IELTS Writing Task 2 Outline Templates Generator

IELTS Writing Task 2 Outline Template — Plan a Band 7+ Essay in 5 Minutes

Practical IELTS writing task 2 outline templates you can use in the test. Learn a 5-minute planning routine, PEEL paragraph examples, common pitfalls, an 8-week practice plan, and 3 ready-to-use sample outlines.

Why an Outline Template Matters

A short, focused IELTS writing task 2 outline template reduces the most common exam mistakes: running out of ideas, writing off-topic, poor paragraph balance, and wasting time rewriting. Spend 5 minutes planning, and you can write more coherently, address the question fully, and often improve your score by 0.5–1.0 bands.

What Goes Wrong Without a Plan

• Run out of ideas mid-paragraph and fail to reach 250 words
• Write off-topic content and lose Task Achievement points
• Produce disorganized paragraphs that harm Coherence and Cohesion
• Lose time rewriting instead of finishing the essay

5-Minute Test-Day Outline Routine (Copy-and-Use)

1. Read and identify (30s) — underline keywords and scope (e.g., young people, developing countries).

2. Brainstorm (2 min) — list 2 main points for each body paragraph; jot example keywords or source types.

3. Structure with PEEL (2 min) — for each paragraph, write Point / Explanation / Example / Link (one line each).

4. Check coverage (30s) — ensure all parts of the question and any sub-questions are addressed.

Quick test-day template to copy:

• Intro: 1-line background + 1-line thesis
• Body 1: Point / Explanation / Example / Link
• Body 2: Point / Explanation / Example / Link
• (Optional) Counter: Point — Rebuttal — Link
• Conclusion: Restate thesis + one-line recommendation

PEEL Paragraph Structure (Test-Ready)

• Point: topic sentence (1 line)
• Explanation: brief reasoning (1–2 lines)
• Example: concrete example or short statistic (1 line; note source type)
• Link: tie back to thesis or transition (1 line)

PEEL example you can reuse:

• Point: Many young people prefer part-time work.
• Explanation: Part-time jobs provide income and practical skills that reduce unemployment risk.
• Example: A college survey found X% of students reported improved employability after part-time work.
• Link: Therefore, promoting part-time opportunities can help lower youth unemployment.

From Outline to Band 9 — Practical Execution Tips

Time allocation (reference): 5 min planning; ~9 min per body paragraph; 4 min conclusion; 3 min final check.

Vocabulary: Replace common words with stronger collocations (important → crucial; people think → it is widely believed).

Grammar: Include at least one complex sentence per paragraph and occasional passive voice to vary structure.

Evidence: In the outline phase, write the example keyword or data source so you don't forget it when writing.

Flexibility: Use the outline as a guide—swap in better examples if you think of them while writing.

Final checklist: Did you answer the exact question? Does each paragraph have an example? Are paragraph lengths balanced?

Common Outline Mistakes (Quick Self-Check)

• Memorizing templates word-for-word instead of using structure with fresh examples
• Unbalanced paragraphs (one very long, one very short)
• Planning "add example later" and then forgetting it
• Ignoring question scope (e.g., writing about everyone when the question specifies young people)
• Overcomplicating the outline—clarity beats complexity

8-Week Practice Plan (Actionable)

• Weeks 1–2: Create 3 outlines daily, each for a different major type (focus on structure).
• Weeks 3–4: Timed 5-minute outlines every day to build speed.
• Weeks 5–6: Expand outlines into full essays to test whether the outline supplies enough detail.
• Weeks 7–8: Randomize question types and practice rapid identification and outlining.

Three Ready-to-Use Sample Outlines (Copy into exam)

Example 1 — Opinion Essay (To what extent do you agree?)

• Intro: background 1 line; thesis: partially agree, because A and B (1 line)
• Body 1: Point: Technology increases efficiency; Explanation: saves time and improves services; Example: online banking reduces processing time by X% (or local case); Link: technology has clear benefits
• Body 2: Point: Technology causes job displacement/privacy issues; Explanation: automation replaces routine roles; Example: industry case of layoffs after automation; Link: therefore, benefits have costs
• Conclusion: restate balanced position; recommend policies like skills training

Example 2 — Discussion Essay (Discuss both views and give your opinion)

• Intro: introduce debate; promise fair discussion and opinion
• Body 1 (View A): Point: supporters say X; Explanation: list 2 benefits; Example: policy/company example; Link: summarize strengths
• Body 2 (View B): Point: opponents say Y; Explanation: list 2 drawbacks; Example: study or news case; Link: summarize weaknesses
• Conclusion: state which view you favor and why (1–2 lines)

Example 3 — Problem-Solution Essay (What problems? What solutions?)

• Intro: state problem significance and need for solutions
• Body 1 (Problems): Point: main problem A and B; Explanation: causes and effects; Example: local statistic or news case
• Body 2 (Solutions): Point: solution 1 addresses problem A; Explanation: implementation steps; Example: pilot project or policy example; Link: expected impact
• Conclusion: prioritize solutions and propose short/long-term steps

Copyable Plain Template (Paste into your notes)

Intro: [background 1 line] + [thesis 1 line]
Body 1: Point — Explanation — Example — Link
Body 2: Point — Explanation — Example — Link
(Optional) Counter: Point — Rebuttal — Link
Conclusion: Restate thesis + one-line recommendation

Immediate 3-Step Action (Do this now)

1. Set a 5-minute timer and create a full outline for any Task 2 question; save it.
2. In that outline, include a specific example keyword or source type (survey, local case, news) so you won't forget it.
3. Convert one saved outline into a full essay and ask a teacher or peer to review the structure and task response only.