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- IELTS Writing Task 2
- Brainstorming and Planning
Brainstorming and Planning an IELTS Essay
" I can't think of any ideas for my IELTS essay! "
That is a common statement from students preparing for the test and this is where brainstorming and planning come in.
You can also watch a video of this lesson:
Once you have analysed the question in the IELTS test you need to brainstorm some ideas to include in your answer.
Lets look at the same question we looked at in the first two lessons:
The crime rate among teenagers has increased dramatically in many countries.
Discuss some possible reasons for this increase and suggest solutions .
Brainstorming is an important part of the planning process.
In order to get a good score it will not be enough just to put a list of ideas - you need to extend and explain those ideas.
If you look at the IELTS prompt, it says this:
"Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge".
So you need to support your ideas using reasons and examples.
Developing Focus Questions
For this question, you need to write about reasons for the increase in teenage crime and solutions .
In order to make sure you fully answer the question it is a good ideas to develop some focus questions i.e. questions that will help you focus on what you need to write.
These are possible focus questions for this essay question:
- Focus question 1: Why has teenage crime increased ?
- Focus question 2: What can be done about it ?
You then need to brainstorm answers to these questions:
Why has teenage crime increased?
- Breakdown in the nuclear family
- Lack of things to do
What can be done about it?
- Government - Provide better support for families & stricter punishments
- Individuals – take responsibility
[ Nuclear family is a term used to define a family group consisting of a pair of adults and their children, as opposed to single-parent families].
Extending and Supporting your Ideas
However, you now need to think about how your are going to extend and support those ideas you have brainstormed. In other words, you need to ask yourself further questions about each of your ideas. For example:
Why has there been a breakdown in the nuclear family? What is the effect of this? What is a good example of it?
Answering questions like these will make sure you have fully supported and explained all your points.
For example:
Why has there been a breakdown in the nuclear family? - high divorce rates
What is the effect of this?
- no male role model; boys go astray & may commit crime
When you have extended your main ideas, this then provides the basis for your plan.
Here is an example of the brainstormed ideas with further support, which has now become the plan for the essay:
Why has teenage crime increased ?
1) Breakdown in the nuclear family - high divorce rates = no father as ‘role model’ – boys go astray, drugs & crime
2) Lack of things to do
- e.g. TV has shown nothing to do – children see crime as entertainment
What can be done about it ?
1) Govt - Provide better support for families - e.g. more youth centres – guidance and activities, sport
2) Parents – take responsibility
- provide loving environment, relative as role model
The essay can now be written. Here is an example essay written from the plan, with the main supporting ideas highlighted in bold:
Sample Essay
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Discuss some possible reasons for this increase and suggest solutions.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer
Over the last decade there has been a massive rise in the level of crime committed by teenagers in a number of countries. It is important to establish why this has happened and to look at ways to solve the problem.
One reason is the breakdown in the nuclear family . The high divorce rates have meant many children have been brought up in one-parent families with no father to act as a role model, which is detrimental to their development. This is particularly important for boys, who without this guidance are easily led astray by bad influences such as drugs and crime. Another factor is the lack of things to do for the young. For example, in the UK, many television programs about this issue have shown that teenagers hang around in the evenings with little to do. When this happens, the boredom means they will find their own entertainment, which is often crime.
There are, however, ways to tackle these problems. Firstly, the government should provide more support for families . They could, for instance, invest more into building and staffing youth centres, which would provide guidance through the youth workers and also enable teenagers to focus their attention on sport and other activities. Parents should also be encouraged to take more responsibility for their children . Ultimately, the onus is on them to raise their children in a loving environment, thus ensuring they are less likely to turn to crime. They could, for example, find a male relative to act as a role model.
Therefore, it is clear that there are various reasons for this rise in crime, but solutions are available. If we begin to tackle the issue now, we may be able to prevent the situation from declining further.
(294 Words)
A common mistake is to have lots of ideas that are not explained properly.
However, you can see that as a result of brainstorming some key ideas and making sure you have explained each of them, you have a fully supported and well organized essay.
More Task 2 IELTS Lessons:
Transitional Phrases for Essays
Learn transitional phrases for essays to get a band 7 or higher in your IELTS writing for coherence and cohesion.
How to Identify the Task in an IELTS Essay
Learn how to identify the task in an IELTS task 2 essay question. This is one of the most important steps in responding to an essay question.
Using Substitution in IELTS to Improve Writing Coherency
You can use substitution in your IELTS essays in order to improve coherency and coherence.
The 3 Types of IELTS Opinion Essays in IELTS
IELTS opinion essays in IELTS can be placed into three types. This lesson explains the different types and how to analyse these essay questions.
IELTS Problem Solution Essay Strategies and Tips
In IELTS problem solution essays you have to discuss a particular issue and present ideas to solve that problem.
How to Write an IELTS Essay: The key steps
Learn key steps on how to write an IELTS Essay. This guides you on how to write a great essay plus other lessons to improve your writing skills.
Writing an IELTS Essay Conclusion
The IELTS essay conclusion is the final part of your IELTS essay. This lesson guides you on how to write a conclusion quickly but effectively.
Thesis Statement Tips for IELTS Essays
Your thesis statement in an IELTS essay should be written quickly and concisely. Use these tips to do that.
Using Pronouns to Improve IELTS Essay Coherency
Find out how to use pronouns to improve your coherency for IELTS task 2 essays.
