Getting a Great Score

Writing Task 2 : Creating Ideas

Oct 17 2023

For most of us writing becomes a problem when we do not know what to write. This post will help you overcome the writers block!

Writing an essay for the IELTS Writing Task 2 can seem very difficult especially when you are not familiar with the topic. However, here is a technique that will help you get past the writers block and help you craft great essays

The Questioning Technique of Writing

If you are a methodical writer, you will find the questioning technique a comfortable method. The technique gives you a sense of direction and clarity. Questioning can also help you generate ideas when you are blank by showing you different angles of the topic. Ask yourself as many questions as you can think of about your subject; your answers will give you different ideas about the topic. Such questions include Why? When? Where? Who? and How?

Steps in the Questioning Technique

1. Begin by dividing your page or screen into two columns: Questions and Answers, as you see on the following page. Leave enough space in the Answers column so that you can return to a particular response if more details come to you later.

2. Next, ask yourself these questions: What is my purpose? Who is my audience? What is my topic? For the moment, just put down rough answers to the purpose and audience questions; you can adjust both the questions and answers as you go along. Then, write your answers for the rest of your question-and-answer series. If one question stops you, just go on to another.

Here is a Sample Question

Look at the question, think about it and then proceed to the table of how you could come up with the ideas. Remember that in the table, the questions are more important than the anwers.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of watching movies in the theatre?

If you want to try something new, you can keep the questions the same and change your answers and see how the essay shapes up. This is a good way to try essays of different kinds and different opinions.

Questions	Answers
What is my topic and view point?	I do not like watching movies in theatres.
What is my purpose?	To explain why I dislike going to movie theatres— to justify myself
Who will read my essay?	People my age. People who like and dislike going to the theatre
Why don't I like going to the theatre?	There are too many problems.
When is going to the theatre a problem?	when movie is popular the theatre is too crowded
Where are the problems?	In the parking lot, At the ticket counter, in the theatre itself.
Who creates the problems?	People who come by creating noise
	Theatre owners by charging too much for parking
	Food stalls by charging too much for food.
	Myself - because I like eating a lot while watching movies
How can I deal with the problem?	I can stay home, download movies, or watch them on TV or OTT
What are the advantages?	Better sound, bonding with friends, large screens

Sample Essay

Here is a sample essay based on the points mentioned in the table

Watching movies in a theater has its advantages and disadvantages. One of the biggest advantages is the superior picture and sound quality. Movie theaters are designed to showcase movies at their best, with large screens and state-of-the-art sound systems that create a fully immersive experience. However, there are also some disadvantages to watching movies in a theater. For instance, the food and parking can be expensive, and people making noise can be distracting. Additionally, waiting to buy a ticket can be time-consuming, and wanting to eat too much while watching a movie can be unhealthy.

Despite these drawbacks, people still enjoy watching movies in a theater. Some people like the overall movie theater experience, which cannot be replaced by any content streaming platform. Others enjoy the social aspect of going to the movies with friends or family. Going to the theater to watch movies is a different experience that improves relationships and bonding.

In conclusion, while there are some benefits to watching movies in a theater, such as superior picture and sound quality, there are also some drawbacks, such as expensive food and parking. The personal feeling is that it is better to stay home and watch movies. You can control your environment, eat what you want, and pause the movie if you need to take a break. However, if you do decide to go to the theater, it can still be an enjoyable experience that allows you to create memories with friends or family.

Expected Score: Band 7.5
Word Count: 243 words