Planning 2: Keywords & ideas

1. What are the keywords in the question?

It’s really important to understand the question clearly, especially when you’re under exam pressure. You will lose marks if you miss a keyword. (A keyword is an important word which changes the meaning of the sentence.) 

So, make sure you look carefully at all the keywords in the question. Your essay must answer the specific question you are given. Missing any part of the question will lower your band for Task Response, and this will significantly lower your overall band score.

For example look at the following question:

If you write about the advantages of learning things when you are a young child, and don't mention foreign languages, then you are missing important keywords.

Likewise, writing only about the advantages or disadvantages of learning a foreign language is not enough. You must write about the advantages or disadvantages of learning a foreign language for young children.

It's natural to want to start writing immediately, but please be careful and make sure you know exactly what the question is asking. Paying attention to all the keywords could make the difference between a high and a low score for task response in IELTS Writing Task 2.

Exercise 1: What should you write about?

Choose A, B, C, or D. More than one option may be appropriate.

1. Some people think that outdoor activities are more beneficial for children’s development than playing computer games. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

You should…

A. write about the advantages of outdoor activities for people’s health

B. write about the history of famous outdoor activities like football or running

C. write about the increasing popularity of computer games over the last 20 years

D. write about the positive effects of outdoor activities on children’s development

2. Some people prefer to eat at restaurants, whereas others prefer to eat home-made food. Which do you prefer?

You should…

A. write about why people's lives are more busy now than in the past

B. write about changes in the restaurant industry over the last 20 years

C. write about how restaurant food is more convenient than cooking at home

D. write about how fast food is less healthy than other restaurant food

2. Choosing relevant ideas for your essay

Once you are sure that you understand what the question is asking (you have checked all keywords), it’s time to think about the ideas for your essay.

You need two main ideas, one for each body paragraph. These ideas don't have to be clever, or special in any way. They only need to be relevant (answer the question given). Simple ideas, that directly answer the question are best.

At this point don't panic if nothing comes to mind immediately. Just read the question again and ask yourself things like:

• What are the consequences? 

• Who will be affected? In a good way or bad way?

• Is it a good thing or a bad thing?

Note down any ideas that come into your head and then you can decide which ideas are best for your essay. Just remember, ideas must be relevant! They must be directly connected to the question.

Practising this is essential, as the more you practise IELTS Writing Task 2, the easier it will be to quickly think of ideas for your answers.

Exercise 2: Choose relevant main ideas

Look at the following IELTS Writing Task 2 question:

Some people enjoy holidays which include many exciting activities, while others prefer a relaxing holiday by the beach.

Which do you think is better?

Now look at these ideas that a candidate thought of for her essay. Some of the ideas are not relevant and should not be used. Decide which ideas are relevant.

1. International tourism has become very popular over the past 20 years.

2. People in Asia are travelling more than ever before.

3. Exciting activities make holidays more memorable.

4. Domestic tourism is usually cheaper than foreign holidays.

5. Beach holidays are enjoyable and relaxing for the whole family.

6. Extreme sports like snowboarding and rock climbing can be dangerous.

Final note:

IELTS candidates who score in the top bands for Writing Task 2, usually spend 3 or 4 minutes planning their essay. They make sure they understand the question, including all keywords, and then plan their essay ideas. Taking this time allows you to come up with ideas, and then make sure that you only choose relevant ideas for your essay. This is the best way to make sure you get a high band for task response.