Developing an Outline Plan for IELTS Task 2

In an earlier article I explained how to analyze and determine both the topic and task for an IELTS Task 2 response. In this article, I will be providing a detailed explanation and examples on how to make and use an effective plan or outline. Before even considering writing a response for an IELTS task 2, the candidate needs to develop a fast and reliable outline that will provide guidance throughout the written exam. Without one, there is a danger of writing off topic or even worse, not even competing the response.

To make an effective outline for task 2, there are two things that need consideration.

1. Time

2. Brainstorming

Time is a huge factor when writing a task 2 response. The entire examination is only 60 minutes in length and that includes both task 1 and task 2. A candidate needs to find a quick and efficient way to develop a plan that he or she can use. It needs to be quick because there will only be around 40 minutes remaining from the 1 hour time limit.

Once you have analysed the question in the IELTS test you need to brainstorm some ideas to include in your answer. Brainstorming is an important part of the planning process.  In order to get a good score it will not be enough just to put a list of ideas - you need to extend and explain those ideas.

Developing an outline quickly really isn’t something that can be learned overnight. It will take practice but the more outlines you develop, the faster they will come. The brainstorming and actually outline development is something that is teachable and one thing that we’ll be discussing now.

Here is the question used from the previous article

          Crime rate among teenagers has increased dramatically in many countries

          Discuss some possible reasons for this and suggest solutions

"Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge". 

note: for details and information on finding the topic and understanding the task, refer to the following article

Every IELTS question will have a prompt, additional instructions that you need to follow to successfully write the task. The prompt states

 “"Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge". 

The candidate needs to support the response using applicable reasons and examples and can do so by making “focused questions”

  

Developing Focused Questions 

For this question, you need to write about reasons for the increase in teenage crime and solutions.  In order to make sure that the question is fully answered, is a good idea to develop some focus questions (questions that will help you focus on what you need to write).

These are possible focus questions for this essay question: 

Focused Question 1

Why has teenage crime increased?

Focused Question 2

 What can be done about it? 

Once we have determined two specific “focused questions” we need to brainstorm some answers for them.

 Let’s take a look at some possible ideas.

Focused Question 1

Why has teenage crime increased?

• breakdown in the nuclear family
• lack of things to do

Focused Question 2

 What can be done about it? 

• government – provide better support for families and stricter punishments
• individuals – take responsibility

Once we have identified some answers for the “focused questions” we can now provide support for them.

Extending and Supporting your Ideas 

Candidates need to think about how they are going to extend and support the ideas they have brainstormed. In other words, candidates need to ask themselves further questions about each idea he or she has developed.

For example: 

1. Why has there been a breakdown in the nuclear family? 
2. What is the effect of this? 
3. What is a good example of it? 

Answering questions like these will make sure you have fully supported and explained all your points.

 Here’s an example of how this can be achieved.

For example: 

Why has there been a breakdown in the nuclear family? 

• high divorce rate 

What is the effect of this?

 

• minimal or no male role model; boys go astray and may commit crime

The Outline

Now we can develop a thorough and effective plan from all the questions that were answered above. In doing so, I am going to demonstrate two ways to make an outline. Both are effective and both serve the purpose of designing a plan to follow for the response. The first outline is a “bullet outline” where all the “focused questions” are listed and the answers are provided in bullet form underneath. 

Here is an example.

The outline plan organizes the information in a semi block style format. This is effective for those that like to display information in a logical way.

The second outline is the one I enjoy teaching. I recommend this outline for those that have difficult with time management because it’s a rather fast and unique why of making a plan. Basically, the candidate draws a large circle in the middle of a piece of note paper, divides it in half. The top section is for paragraph 1, and the bottom for paragraph two. The candidate then writes in the “focused questions” and answers them. Past students have found this method quite effective.

Conclusion

The outline can be made anyway that you want as long as you develop some key “focused questions” and provide answers for them. Without an outline, your response will be weak so take a moment and prepare a plan that you can follow as you write the task 2 response.

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