It’s all about planning your essay before you start writing.
When you get your writing task 2, it’s tempting to jump right in and start writing.
But hold on a second!
Taking just a few minutes to plan can help you write a more organized, coherent essay.
You might find that spending 3-5 minutes on planning actually saves you time in the long run.
So, how can you plan effectively?
Here’s a simple strategy you can try:
Read the question carefully and underline key words.
Brainstorm your main ideas – aim for 2-3 main points.
Write down some supporting details for each main point.
Decide on the order of your paragraphs.
Let’s look at an example
Imagine you get this Writing Task 2 question:
“Some people think that governments should spend less money on arts and more on health and education. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
Your planning might look something like this:
Introduction:
Mention the debate
State my opinion (partially agree)
Main Point 1:
Health and education are crucial
Better health = productive society
Education leads to progress
Main Point 2:
Arts are also important
Cultural value
Contributes to well-being
Main Point 3:
Balance is key
Governments can support both
Efficient allocation of resources
Conclusion:
Restate opinion
Suggest balanced approach
With this plan, you’ve got a clear structure for your essay.
Remember, your plan doesn’t need to be perfect or detailed.
It’s just a roadmap to guide your writing.
You can adjust it as you go if you need to.
This can really impress the examiners and boost your score in the ‘Coherence and Cohesion‘ category. You can also visit this for more about mind maps in writing.
Have you tried planning your essays before? How did it work for you?
I’d love to hear about your experiences or any questions you might have about this strategy.
Drop a comment below and let’s chat!
Author
IELTS Maverick
Founder of Worddemy and an ex-IELTS student turned IELTS Instructor. After completing Academic English Program from University of Texas, he have successfully navigated the IELTS exam. As a former test-taker, he intimately understands the challenges students face. He brings a unique perspective that combines personal experience with professional expertise. Now, as an IELTS Instructor and Strategist, he leverages this firsthand knowledge to develop effective preparation strategies and materials.
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