How to Plan IELTS Task 2 Essay in 5 Minutes | Band 7+ Structure Guide
How to Plan IELTS Task 2 Essay in 5 Minutes.
Fast planning strategy for higher band scores and better essay structure
Why IELTS Essay Planning is Non-Negotiable
Trying to write your IELTS Task 2 essay without a plan is like trying to build a house without a blueprint.
You’ll waste time, lose focus, and fail to meet key marking criteria like Task Response and Coherence & Cohesion. That means Band 6 — or worse.
But with the right IELTS Task 2 planning method, you can:
Save time
Stay on topic
Build strong arguments
Write a complete, structured response
And you can do all of this in just 5 minutes.
IELTS Essay Planning: The 5-Minute Formula
This fast IELTS essay plan works for any Task 2 question type — opinion, discussion, problem-solution, or two-part.
Step 1: Understand the IELTS Task 2 Question (1 minute)
Identify the essay type:
- Read carefully. Don’t skim.
- Underline key phrases
This step ensures you answer all parts of the task — a key Band 7+ requirement.
Step 2: Decide Your Position (30 seconds but use more if needed. Be SURE you can explain your pov and it’s on topic!)
If the essay is opinion-based, choose a side — even if it’s not your real view. Examiners care about clarity, not truth.
Write your position as a simple sentence:
“I mostly agree that [insert simplified topic].”
This becomes the spine of your IELTS essay structure.
Step 3: Build the IELTS Essay Structure (2 minutes)
Draw this on your paper:
- Introduction – paraphrase + position
- Body Paragraph 1 – strongest point
- Body Paragraph 2 – second strongest
- Conclusion – restate opinion
Now bullet the main idea for each paragraph. One idea per paragraph only.
This is where most students fail — by listing multiple weak ideas. You want two developed points, not five random ones.
How to know what a strong paragraph idea is.
Step 4: Add Quick Examples (1 minute)
Add 1 quick example keyword under each paragraph plan. These help you stay focused during writing.
Examples
“student debt”
“online work trends”
“climate crisis”
“remote education”
“public health policies”
Now you’re fully planned — with a clear, powerful IELTS essay format ready to go.
Summary: What You’ll Have in 5 Minutes
After just 5 minutes, you’ll have:
- The essay type identified
- A clear position
- A structured outline
- Bullet-point ideas for each body paragraph
- Example keywords to stay focused
- Mental clarity for a confident start
Why This Planning Method Boosts Your IELTS Score
- Helps you meet all band descriptor criteria
- Saves time while writing
- Prevents repetition, confusion, and incomplete answers
- Gives your essay flow and purpose
- Boosts confidence — no more freezing after 100 words
This IELTS writing time management strategy is what high scorers use. And now, so can you.
Try It Now: Practice Task
Example IELTS Task 2 Question:
Some people believe university education should be free for everyone. Others think students should pay for it themselves. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Set a timer. Plan your essay in 5 minutes using this method.
Need a model? Compare your plan to our sample here → (link to model essay page)
Free IELTS Insiders Basics Course
Want to see exactly how high-band essays are built, step by step?
Join the IELTS Insiders Free Course — where planning, structure, and academic thinking come together.
What’s included:
- High-impact planning templates
- Model essays with explanations
- Real teacher feedback
- Time management tools for writing success