IELTS Writing: Supporting Arguments with Strong Examples

Supporting Arguments with Strong Examples: Providing relevant explanations and evidence to strengthen claims

By Lidiya Oryshchuk

​Why Use Evidence?

• Evidence proves your point and builds credibility.

• It's not enough to share your opinion—you must justify it.

What Is Common Knowledge?

• Facts widely known and undisputed:

  • “London is the capital of the UK.”

  • “WWI began in 1914.”

• Also includes basic disciplinary knowledge (varies by level).

• Tip: Check if sources cite the fact—if not, it may be common knowledge.

​What Counts as Evidence?

• Reference to credible sources (preferably several).

• Subject-specific standards apply:

  • Arts: interpretation, argument

  • Social Sciences: qualitative/quantitative data

  • Sciences: empirical data

• Sometimes personal experience is valid (e.g. reflections).

Have I Backed Up My Point?

• I read it → provide citation.

• I worked it out → show reasoning and base source.

• I saw it in research → provide data/analysis.

• I just know → check if it’s common knowledge.

​Types of support:

• “How do I know that?”

• Can you explain it, cite it, or prove it?

Ask yourself:

How to Use Evidence Effectively

• Don’t just add evidence—analyze and interpret it.

• Make clear how evidence supports your point.

• Ask yourself:

  • What does it mean?

  • Why is it convincing?

  • Are there gaps or limitations?

  • What are the implications?

Dealing with Conflicting Evidence

• Don’t ignore it—acknowledge and critique it.

• Show why it’s less convincing or doesn’t apply.

• This strengthens your argument and shows critical thinking.

​Key Strategies for a Convincing Argument

• Clearly show your position.

• Avoid clichés and memorized phrases.

• Acknowledge and refute opposing ideas.

• Support with detailed explanations and examples.

​Analysing the Question

Sample Prompt:
"Some people say that all popular TV entertainment programmes should aim to educate viewers about important social issues."

Identify key words:

• “All” → not just some

• “Important social issues” → vague, subjective

​Idea Development – Quality Over Quantity

• Pick a few strong, well-developed ideas.

• Avoid:

  • Too many weak ideas

  • Overwriting and running out of time

• Practice helps you brainstorm better.

Combining Ideas Logically

1. TV is an escape – forced education may ruin enjoyment.

2. Defining “important issues” is complex and dangerous.

Final structure:

1. Educational shows are boring

2. Hard to define content

3. Risk of propaganda

4. TV is meant to be fun

5. Who decides what is "important"?

Original ideas

​Essay Structure Template

• Introduction: State the topic + your opinion

• Body 1: First key idea with support

• Body 2: Second key idea with support

• Conclusion: Summarise opinion & reinforce ideas

​What to Avoid

• ❌ Memorized phrases: “It cannot be denied that...”

• ❌ Paraphrasing the question poorly

• ❌ Treating niche topics as common controversies

• ❌ Inconsistency in opinion

​Refuting Opposing Views

• ✅ Acknowledge them briefly

• ✅ Show why they’re less valid

• ✅ Stay consistent with your main argument

Let's practice

Multiple Choice

What is the main purpose of acknowledging opposing views?

• To confuse the reader

• To show critical thinking

• To extend word count

• To present both sides equally

Multiple Choice

Why should you avoid memorized phrases like “It cannot be denied that…”?

• They sound unnatural

• They help with grammar

• Examiners prefer them

• They are easier to write

Multiple Choice

Why should you avoid memorized phrases like “It cannot be denied that…”?

• They sound unnatural

• They help with grammar

• Examiners prefer them

• They are easier to write

Multiple Choice

It's acceptable to paraphrase the question using complex vocabulary.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Rhetorical questions can be effective if used carefully.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

You should always include three or more ideas in your essay.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Acknowledging and refuting opposing views can help your score.

• True

• False

Read each sentence. Decide if it's a strong or weak example and explain why.

Multiple Choice

“It is often argued that television programs must provide educational content to improve society.”

• Strong

• Weak

Multiple Choice

“Some believe entertainment TV should include social lessons, but this may reduce enjoyment for most viewers.”

• Strong

• Weak

Multiple Choice

“TV is a good thing for people because it is good.”

• Strong

• Weak

Multiple Choice

“In authoritarian regimes, so-called education can become state propaganda.”

• Strong

• Weak

Multiple Choice

“As we all know, entertainment is important and it cannot be denied that fun is necessary.”

• Strong

• Weak

Choose the correct issue each sentence demonstrates.

Multiple Choice

“It is a truth that TV should be more educational.”
What’s the problem here?

• Poor grammar

• Memorized phrase / unnatural expression

• Lack of evidence

• Too many ideas

Multiple Choice

“TV is good because it’s not bad.”
What’s the problem here?

• Unclear opinion

• Grammar mistake

• Lack of logical reasoning

• Paraphrasing the question

Multiple Choice

“Although education on TV sounds good, I strongly believe it could harm entertainment value.”
What’s the problem here?

• Poor tone

• None – this is a good example

• Weak vocabulary

• Inconsistent opinion

Multiple Choice

“Popular shows is enjoy by many peoples.”
What’s the problem here?

• Informal tone

• Cliché expression

• Grammar and word form errors

• Lack of examples

Multiple Choice

“As everyone know, watching series make happy.”
What’s the problem here?

• Memorized phrase

• Informal style and grammar errors

• Too many ideas

• Off-topic answer

Read the sentence and rewrite it to make it clearer, stronger, and more academic.

Open Ended

“It is often said that all TV must be good for people and teach them stuff.”

Open Ended

“TV shows need to talk about social issues and not just be fun.”

Open Ended

“People love TV and it makes them happy.”

​Key Takeaways

• ✅ Understand the question deeply before planning.

• ✅ Choose a few strong ideas and develop them fully.

• ✅ Be consistent in your position throughout the essay.

• ✅ Acknowledge and refute opposing views with logic and respect.

• ✅ Avoid memorized phrases and unnatural expressions.

• ✅ Support arguments with examples, reasoning, and structure.

• ✅ Use a clear structure: Introduction – Body 1 – Body 2 – Conclusion.

Exit Ticket

1. What is one thing you learned today that you didn’t know before?

2. What is one memorized phrase or cliché you will avoid from now on?

3. Why is it better to use fewer, stronger ideas instead of many weak ones?

4. How can acknowledging an opposing view actually strengthen your essay?