If your mind goes blank when the writing test begins, you’re not alone.
Many IELTS candidates rush into writing without a clear plan, leading to weak arguments, poor structure, and Band 6 results. The truth is simple: planning for just five minutes can raise your score, reduce stress, and give your writing real power.
Why Planning Is Essential in IELTS Writing Task 2
Planning feels like a luxury in a 40-minute exam. But without a structure, your ideas will wander — and so will your Band score. According to a Cambridge report, students who planned their essays, even briefly, averaged 0.7 bands higher than those who did not. Planning saves time later by preventing mistakes and confusion.
The 5-Minute Planning Method
Use this same system every time you write. It works for all question types.
Step 1: Understand the task (30 seconds)
Identify the question type: opinion, discussion, problem-solution, or advantage/disadvantage. Underline keywords in the prompt.
Step 2: Choose your position (30 seconds)
Write a clear answer in your head or on paper. Don’t sit on the fence. A strong opinion makes your structure easier to follow.
Step 3: Generate two main points (1 minute)
Think: what are my two strongest reasons or ideas that support my view? Write one short phrase for each.
Step 4: Add support (2 minutes)
For each point, note:
- One short explanation (why it matters)
- One example (real, academic, or invented)
Step 5: Map your structure (1 minute)
- Introduction: background + position
- Paragraph 1: point 1 → explanation → example
- Paragraph 2: point 2 → explanation → example
- Conclusion: restate opinion and close the argument
This is your blueprint. Stick to it. Under pressure, structure gives you certainty.
Train the Plan Like a Reflex
You can’t rely on emotion or memory in the exam. You need a repeatable system. Practice planning under timed conditions — 5 minutes to plan, 35 to write. Do this repeatedly until the process feels natural. By test day, you’ll be clear-headed and confident.
Final Thought
Top IELTS scorers don’t write faster — they think smarter. And smart writing begins with smart planning. Don’t skip this step. It could be the difference between Band 6.5 and Band 7.5.
IELTS 5 to 6 