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The
IELTS Task 2 Writing
Brainstorming Guide!

How to use this guide

This e-book has 5 different brainstorming techniques. Each sheet is
photocopiable so you can use them again and again when you practice
brainstorming for IELTS Task 2 Writing questions.

1. Look at the strategies.

2. Try your own with some of the other sample Task 2 Questions on page 8.
3. If you post your ideas on ielts7.guru, Ill do my best to respond!

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Which brainstorming technique

is right for me?
Here is a quick summary of the different techniques in this e-book and how you can use
them.

1. Pros and Cons

The easiest brainstorming technique.
Can also be used for any pros and cons essay or advantages and
disadvantages essay.
You can also use it for thinking of reasons why you agree or disagree with
an idea. Just make sure you do NOT use the words advantages or
disadvantages!

2. What if ?
Use this for any question that has the words should. E.g. Should cars be
banned?
You can also use it for discussion questions, two points of view, or even
solutions.

3. The discussion clock

Great for opinion essays.
Can also be used for two points of view essays. In this case, use the
discussion clock two times, one for each view.
You can also use it for talking about pros and cons

4. The argument table

Great for thinking of ideas around an opinion
Can also be used for two points of view essays. In this case, use the table
twice, one for each view.
You can also use it for talking about pros and cons

5. The solution evaluator

Great for solutions
Can also be used for discussing any should question. E.g. Should cars be
banned from city centres?

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Brainstorming Technique 1
Pros and Cons
Write down any ideas you have for or against an idea.
Try to add an example or a reason why. Use these in your plan.

Pros Cons

1 1

E.g / why: E.g / why:

2 2

E.g / why: E.g / why:

3 3

E.g / why: E.g / why:

Useful linkers for your paragraphs:

First paragraph Second paragraph
First, Second, Third, The first one is Another is Finally,

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Brainstorming Technique 2
What if?
This is great for evaluating solutions, or discussing what should or should not be done.
This is often the case in opinion essays or when talking about two views.
Add a note why this result would be good or bad. Use these in your plan.

What if we did it. What if we didnt do it.

Positive results Positive results

1st result 1st result

This would be good because This would be good because

2nd result 2nd result

This would be good because This would be good because

Negative results Negative results

1st result 1st result

This would be bad because This would be bad because

2nd result 2nd result

This would be bad because This would be bad because

Question 3

Language note: It is really good to use second conditionals with this brainstorming technique.

E.g. This would be a good idea because If this were done, people would be safer.

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Brainstorming Technique 3
The discussion clock
This is great for coming with any ideas for any topic, but especially for opinion essays!

fairness / justice
+

culture - economics / money

+ +

- -

crime / law & order health

+ +
Is x a
- good idea? -

family and children education

+ +

- -
the environment
+

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Brainstorming Technique 4
The argument table
This is very similar to the discussion clock but is organised like a table (and it has some
helpful phrases too!)

Issue Agree Disagree

fairness It is fair / just It is unfair / unjust
justice

practicality it is practical it is impractical

economics It is economical / efficient / cheap It is uneconomical / inefficient /

money expensive

safety It is safe / secure (it makes sth it is unsafe / insecure (it makes
security safe/secure) sth unsafe/insecure)

human rights It is humane / civilized It is inhumane / uncivilized

the It is environmentally friendly It will harm the environment

environment

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Brainstorming Technique 5
The solution evaluator
This is a great way to think about any solutions you need to write about. You can nearly
always think of some problem with any solution! But if you cant, this will help!

The best thing to do is decide what is positive about the solution, (e.g. is it effective) and
then think about the problem with the solution (the but column).

The solution is but

is ineffective

is impractical

doesnt solve the real problem

cheap
quick / easy to do

is only a temporary solution

creates other problems in the long run

will take a long time to work

is costly
effective
practical

it is hard to get other people to agree to it

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Sample questions
Practice brainstorming!
Use the questions here to practice brainstorming with.

Practice 1
Try the pros and cons technique, the discussion clock, or the argument table.

All around the world children are becoming obese at younger and younger ages. Governments are
considering putting limits on the amount of sugar, fat and calories that school children can eat.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of this idea?

Write at least 250 words.

Practice 2
Try what if?, the discussion clock, or the argument table.

Although children learn math and language skills are compulsory for years at school, many of them still do
poorly on end-of-year tests. Should math and language skills be optional for children at school so they can
spend time doing things they are better at?

What do you think?

Write at least 250 words.

Practice 3
Try the solution evaluator.

In many developed and developing countries, the birthrate is dropping and there will be fewer young
people in the future. What are some things governments could do to increase the percentage of young
people in society?

Decide on the best solution.

Write at least 250 words.

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What to do next?

Action steps

1. Photocopy or print out the sheets.

2. Practice using them at home so you have a clear strategy to use when you re
in the exam.
3. When you practice, time yourself so you only spend 2 - 3 minutes on
brainstorming.
4. Make a quick plan based on your brainstormed ideas. Short 1 or 2 word notes
are fine.

If you have any questions about this guide or the brainstorming techniques,
please email me at:

ben@ielts7.guru

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Thats it!
If this guide was useful, please join us on facebook or Google+!

Ben has been teaching Adults English for nearly 15 years

and IELTS training for 5 years. He is an ex-IELTS examiner
and is also the founder and director of studies at The
English Academy in Taipei, Taiwan.

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