Best Way to Plan IELTS Essays Under Pressure

Introduction

You’ve only got 40 minutes. Most students waste the first 10 staring at the question or writing blindly.

But those who score Band 7+ follow a fast, structured system — even under time pressure. This page gives you the method that works in the real exam.

How to Structure Ideas in IELTS Task 2
Band 7+ IELTS Essay Templates
Planning Before You Write: Full Strategy

Why Planning Matters (Even With the Clock Ticking)

Planning is not a luxury — it’s survival. Without a plan, you risk:

Repeating the same ideas
Giving weak or off-topic examples
Ending with a vague conclusion
Panicking halfway through

That’s why Band 7 and Band 6.5 often come down to one thing: structure.

3-Minute Essay Planning Method

Step 1: Break Down the Question

Quickly identify:

The topic
The task type (agree/disagree, both views, problem-solution)
Key phrases or instructions to include

Example:
Governments should spend more on railways than roads. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
→ Topic: transportation investment
→ Task: opinion
→ Keywords: railways, roads, spending

Step 2: Choose Your Position

Take a clear side and avoid hedging. Use this template:
This essay will argue that [your position] because [reason 1] and [reason 2].

Example:
This essay will argue that railways should be prioritized because they reduce congestion and support environmental goals.

Step 3: Write 2 Bullet Points

One idea per body paragraph. Be specific and non-overlapping.

Railways cut traffic in cities
Trains emit less CO2 than cars or trucks

Step 4: Match Examples

Choose a real or realistic example for each idea.

Example 1: Tokyo’s train network reduces car use
Example 2: EU funding for green rail has cut emissions

Step 5: Plan Your Conclusion

Restate your thesis in different words
Briefly mention the two main points
Optionally, add a future result or solution

Grammar Tip: Vary Sentence Openings

Don’t start every sentence the same way. This hurts your cohesion score.

Instead of:
“Firstly, trains are good. Secondly, they save time.”

Try:
“Railways offer a long-term solution to traffic congestion. In addition, they are far more environmentally sustainable.”

Vocabulary Upgrade: Use These Under Pressure

Prioritize – to give more importance to
Undermine – to weaken something (like coherence or impact)
Compelling – strong and convincing
Allocate – to assign resources or funds
Sustainable – able to continue long-term without harm

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Conclusion

The best IELTS essays are written before the first sentence hits the page.
Use this pressure-tested method and you’ll write faster, stronger, and more clearly — even in exam conditions.

Download the 3-Minute Planning Worksheet below and start practicing like it’s test day.

[Download the PDF]