IELTS Writing Task 2
Planning an Essay

Planning​

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IELTS candidates often believe that 40 minutes is not enough time to complete the task. They read the question and start writing their answer immediately, usually with the first thing that comes into their heads.

 

Planning your task 2 answer is essential for success. Don’t be intimidated by the suggested time limit of 40 minutes. It’s more than enough time to plan and write a high scoring answer. Try the following approach.

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• Analyze the question and the instructions. Then write your introduction. Spend about 5 minutes on this. Follow the link for how to write a task 2 introduction.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Introduction​

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• Next, plan the content of your body paragraphs. You can write your plan on the question paper or if you are taking the Computer Delivered test, most test centers provide paper and pencil.

• When planning, write your ideas for the body paragraphs in prompt words.

• Select the ideas to include in your body paragraphs. One or two main ideas are enough. Do not list all your ideas. Spend about 5 minutes on this.

• After planning, write your body paragraphs. Spend about 20 minutes on this. Follow the link for how to plan and write task 2 body paragraphs.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Body Paragraphs​

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• Then write your conclusion. Spend about 5 minutes on this. Follow the link for how to write a task 2 conclusion.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Conclusion​

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• Finally, reread your answer and correct any obvious vocabulary, grammar and punctuation mistakes. DO NOT attempt to rewrite sections. Spend about 5 minutes on this.

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Planning your answer will…

• Manage the time effectively.

• Organize your ideas.

• Keep you on topic.

• Enable you to address all parts of the task

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Summary