The IELTS writing task 2 essay appears to be the most challenging part of the test. For this assignment, you will need to write a minimum of 250 words on a topic of your choice. The question typically asks you to describe a problem, express your opinion or justify one point of view, or compare and contrast two ideas or possibilities. It is not sufficient to employ correct grammar and vocabulary in order to score that well. You also need a powerful idea that makes your essay interesting. Good ideas give you a way to organize that essay and make it more believable.

Without good ideas, you can sound weak or unclear. The examiners would like to see if you can think critically, express your opinions and justify what you say with evidence. Even with perfect grammar, if the content is weak you’ll be marked down. Understanding how to produce and organise ideas for your IELTS Task 2 essay could greatly improve the coherence of your essay and make you more confident. 

To suggest ideas is a two-step process; you must first consider the question thoroughly. Scan the title carefully and underline the keywords. For example, one of them might read: “Some people believe that studying online is more effective than studying in the classroom. To what extent do you agree or disagree?” Here, the topic is education, and the focus is on comparing online learning to classroom learning. Of course, once you understand the topic/task well, it becomes easy to come up with ideas.

Brainstorming is one effective and easy way to get ideas brainstormed. Many use a technique called mind mapping, writing down the main topic and then tacking related ideas on stems of thoughts around it. Another technique is to list, where you jot down the advantages or disadvantages of a thing and again depending on the type of question (e.g. problems/solutions or causes/effects). You could also wonder to yourself, “Why on earth is this happening?”, “What does it mean for people?, or “What are the results?” These questions will help you discover supporting points. Well, in the topic online learning for instance you could say advantages of online learning (flexibility, no need to be travelling) and then go ahead to discuss what classroom learning has that being present brings; this is just an example. 

After you have your ideas, it’s essential to structure them into paragraphs. A strong structure will help the examiner follow your argument. Ielts essay writing task 2 outline A basic Ielts essay writing task 2 has the below structure Introduction Body Paragraph used under specific condition Conclusion If you can learn these three parts, as well as move on to looking at body paragraphs in detail. The introductory sentences paraphrase the question and present a clear opinion. There should be a one- to-one correlation between the claim and each body paragraph. Briefly reiterate the bulk of your points in the conclusion. Structure and order The clear structure of your essay, organized ideas and focused arguments are all essential to the success of your piece so bear this in mind before you begin.

Another good element of developing ideas is the use of examples. Examples give your essay credibility and the reader an opportunity to relate. If you say that online learning is convenient, you could offer up students who attend classes from other countries without leaving home. Examples are not required to be statistical or complex. Your points are relevant as simple logic illustrations would suffice. This shows you can write clearly on both sides of an argument in IELTS Writing Task 2. 

One of the best ways to generate ideas is through practicing sample questions on past papers. Take a question, sketch out your points and outline of arguments quickly. You don’t have to pen an entire essay every time. Even a brief practice makes you think faster and organize ideas more effectively. As you continue to practice, brainstorming will become less of a challenge and you’ll feel more comfortable with the task on exam day.

It is important to balance ideas and language. It's better to develop two or three strong ideas with explanation than to use many weak reasons. Quality over quantity. Your essay is more convincing and much easier to read if it flows well, isn’t bumpy, wavy and is user-friendly. 

Sometimes, stress can prevent you from thinking clearly during the exam. If this happens, take a deep breath and focus on the task. Use the brainstorming techniques you practiced. Remember that the topics are general and do not require expert knowledge. Simple, logical ideas are enough to score well in IELTS Writing Task 2.

Developing ideas also becomes easier with daily practice. Reading newspapers, watching debates, and writing short notes on different topics can help. This habit improves your thinking skills and gives you more content for essays. With consistent practice, you will be able to generate ideas quickly and present them clearly in your IELTS Writing Task 2 essay.