Question 1

What is PEEL paragraph structure in IELTS?

Accepted Answer

PEEL stands for Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link. It is a framework for organising body paragraphs in IELTS Task 2 essays. The Point is your topic sentence stating the main idea. Evidence provides a fact, statistic, or example. The Explanation develops the argument. The Link ties the paragraph back to the essay thesis or question. High-scoring IELTS responses consistently follow this or a similar logical structure.

Question 2

How does paragraph structure affect your IELTS band score?

Accepted Answer

Paragraph structure is assessed under the Coherence and Cohesion criterion, which accounts for 25% of your IELTS Writing score. Examiners look for a clear central topic in each paragraph, logical progression of ideas, and effective use of cohesive devices. A poorly structured paragraph — where ideas are presented in a random order or the topic sentence is missing — can prevent a candidate from scoring above Band 6 in this criterion.

Question 3

What is the difference between PEEL and TEEL?

Accepted Answer

PEEL (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link) and TEEL (Topic sentence, Evidence, Explanation, Link) describe the same underlying paragraph logic with slightly different labelling conventions. Both place the main claim first, support it with evidence, explain the significance, and link back to the broader argument. Either framework is appropriate for IELTS Task 2 body paragraphs.

Question 4

How many body paragraphs should an IELTS Task 2 essay have?

Accepted Answer

Most Band 7+ IELTS Task 2 essays contain two or three body paragraphs, each developing a single main idea in 80–120 words. Two well-structured, fully developed paragraphs consistently score higher than three or four underdeveloped ones. Each paragraph should contain a clear topic sentence, supporting evidence, explanation, and a link back to the essay thesis.