When you prepare for the IELTS Writing Task 2, having a clear plan before you begin writing can make a big difference. In this guide you will learn how to analyse the question, generate ideas, choose a structure and organise your essay so that your writing flows logically and meets the task requirements.

Understand the Question Prompt

The first step in planning your essay for IELTS Writing Task 2 is to read the prompt carefully. The prompt will present a point of view, argument or problem. You must answer all parts of the question. IELTS+2IDP IELTS Japan+2
There are several types of questions you might face:

• Opinion essays (agree / disagree)
• Discussion essays (discuss both views + your view)
• Advantages & disadvantages essays
• Problem and solution essays
• Double question essays (two or more questions in the prompt)
  By identifying the type of question, you will know how to plan your response and which structure to use.

Spend Some Time Planning

Before writing your essay, allocate about 5 to 10 minutes to plan. Many good writers of the IELTS Writing Task 2 use this time to organise ideas and outline paragraphs.
Planning helps in several ways:

• You avoid writing irrelevant ideas.
• You structure your essay coherently (introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion).
• You save time by knowing what you will write rather than writing spontaneously and then re-shaping.
  When you plan, write down:
• A paraphrased version of the question (to use in introduction)
• Your answer or position (if required)
• Two or three main ideas (for body paragraphs)
• Examples or explanations that support each idea
• A linking plan for each paragraph so ideas flow clearly.

Choose a Simple Structure

For IELTS Writing Task 2 you can follow a simple and reliable 4-part structure:

1. Introduction
2. Body paragraph 1
3. Body paragraph 2
4. Conclusion
   Even if the question type is more complex (for example “discuss both views and give your opinion”), you can adapt by using two body paragraphs: one for each main viewpoint or issue, and then integrate your view.

Introduction

In the introduction you should:

• Paraphrase the question prompt.
• State your position (if required).
• Outline the main points you will cover (optional but helpful).
  This gives the examiner a clear idea of your direction from the start.

Body Paragraphs

Each body paragraph should focus on one main idea. The structure of a body paragraph can be:

• Topic sentence (states idea)
• Explanation of the idea
• Example or illustration
• Link back to the question or to the next paragraph
  This helps you meet the coherence and cohesion criteria of the exam.
  Make sure your ideas are relevant to the question and fully developed.

Conclusion

Although the question asks you to plan your essay, you should also include a conclusion in your written essay. The conclusion should:

• Summarise your main points (briefly)
• Restate your position (if you gave one)
  Avoid introducing new ideas in the conclusion.

Generate and Select Good Ideas

Good content depends on relevant ideas and examples. For the IELTS Writing Task 2, you will be marked on task-response (how you answer the question), coherence & cohesion, lexical resource and grammatical range & accuracy.
When planning:

• Brainstorm 3-5 possible ideas.
• Choose the strongest two ideas to use (to keep each body paragraph clear and well-developed).
• Think of examples you can use: real-life facts, hypothetical situations, general knowledge.
• Make sure you stay on topic and answer fully all parts of the question. If you ignore part of the question you risk losing marks.
  Good ideas well-explained are better than many shallow ideas.

Link Your Ideas Clearly

When you organise your essay, transitions and linking words play a key role. To improve readability and coherence:

• Use words like Firstly, In addition, On the other hand, However, Finally.
• Make sure each paragraph connects to the next and to the main question.
• Avoid sudden jumps between ideas.
  This will help you meet the coherence criterion and make your essay easier for the examiner to follow.

Use a Formal Tone and A Clear Style

As you write your response for IELTS Writing Task 2, remember the tone should be formal (not chatty or too personal) and your style should be clear and simple.
Tips:

• Avoid using contractions (e.g., “don’t”, “can’t”)—write “do not”, “cannot”.
• Avoid colloquial or slang language.
• Use a mix of simple and complex sentences, but keep clarity.
• Make sure you use accurate grammar and vary vocabulary—but do not use words you are not confident about.

Allocate Time and Review Your Work

Time management is important for the IELTS Writing Task 2 test. You have around 40 minutes to complete it and must write at least 250 words.
Plan for roughly:

• 5–10 minutes planning
• 25–30 minutes writing
• 5 minutes reviewing
  During review:
• Check your word count (ensure you wrote at least 250 words)
• Check for grammar and spelling mistakes
• Check that you answered all parts of the question
• Check that paragraphing and linking are correct

By planning first, writing with structure and then reviewing, you give yourself the best chance of writing a coherent, well-organised essay for the IELTS Writing Task 2.