IELTS 5 to 6

How to Generate Ideas for IELTS Writing Task 2 (Fast + Effectively)

Introduction

One of the biggest challenges IELTS students face is this:

“I understand the question… but I don’t know what to write.”

This guide will teach you how to generate strong, relevant ideas quickly for any IELTS Writing Task 2 question — even if the topic feels unfamiliar. You’ll learn how high scorers think, how to avoid common traps, and how to turn simple thoughts into Band 7–8 paragraphs.

This page is part of our full IELTS Writing system. You may also like:

  • IELTS Task 2 Essay Structures by Type
  • IELTS Writing Vocabulary by Topic
  • How to Write a Thesis Statement (Band 8 Format)
  • Band 8 Essay Samples with Feedback
  • Common IELTS Grammar Mistakes to Avoid

Why You Struggle to Generate Ideas

  • You overthink the question and freeze
  • You believe ideas must be “deep” or “clever”
  • You haven’t studied topics by theme (e.g., education, technology, environment)
  • You don’t use any system for brainstorming — just hope something appears

The truth: You don’t need genius ideas. You need clear, logical, and relevant ones.

Step-by-Step: How to Generate Ideas for Any IELTS Task 2 Question

Step 1: Identify the Question Type

Before brainstorming, ask:

  • Is this opinion, discussion, problem–solution, cause–effect, or two-part?

Each type demands a specific structure — and that structure affects how you shape your ideas.

Step 2: Reword the Question in Your Head

Put the question into your own words using simple language.
This makes the topic easier to access.

Example:
Original Question:
“Some people believe the government should fund the arts. Others think it is a waste of money.”
Rephrased:
Should governments pay for art, or is that a waste?

Now your brain can begin working on it without stress.

Step 3: Think in Themes, Not in Chaos

Train your brain to sort IELTS topics into major themes:

  • Education (access, methods, exams, online learning)
  • Health (public health, exercise, diet, systems)
  • Technology (AI, social media, work, education)
  • Environment (climate change, pollution, energy)
  • Work (jobs, skills, remote work, automation)
  • Society (tradition, crime, gender roles, globalization)

You don’t need 1,000 ideas — you need 2 solid ones per essay. Learn examples for each theme in advance.

Step 4: Use Simple Mental Frameworks

Framework A: Cause → Effect → Example
Use this when the essay asks why something happens.
Why do people avoid exercise?

  • Cause: Long work hours
  • Effect: Health problems
  • Example: Office workers with sedentary jobs

Framework B: Point → Support → Example
Use this when making an argument or explaining your opinion.
Art should be funded because…

  • Point: It preserves culture
  • Support: Artists struggle without support
  • Example: National museums often depend on subsidies

Framework C: Past vs Present vs Future
Use this to stretch your thinking.

  • What has changed over time?
  • What might happen if this continues?

Step 5: Use Real Examples (Not Personal Stories)

Use examples like:

  • A well-known country (e.g., Japan, Sweden)
  • A common situation (e.g., urban pollution, student debt)
  • A logical extension (e.g., “If governments neglect education, the long-term economic impact will be severe.”)

You don’t need data — you need logic that makes sense.

Bonus Strategy: The “Two Buckets” Method

Draw two buckets. Label them:

  • Side A (Agree/Pro, Cause, Problem)
  • Side B (Disagree/Con, Effect, Solution)

Fill each side with one or two ideas in bullet form. Choose the side you can explain better.

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  • How to Write Complex Sentences for IELTS

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Need more help turning ideas into real paragraphs?

  • Download: “IELTS Power Ideas – 10 Sample Topics Fully Mapped”
  • Study: Band 8 Essay Models with Brainstorming Process
  • Practice: Topic Mapping Exercises with Feedback
  • Join: The IELTS Power Writing System – built by a teacher with 25 years of experience helping students go from Band 6.5 to Band 8 using structure, logic, and guided practice