Why This Matters
You’ve got 40 minutes to write your Task 2 essay. That time disappears fast.
If you don’t have a clear system, you’ll rush the introduction, drift off-topic in the body, or end up with no conclusion at all.
But if you’ve learned the structures — QPEE, PEE, fixed introductions, fixed conclusions — then you already have a major advantage. You’re not improvising. You’re executing.
And if you stick to this plan, it’s like I’m sitting right next to you in the test.
The 40-Minute Plan
5 minutes – Plan your essay
Use the ABC brainstorm grid we’ve already taught.
Write one idea for each side of the argument across five areas:
Work, Health, Education, Environment, Family
Don’t write full sentences.
Just one short point and a 3–4 word extension.
If the question asks for an example, this is where you decide what it will be.
5 minutes – Write your introduction
Two sentences.
No hooks.
Paraphrase the topic. Answer the question directly.
You already know what you’re going to say — now you just write it.
10 minutes – Body Paragraph 1 (QPEE)
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Ask the question
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Make your point
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Extend it
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Give your example
Stick to one idea only.
Aim for 110 words.
10 minutes – Body Paragraph 2 (PEE)
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Give your second point
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Extend it
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Support with an example
Again — 110 words.
Do not introduce a new point halfway through.
5 minutes – Write your conclusion
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Start with “In conclusion”
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Summarise your two points
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Restate your opinion
That’s it.
No new ideas.
No balancing act.
5 minutes – Proofread
Fix silly errors.
Check for sentence fragments, repeated words, or missing articles.
Don’t start rewriting.
Just tidy what you’ve already built.
The Snowstorm Strategy
Don’t waste time hunting for the perfect word.
If you can’t think of the ideal phrase — just use the best one you’ve got. You can improve it in your final five minutes.
Writing under pressure is like being caught in a snowstorm.
Don’t try to build a palace.
Build a shelter first.
Then fix it up when the storm passes.
Get your ideas down.
Protect your structure.
Make it pretty at the end.
Want to Practise?
Use this timing strategy with this question:
Some people think students should have to do unpaid community work as part of high school.
Do you agree or disagree?
Set a timer for 40 minutes.
Stick to the plan.
And if you’ve done it right, it’ll feel like I’m right there beside you.