Difference Between Paragraph and Essay – IELTS Writing Task 2 Samples

Updated on 27 August, 2024

Sunita Kadian

Sunita Kadian

IELTS Expert

The difference between an essay and a paragraph is a common topic that you can encounter in the IELTS writing task 2. I have seen many students struggling with the various topics asked in the test. But, with thorough and strategic preparation you can score well in any topic.

Here, I have explained how to craft a winning response to the “difference between an essay and a paragraph” task along with some of the key strategies that can help you crack this section of the IELTS exam. 

Understanding IELTS Essay Requirement

Before delving into the difference between an essay and a paragraph IELTS writing task, it is important to understand the requirements of the task. This will help you achieve your dream IELTS score and achieve your study abroad dreams.

The different types of essays usually asked in the IELTS writing task are:

  • Opinion Essays  
  • Discussion Essays 
  • Problem Solution Essays 
  • Advantages & Disadvantages Essays 
  • Double Question Essays

Here’s a detailed guide to help you understand what is expected and how to meet these requirements:

Response to Task

  • Clearly address the main idea.
  • Write the topic clearly and comprehensively.
  • Include relevant examples to support the given statement.

Ensure Coherent Responses

  • The structure of the essay should be as follows: introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
  • Ensure there is a proper flow between paragraphs.
  • Develop each paragraph with a single idea and conclude it within the same paragraph.

Vocabulary

  • Avoid using unnecessary complex words to convey the idea.
  • Avoid grammatical errors and spelling mistakes.
  • Include synonyms where required.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

  • Use simple sentence structures.
  • Ensure the correct use of articles, punctuation, and prepositions.
  • Convey complex ideas by creating suitable scenarios.

Tips for Writing  Effective Essay

Some of the strategies that you can follow to improve your scores in the IELTS writing task 2 are:

  • Understand the given topic and type of essay.
  • Identify the key points to be discussed.
  • Plan the essay outline by spending at least 5 to 10 minutes of the given time. 
  • Every paragraph must convey a single idea and provide a conclusion to the paragraph. 
  • Use simple and crisp language to ensure the idea behind the essay is communicated clearly.
  • Revise the essay by correcting all the spelling, punctuation, or grammatical mistakes.

What is the Difference Between Paragraph and Essay: Sample Essay 1

Paragraphs and essays are different forms of write-ups used to express one's point of view. Both writing pieces should be informational, with an idea explained clearly and concisely. Even though they may appear similar, there exists a difference between paragraphs and essays. 

A paragraph is a self-sufficient writing unit created with multiple sentences. All these sentences are arranged in an organized manner to convey the author's perspective. Additionally, all the lines must be in coherence with one another. An ideal paragraph should start with an introductory sentence, followed by the text body explaining the topic, and should end with a concluding sentence. 

A good paragraph will also convey the author's idea to the reader. Each sentence should expand on that point and not stray from the general topic. Usually, paragraphs are composed of 5-7 sentences and don't require much preparation as they do not give out much detail. 

On the other hand, an essay is a formal write-up consisting of at least 2 to 3 paragraphs. Here, the first paragraph introduces the topic the author plans to discuss in the rest of the essay. The following paragraphs are used to express the views in a detailed manner. Finally, an essay is finished with a concluding paragraph, highlighting the crux of the topic.

Explore More Resources About IELTS Essay:

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Is There Any Difference Between Paragraph and Essay: Sample Essay 2

In any fictional or non-fictional write-up, we come across multiple texts divided into separate portions for better understanding. Writing sections can be classified as either a paragraph or an essay. Despite the apparent similarities, there is a stark difference between paragraph and essay. 

A paragraph is an arrangement of multiple sentences. Here, you don't have to form a sync with other parts of the text as it is singular. On the other hand, an essay must follow a specific pattern. It should have an introduction and a conclusion paragraph apart from the general text. You can also add quotes from relevant sources in the essay to make it more credible for the readers. 

The next difference is the text length in both write-ups. A paragraph is a coherent collection of approximately 5-7 sentences. However, the pattern of an essay has no such limitations. It is composed of multiple paragraphs. Based on the requirements, a short essay can have a minimum of 2-3 paragraphs, and an extensive essay can have 6-8 paragraphs or more.

A paragraph is hence a part of an essay. The beginning of a new paragraph is indicated by inserting a line break, while an introductory paragraph marks the beginning of an essay.

Read More Essay Samples For IELTS:

My Childhood Memories Paragraph 150 Words

Essay on Water Scarcity

Essay on Online Shopping

A Paragraph About Sports

Women Empowerment Essay 250 words

Essay On Positive Thinking

Oral Communication is better than written communication

Disadvantages of Mass Media

Write a paragraph on the internet

The Tendency of Human beings to Copy

Conclusion 

The IELTS score required is dependent on the country and the university in which you are applying. By practicing thoroughly for topics like the difference between an essay and a paragraph, you can improve your score in the writing task. With the above mentioned strategies, you can surely ace the IELTS Writing Task 2. 

Important IELTS Exam Resources

IELTS Exam Overview

IELTS is required to be taken by international students and workers who wish to study or work in a country where English is the primary language of communication. Know the complete details.

IELTS Online Test

IELTS Exam Syllabus

With the right knowledge of the IELTS exam syllabus and pattern, cracking the popular English test won’t be difficult.

IELTS Syllabus

IELTS Exam Pattern

The IELTS exam pattern encompasses four major sections, i.e. listening, speaking, writing, and reading.

IELTS Exam Pattern

Frequently Asked Questions

How many sentences should a typical paragraph contain in an IELTS essay?

A paragraph typically contains 3-5 sentences. An essay includes an introduction, body content, and conclusion. It is suggested that candidates include 2 to 3 body paragraphs in the IELTS exam. This strategy can help candidates score well.

What is the role of a thesis statement in an essay?

A thesis statement plays a prominent role in an IELTS Writing Task 2 essay. This statement conveys the main idea of the given topic. The thesis statement acts as a summary for the examiner about the essay. It represents the writer's opinion on the given topic and is a critical part of the introduction.

Can a paragraph be considered an IELTS essay?

No, a paragraph can never be considered an essay. A paragraph has no line breaks and includes all text in continuation. On the other hand, an essay has several line breaks marking the beginning of each paragraph. Also, an essay consists of several paragraphs.

How many paragraphs are required in an IELTS essay?

All essays in IELTS must have an introduction and conclusion. This is two paragraphs. Additionally, the body must be divided into 2-3 paragraphs. Therefore, the total number of paragraphs your IELTS essay must have is 4 to 5.

Sunita Kadian

IELTS Expert

Sunita Kadian, co-founder and Academic Head at Yuno Learning is an expert in IELTS and English communication. With a background in competitive exam preparation (IELTS, GMAT, CAT, TOEFL), interview prep, and corporate soft skills training, she has adapted these programs for the Yuno platform. Her dedication and commitment earned high praise from students, especially for her public speaking and advanced speaking English courses. Sunita's mastery of language nuances and articulation makes her a favorite among IELTS students. She holds a Postgraduate degree in English Literature, a B.Ed., and a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Relations.

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Disclaimer

The above tips are the Author's experiences. upGrad does not guarantee scores or admissions.