Hey future IELTS champs! As you prepare for the IELTS Writing test, remember: a well-laid plan is half the battle won. In this guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of planning, an indispensable step that lays the foundation for high-scoring essays. Let’s explore how spending around 10 minutes to craft a strategic plan can transform your Task 2 essay into a masterpiece.

Why Plan? The Strategic Edge

1. Maximizing Efficiency:

• A plan is your roadmap, ensuring you don’t wander aimlessly. Those 10 minutes invested in planning save you time and effort during the actual writing.

2. Crafting a Coherent Argument:

• A well-organized plan results in a well-structured essay. It guides you in presenting a clear and coherent argument that resonates with the examiner.

The Anatomy of an Effective Plan

1. The Paraphrase/Thesis Statement:

• Kickstart your plan with a paraphrase of the task question, followed by a strong thesis statement. These two elements set the tone for your entire essay.

Example:

• Task Question: Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of online education.
• Paraphrase/Thesis: The pros and cons of digital learning will be explored in this essay.

2. Main Body Paragraphs – Topic Sentences and Supporting Points:

• Dedicate a section to each main body paragraph. Craft topic sentences that succinctly convey the central idea of each paragraph. Underneath, list supporting points, including hypothetical scenarios and examples in the form of keywords or summaries.

Example:

• Paragraph 1 – Advantages of Online Education
• Topic Sentence: One significant advantage of online education is flexibility.
• Supporting Points: Self-paced learning, accessibility, elimination of geographical barriers.
• Example: Coursera -international students can pause/replay video lectures, choose study time
• Paragraph 2 – Disadvantages of Online Education
• Topic Sentence: However, the drawbacks cannot be overlooked.
• Supporting Points: Lack of face-to-face interaction, potential distraction, importance of traditional classroom dynamics.
• Example: young learners, short attention-span distractions home environment.

Tips for Effective Planning

1. Time Allocation:

• Spend approximately 10 minutes on planning. This ensures a well-thought-out structure without eating into your precious writing time.

2. Visual Mapping:

• Consider visual methods like mind maps or bullet points to organize your thoughts. This visual aid can make your plan clearer and more accessible.

3. Adaptability:

• Be flexible. Your plan is a guide, not a rigid script. If you discover new ideas while writing the essay, feel free to incorporate them, if you can do so coherently while keeping within the time limit, and retaining the key ideas in the thesis statement and outline

Embark on Your Writing Odyssey:

Planning isn’t just a precursor; it’s the secret weapon to crafting essays that resonate. Practice this art regularly, refining your skills with each attempt. The journey to essay excellence begins with the blueprint. For more insights and strategies, check out our eBook, “IELTS Kapow Blackbelt Writing” It’s time to plan, pen, and conquer the IELTS Writing test with confidence!

Ciick on the link below to find more in depth writing tips and tricks in our IELTS Blackbelt Writing ebook!