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Brainstorming Tips for IELTS Writing Task 2

In these brainstorming tips for IELTS Writing Task 2 we try to help you overcome one of the biggest fears of the essay - coming up with ideas!

When it comes to the IELTS Writing Task 2, you don’t have time to waste. With only 40 minutes to plan and write a well-structured essay, knowing how to brainstorm quickly and clearly is a vital skill.

The good news? With the right techniques—and a bit of preparation—you can come up with solid ideas fast, even under pressure.

Brain storming tips for IELTS essays

Here are some tips to help you brainstorm effectively and efficiently for IELTS essays.

Brainstorming Techniques

Read Widely Before the Test

One of the smartest things you can do before exam day is to build up your knowledge of common IELTS topics. These often include:

  • Education
  • Environment
  • Technology
  • Health
  • Crime and punishment
  • Globalization
  • Work and employment

Being familiar with current trends, arguments, and vocabulary in these areas means you'll have ideas ready to go as soon as you see the question.

📘 Tip: Read opinion articles (like those in The Guardian, BBC, or The Economist), TED Talk transcripts, or IELTS sample essays to expose yourself to how topics are discussed in English.

Familiarise Yourself with the Different Question Types

Before you brainstorm, take 30 seconds to identify what type of essay you're dealing with. IELTS questions typically fall into categories like:

  • Opinion (Agree or Disagree)
  • Discussion (Discuss both views)
  • Problem/Solution
  • Advantages/Disadvantages
  • Direct questions (often 2 questions in one prompt)

🎯 Knowing the type helps you focus your brainstorming. For example, with an “advantages and disadvantages” question, immediately split your ideas into two lists.

Don’t Waste Time Stressing over Having the “Best” Ideas

Here’s a common myth: you need brilliant, original ideas to get a high score.

Not true. In IELTS, you're not marked on the quality of your ideas—you're assessed on how clearly and logically you present and support them.

✅ Your ideas just need to be relevant and answer the question. Simple, everyday examples and common-sense arguments are perfectly fine.

Write Down Whatever Comes to Mind First

As explained above, don’t wait for the “perfect” idea. Just start writing down everything that comes to mind. This clears mental space and helps you find useful points more quickly.

🧠 Once you’ve jotted a few down, you can cross out anything that doesn’t fit and choose your two strongest ideas to develop in your essay.

Use the "Two Ideas" Rule

You only need two strong main ideas for most IELTS Task 2 essays. Trying to cover too much will hurt your task response and coherence and cohesion if you have lots of vague ideas that aren't explained properly. So, aim to brainstorm two clear, well-developed points that you can expand with examples.

💡 Quick Trick: Ask yourself: “What are two reasons I agree (or disagree)?” or “What are two effects of this problem?”

Turn the Question into Smaller Questions

Breaking the essay prompt into direct, simple questions helps you quickly identify what the examiner wants and generates targeted ideas.

🔍 Example Prompt:

  • Some people think that the best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison sentences. Others, however, believe there are better alternative ways to reduce crime. 

    Discuss both views and give your opinion.

🎯 Turn it into:

  • What are the benefits of longer prison sentences?
  • What are some alternative methods to reduce crime?
  • Which approach do I think is more effective and why?

See the Question from Different Perspectives 

A good technique to brainstorm is to think how people with differing opinions would view it. For example, think about this question: 

🔍 Example Prompt:

  • Smoking not only harms the smoker, but also those who are nearby. Therefore, smoking should be banned in public places.

    To what extent do you agree or disagree?"

A smoker would likely say it's about freedom of choice and it's a public place so they should be able to do as they wish. A non-smoker would say it's unfair that someone else should be able to harm their health. And finally what do you think?

Taking this approach means that you'll come up with a wide range of ideas and ideas that you don't necessarily agree with so you have a balanced point of view.

Imagine you are Discussing the Issue with a Friend

One of the best brainstorming tips for IELTS Writing Task 2 is to pretend you're having a casual conversation with a friend or family member.

When we talk to people we know, we tend to feel more relaxed and less stressed—which makes it easier to think clearly and organize our thoughts. Simply imagine that someone close to you has asked for your opinion on the topic.

What would you say to explain your view? If the essay asks you to discuss two sides of an issue, picture your friend arguing the opposite side. Think about what they might say, and then note down both points of view.

This method helps you generate ideas quickly and naturally, without overthinking.

Practice Under Exam Conditions

The best way to get faster at brainstorming is by practicing regularly under timed conditions. Use real IELTS prompts, give yourself one minute to brainstorm, then go straight into writing. With repetition, your brain learns to organize thoughts faster.

📅 Set a goal: Try writing 3–4 practice essays per week leading up to your test.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to be a genius or have expert knowledge to ace IELTS essay brainstorming—you just need a method. Focus on speed, structure, and clarity. As long as your ideas are relevant and well supported, you’re on the right track.

Follow these brainstorming tips for IELTS Writing Task 2 and you'll stay calm, plan smart, and write with confidence!

More Task 2 IELTS Lessons:


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