Sourov DEB

IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Plan Your Essay in 5 Minutes

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Sourov
in

CEFR B2  ·  5 min

From my experience:

I took IELTS in 2026. The writing section did not test my vocabulary — it tested whether I could think in paragraphs under pressure. Once I drew a simple box on my paper with four sections, everything became clear: what I think, why I think it (point 1), why I think it (point 2), what I conclude. The structure was the hardest part. Once I had it, the words followed.

Today's focus: Task 2 structure: introduction → body paragraph 1 → body paragraph 2 → conclusion

The 4-part structure:

  1. Introduction: Paraphrase the question in your own words (1 sentence) + state your position/thesis (1 sentence). Total: 2 sentences.
  2. Body paragraph 1: Topic sentence + explanation + example/evidence. (5-6 sentences)
  3. Body paragraph 2: Topic sentence + explanation + example/evidence. (5-6 sentences)
  4. Conclusion: Restate your position + broader implication. DO NOT introduce new ideas.

Planning time: Spend 5 minutes planning before you write. Write the topic sentence for each paragraph first — the rest follows naturally.

Examples in context

Introduction: ‘The question of whether universities should focus solely on academic subjects has been widely debated. While academic rigour is important, I believe practical skills are equally necessary for graduate success.’
Body 1 topic sentence: ‘Practical training prepares students more directly for the demands of the modern job market.’
Conclusion: ‘In conclusion, universities serve their students best by combining academic depth with practical application, rather than treating these goals as mutually exclusive.’

Try it — click to reveal the answer

▶ What goes in the introduction? (a) Your main argument + evidence   (b) Paraphrase + thesis statement   (c) A definition of the topic
✓ Answer: (b) Paraphrase + thesis statement — these two sentences are all you need.
Do not begin with a definition (‘According to the dictionary…’). Examiners have seen it a thousand times. Paraphrase the question, state your view.
▶ True or false: The conclusion should introduce a new argument to strengthen your essay.
✓ Answer: False. The conclusion restates your position and may suggest a broader implication — but never introduces new ideas.
New ideas in a conclusion suggest you ran out of body paragraph space. Plan so you don’t need to do this.
▶ What is a ‘topic sentence’?
✓ Answer: The first sentence of a body paragraph — it states the ONE main point that the whole paragraph will develop.
If your topic sentence is clear, the paragraph almost writes itself. If it’s vague, the whole paragraph loses direction.
⚡ 5-second rule:

Plan before you write. Draw four boxes: intro / body 1 / body 2 / conclusion. Write the topic sentence for each box first. 5 minutes of planning saves 20 minutes of rewriting.

Independent project; not affiliated with, endorsed by, or accredited by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Confers no qualification. Cambridge CELTA course completed — 120 supervised teaching hours and four written assignments validated to the required standard.

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