IELTS Task Response - 25% of your essay grade
The IELTS Task Response criteria in the scoring makes up 25% of your band score for your essay.
Tips on How to Score IELTS Band 8 in Writing and Speaking
To score IELTS Band 8 you need to understand exactly what is in the IELTS Band Descriptors for an 8 for writing and speaking first.
How to Identify the Topic of an IELTS Essay Question
In IELTS you must identify the topic of your essay as this is a key to making sure your essay is on topic.
Improving Writing Coherence for IELTS essays
25% of the writing grade is on how you organise your essay so this lesson shows you how to improve your writing coherence.
IELTS Advantage Disadvantage Essay Tips and Strategies
An advantage disadvantage essay is one type of essay that you may get in the test. This lesson shows how to write a pros cons essay.
Paragraph Writing for IELTS: Building strong arguments
This paragraph writing lesson provides tips on constructing the best paragraphs for your IELTS essay.
Generating ideas for IELTS essays for writing task 2
Generating ideas for IELTS essays for writing task 2 can be difficult but complex ideas are not expected.
IELTS Music Essay: Understanding a Complex Question
An IELTS essay about music is used to show you how to answer a more complex IELTS essay question that does not have a clear 'task' given to you.
Requirements for IELTS Band 7 in Writing
Getting to an IELTS Band 7 is a struggle for many candidates. This lesson explains exactly what you have to do to reach this band score.
Can you use Personal Pronouns in Essays for IELTS?
Learn how to use personal pronouns in essays for IELTS correctly. Can you use "I", "we" and "you"?
Writing an IELTS Essay Introduction
Tips on how to write an introduction for an IELTS essay introduction in a quick and easy way.
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How to Brainstorm Ideas for IELTS Writing: A Guide to Conquering Your Exam
The IELTS Writing test can feel like a daunting mountain to climb, especially when faced with a blank page and a ticking clock. But fear not, aspiring wordsmiths! One of the keys to unlocking your …
Written by: IELTS Mentor
Published on: June 24, 2024
Table of Contents
Why is Brainstorming Crucial for IELTS Writing?
Brainstorming is the compass that guides your writing journey. It helps you:
- Understand the Task: Dissecting the question and identifying key words will give you a clearer picture of what the examiner expects.
- Generate Ideas: Think of it as a mental treasure hunt. Brainstorming helps you unearth relevant points and supporting evidence for your essay.
- Organize Your Thoughts: A good brainstorming session provides a framework for your essay, making your writing more coherent and structured.
- Overcome Writer’s Block: Staring at a blank page can be intimidating. Brainstorming gets those creative juices flowing and helps you overcome initial hesitation.
Effective Brainstorming Techniques for IELTS Writing
Now that you understand the “why,” let’s delve into the “how.” Here are some proven brainstorming techniques tailored for the IELTS Writing test:
1. Mind Mapping:
This visual technique helps you branch out from the main topic and explore related concepts.
- Start with the Keyword: Write the central theme or keyword in the center of your page.
- Branch Out: Draw lines radiating outwards, each representing a different aspect or idea related to the central topic.
- Add Sub-Branches: Further develop each branch with supporting arguments, examples, or personal experiences.
Let’s say the essay question is: “ Some people believe that the government should invest in public transportation, while others think that it is a waste of money. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. “
Your mind map could have branches for:
- Benefits of Public Transportation: Environmental impact, reduced traffic congestion, accessibility for low-income groups.
- Drawbacks of Public Transportation: High initial investment costs, potential for delays and overcrowding, need for ongoing maintenance.
- Alternative Solutions: Promoting cycling infrastructure, carpooling initiatives, investing in electric vehicle charging stations.
2. Questioning:
Challenge yourself with targeted questions to delve deeper into the topic:
- What? What is the main issue being discussed? What are its different aspects?
- Why? Why is this issue important? Why do people have different opinions about it?
- How? How can this issue be addressed? What are the possible solutions?
- Who? Who are the stakeholders affected by this issue?
3. Perspective Taking:
Step into the shoes of different people or groups to generate diverse viewpoints:
- For: List arguments in favor of the given topic or statement.
- Against: Brainstorm counterarguments or opposing viewpoints.
- Neutral: Consider neutral perspectives or potential compromises.
4. The “5Ws and 1H” Method:
This classic journalistic technique helps you gather comprehensive information:
5. Real-Life Examples:
Drawing from current events, historical occurrences, or personal anecdotes can add weight to your arguments.
Turning Ideas into Gold: Tips for IELTS Success
- Time Management: Allocate a specific amount of time for brainstorming before you start writing.
- Quality over Quantity: Focus on generating relevant and well-developed ideas rather than a long list of superficial points.
- Practice Makes Perfect: The more you practice brainstorming, the more instinctive and effective it will become.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Edit: Once you’ve finished brainstorming, take a moment to review and refine your ideas. Eliminate any irrelevant or weak points.
Mastering the art of brainstorming is like acquiring a secret weapon for your IELTS Writing test. By employing these techniques, you’ll be well-equipped to generate impactful ideas, structure your essays effectively, and ultimately, achieve your desired score. Remember, the key is to practice regularly and tailor these techniques to your individual needs and learning style. Good luck, and may your IELTS writing be filled with clarity, coherence, and creativity!
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