essay. Your essay score depends mostly on the main body paragraphs, so spend most of your time planning and writing them.
(Source: IELTS Simon Writing Video Course Lesson 3 Main Body Paragraphs)
把大部分時間和精力花在主體段。兩個主體段落加起來約200字，佔全文的80%。
📊 The Main Body Paragraphs#
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of paragraphs | 2 |
| Length per paragraph | ~90–100 words |
| Sentences per paragraph | ~5 sentences |
| Total body word count | ~200 words (out of 250+ word essay) |
You must plan before writing — without planning, you can’t produce strong main paragraphs. Spend 5-10 minutes planning your ideas before you start writing.
🧱 Two Methods#
| Type | Structure | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Firstly, Secondly, Finally | Topic sentence + Firstly + Secondly + Finally + (Example) | When you have 2+ distinct (獨立的) ideas (e.g., advantages, problems, reasons) |
| Idea, Explain, Example | Topic sentence + Explanation + Explanation + Explanation + Example | When you have 1 main idea that needs in-depth development (深入論述) |
📝 Method 1 “Firstly, Secondly, Finally” (Multiple Ideas)#
Use this method when you have more than one distinct idea to support your position (e.g., several advantages, multiple causes, various solutions).
Planning: Brainstorm 3 separate ideas (e.g., from a 3-minute plan)
| Sentence | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1. Topic sentence | State your position clearly (主題句) |
| 2. Firstly | Present your first point |
| 3. Secondly | Present your second point |
| 4. Finally | Present your third point |
| 5. (Example) | Add the 5th sentence to support one of your points (flexible; could be the 3rd sentence, for example) |
📝Method 2 “Idea, Explain, Example” (One Main Idea)#
Use this method when your plan has one main idea that needs more detail and development, rather than 2-3 separate ideas.
Planning: Identify one core idea to develop in depth.
| Sentence | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1. Topic sentence (Idea) | Write the point clearly and directly |
| 2. Explain | Explain why it is positive/important |
| 3. Example | Give a specific example to support the explanation (flexible) |
| 4. Explain | Explain further; what are the results? |
| 5. Example | Give a specific example to support the explanation (flexible) |
Worked Example 例題 — Opinion Question#
Prompt: Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory (強制的) part of high school programmes. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Plan with keywords (3 ideas against compulsory service):
- School timetable is already full, no time for community service
- Students’ work in other subjects would be affected
- Teenagers might not want to do it (reluctant, no motivation)
With these 3 ideas written down, it is easy to see they are distinct ideas, and “Firstly, Secondly, Finally” fits perfectly. We can add a topic sentence like this:
- (Topic sentence) Disagree for several reasons
Main Body Paragraph:
There are several reasons why I would argue against having compulsory community service for secondary school students. Firstly, the school curriculum is already full with important academic subjects, such as maths, science and languages. For example, I remember having an extremely busy timetable when I was at high school, and it would not have been possible to add to it. Secondly, students’ performance in other subjects would be affected if valuable study time were taken by charity work or neighbourhood improvement schemes. Finally, I believe that teenage students would be reluctant to take part in any programme of obligatory work, and this could lead to poor motivation and even bad behaviour.
- Topic sentence (第一句): 明確指出本段的論點。
- Firstly (第二句): 提出第一個理由（課表已滿）。
- Example (第三句): 用個人經歷作為例子支持第一個理由。
- Secondly (第四句): 提出第二個理由（影響其他科目成績）。
- Finally (第五句): 提出第三個理由（學生缺乏動力，及影響操行）。
Plan with keywords (one main idea):
- voluntary (not compulsory) community service is positive
- students are more motivated if they can choose
- gain work experience, self-confidence, skills
- good for CVs, career, university admissions, employers
This plan is about ONE point – why is voluntary community service is so beneficial (深入發展單一觀點). This means it will fit the “Idea, Explain, Example” method.
Main Body Paragraph:
On the other hand, the opportunity to do voluntary community service could be extremely positive for high school students. By making these programmes optional, schools would ensure that only motivated students took part. These young people would gain valuable experience in an adult working environment, which could help to build their self-confidence and enhance their skills. Having such experience and skills on their CVs could greatly improve school leavers’ career prospects. For example, a period of voluntary work experience might impress a university admissions officer or a future employer.
- Idea (想法) — 第一句: 提出核心觀點（自願社區服務有正面意義）。
- Explain (解釋) — 第二至四句: 詳細解釋為什麼自願服務有益（只吸引有動機的學生 → 獲得經驗和技能 → 提升就業前景）。
- Example (例子) — 第五句: 用具體例子支持（如大學入學官或雇主會印象深刻）。
🔑 Vocabulary vs. Linking Words (詞彙 vs. 連接詞)#
Linking words DO NOT increase your vocabulary score. 連接詞（如 firstly, secondly）本身不會提高你的詞彙分數。 像 this / these / their / such 這樣的詞，通過指代前文內容來發揮連接作用，是必學技巧。
| Type | Purpose | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Linking words (連接詞) | Help the reader follow your logic (不需要用複雜的連詞) | firstly, secondlly, finally, for example, on the other hand |
| Topic vocabulary (主題詞彙) | Show the examiner your range of specific, high-quality words related to the question (提升詞彙分數) | compulsory, curriculum, performance, reluctant, self-confidence, career prospects |
📊 Which Method to Use?#
| Question Type | Recommended Method (建議方法) |
|---|---|
| Discussion | 一方觀點用 Method 1 列舉原因，另一方用 Method 2 深入發展 |
| Opinion | Method 1 列舉不同意/同意的理由；或 Method 2 深入發展一個核心論點 |
| Problem & Solution | Method 1 列舉問題的原因；Method 2 深入發展解決方案 |
| Two-Part Question | Method 1 列舉回答第一個問題的原因；Method 2 深入回答第二個問題 |
🚫 What NOT to Do#
- Don’t write more than one core idea per paragraph (每段只需寫一個核心觀點): Development and depth is more important.
- Don’t overuse complex linking words (不要過度使用複雜的連接詞): 用 “firstly” 和 “first and foremost” 在分數上沒有差別，簡單清晰更重要。
- Don’t skip the planning phase (不要跳過構思階段): Planning allows you to organize your ideas well.
💡 Key Takeaway#
The main body paragraphs are the key to a high score (主體段落是獲得高分的關鍵). Spend most of your time planning and writing them.
Practice both methods and choose the most suitable structure for each question type. (針對不同題型選擇最合適的結構)