The 5-Minute Rule for Writing Task 2 Planning
📝 Most IELTS candidates waste too much time writing and not enough time thinking. The result? Unclear structure, weak arguments, and ideas that go nowhere. Enter the 5-Minute Rule: a simple but powerful technique to plan your essay fast and effectively — one of the most practical IELTS essay planning tips you can use — before you write a single sentence. ⏱️ Why 5 Minutes? You have 40 minutes for Task 2. Spending just 5 minutes at the start to plan means you’ll write with more clarity, speed, and confidence — and save time correcting mistakes later. This is the core of the 5-minute rule IELTS writing task 2 planning approach. ✅ Step-by-Step: How to Use the 5-Minute Rule Minute 1: Understand the Question Identify the type: opinion / discussion / problem–solution / double-question Highlight keywords: topic + instruction words Rephrase the question in your own words (in your head or notes) Minute 2-3: Brainstorm 2 Clear Main Ideas Choose 2 strong, simple points you can explain clearly Think of 1 short example for each Don’t aim for brilliance — aim for clarity Minute 4-5: Outline Your Paragraphs Intro: paraphrase + thesis Body 1: main idea + explanation + example […]