How to Use the PEEL Method in IELTS Task 2 Body Paragraphs for Band 8+

In IELTS Writing Task 2, the body paragraphs are where you build on your ideas. If you want a Band 8 or higher, each phrase needs to be well-organised, make sense, and be easy to follow. The PEEL method works great in this case.

You’ll learn from this book:

• What the PEEL method is
• Why it can help you get a better IELTS score
• How to set up each body line with PEEL
• Every kind of IELTS writing has examples of PEEL paragraphs you can use
• Common mistakes you should not make when writing paragraphs
• For practice, there are worksheets and jobs

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What does the PEEL method do?

The word “peel” can help you arrange body paragraphs in a way that makes sense:

What Does the PEEL Element Mean?

• Point: the main idea of the paragraph
• Explain: to add to and support the point
• Example: give a clear and important case
• Link: return to the main idea or move on to the next one

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Why should you do Task 2 with PEEL?
When you use PEEL, it can help:

• Make sure there is only one key idea in each paragraph
• Back up your point with logic
• Improve consistency and cohesion (25% of your score)
• Fully developing your ideas will help you do better on the job (25%)
• Avoid writing that isn’t clear or organised

Tip: It’s better to have one long, well-written PEEL paragraph than two short, well-written ones.

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Here are some examples of how the PEEL structure works.

Let’s break it down with a real IELTS question:

Question:
Some people believe that the government should spend more on roads than on public transport. Should I agree or not?

Example of a PEEL Paragraph (Band 8+):

• Point: It’s better to spend money on public transport than on making more roads.
• Explain: This is because trains, buses, and other forms of public travel reduce the number of private cars on the road. This means there will be less smog and traffic.
• Example: Cities like Seoul and Singapore have built high-tech train systems that many people use because they are cheap and work well. This has cleaned up the air and cut down on travel times.
• Link: This means that putting public transport first is better for the economy, the environment, and the long run.

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How many PEEL blocks should you write?

The right length for an essay:

• Every sentence is 250 to 300 words long
• Body 1 and Body 2 are two strong PEEL lines
• Only for debates or two-question writings that need an extra third

Always have a beginning and an end; don’t skip them.

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PEEL in Different Types of IELTS Essays

Let’s ask different kinds of questions using the PEEL method.

1. Opinion Essay
Question: People think that students should only study things that interest them. What do you think? Should I agree or not?

PEEL Sentence (I Agree):

• Point: People should be able to choose which classes they want to take
• Explain: Students do better in school when they are interested in and motivated by what they are learning
• Example: For instance, a student who loves art is more likely to do well in school and earn a good living as an artist
• Link: So, letting kids pick their own classes makes them more interested and productive in school

2. Discussion Essay
Question: Some people think that computers and the internet should replace libraries. Some people really value libraries. Talk about both sides and say what you believe.

PEEL Paragraph (View for the Library):

• Point: Libraries are still great places to learn and make neighbourhoods better
• Explain: They give a quiet place to learn, real books, and free internet to people who can’t pay for it
• Example: One example is that many kids from low-income families use public libraries to study and find information
• Link: Library is more than just a place to find books, then. Also, everyone can learn and make friends there

3. Problem–Solution Essay
Question: There are a lot of young people who don’t have jobs. What’s going on? How can this be fixed?

PEEL Paragraph (Cause):

• Point: One big reason why so many young people don’t have jobs is that their level of education doesn’t match what employers want
• Explain: A lot of places teach ideas instead of skills that students can use on the job
• Example: New sociology graduates might have a hard time finding work if they don’t have the right training or experience
• Link: The fact that there aren’t many jobs is partly due to classes that are out of date

4. Advantage–Disadvantage Essay
Question: Some people like shopping online more than in stores. What do the pros and cons look like?

PEEL Paragraph (Advantage):

• Point: One of the best things about shopping online is how easy it is
• Explain: People can buy things online, which helps them save time and money on gas
• Example: Busy workers, for instance, can order food online and have them brought right to their door in a few hours
• Link: E-commerce is growing in popularity around the world because it’s simple to use

5. Double-Question Essay
Question: Think about why people choose to live in towns. Do you think the pros are more important than the cons?

PEEL Writing (Why People Pick Cities):

• Point: People choose to live in towns because they have more jobs and better services
• Explain: People from all walks of life go to cities to find big businesses, hospitals, and schools
• Example: Someone who just graduated from college might move to Dhaka or London to find better job prospects
• Link: Because of this, cities may have tools that smaller places do not

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What Most People Do Wrong with PEEL

Mistake	Fix
One line with too many ideas	There should be one main idea in every line
A lack of information	Write why it’s good before the example
Not good examples	Use general or real examples instead of personal stories
Not a link	Use a sentence to link the idea to the main idea

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Words That Link Each Stage of PEEL

Stage	Words That Are Useful
Point	A main reason is…, An important point is…, Most people believe that…
Explain	Because of…, This leads to…, This means that…
Example	In this case, you can see it in…
Link	To put it another way, This clearly shows that…

Tip: To sound natural, don’t use the same words over and over.

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A Task to Help You Practise PEEL

Question: There are people who believe that kids should have to take PE in school. Do you agree?

Write a PEEL Paragraph:

• Point: It’s good for kids’ health to learn how to be active
• Explain: It helps fight childhood obesity
• Example: Everyday exercise makes kids more fit, so schools that require it see better results
• Link: So, making PE a must helps kids build habits that will last a lifetime

Write it in your own words using the PEEL method. You have ten minutes to do it.

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How to Make a PEEL Paragraph

Do this to get better:

• One important reason is that _____________________.
• This is the case because ____________________________.
• As an example, ____________________________________.
• This is why ________________________________________.

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Last Thoughts

The PEEL method is one of the best ways to write strong body paragraphs for IELTS Writing Task 2. This makes sure that your thoughts are:

• Very clear and sharp
• Finished and make sense
• Supported with enough examples
• Returning to your main point

If you use PEEL regularly, you can get better at Task Response and Coherence and Cohesion. You need to be able to do these two things to get into Band 7, 8, or 9.

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