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Essential IELTS Task 2 The ABC Method
Essential IELTS Writing Skills: The ABC Method
In IELTS Task 2, success depends on more than good English.
You are judged on how clearly, logically, and consistently you answer the question.
The ABC Method — Analyse, Brainstorm, Compose — gives you a simple system to plan and write essays that consistently meet the examiner’s criteria.
A = Analyse
Before writing anything, spend 2–3 minutes carefully analysing the question:
✔ Underline the key topic words and instructions.
✔ Identify the task type (Opinion, Discussion, Problem/Solution, Advantages/Disadvantages, Double Question).
✔ Confirm you understand what each part of the question demands.
Why Analyse?
If you misunderstand the question or task type, you will lose marks for Task Achievement — no matter how strong your English is.
B = Brainstorm Using WHEEF
After analysing the task, brainstorm ideas quickly using WHEEF:
| Area | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Work | Jobs, commuting, salaries, working conditions, workplace equality |
| Health | Physical health, mental health, healthcare access, stress management |
| Environment | Pollution, urbanisation, climate change, conservation |
| Education | Schools, universities, learning methods, exams, tuition |
| Family | Parenting, social media, friendships, colleagues, community bonds |
Important:
You do not need to fill in every WHEEF area.
You only need to find one strong idea related to the task.
Once you have a good idea, stop brainstorming and move directly into writing. Overthinking wastes time and leads to weaker essays.
C = Compose
Once you have your main idea from WHEEF, start writing using a controlled structure.
Use QPEE for Body Paragraph 1:
✔ Question — Begin with a rhetorical question introducing the idea naturally.
✔ Point — State your main idea.
✔ Explain — Explain how and why this is important.
✔ Example — Extend naturally with a real-world example.
Use PEE for Body Paragraph 2:
✔ Point — New reason supporting your opinion.
✔ Extend — Deepen your point.
✔ Example — Support it with a real-world situation.
WHEEF Brainstorming Grid for Problem/Solution Essays
| WHEEF Area | Problem (Point + Brief Extension) | Solution (Point + Brief Extension) |
|---|---|---|
| Work | Problem: Long commuting times reduce work-life balance. Extension: Employees arrive exhausted, leading to lower productivity. | Solution: Encourage remote working. Extension: Working from home improves energy levels and focus. |
| Health | Problem: Fast food consumption is driving obesity rates higher. Extension: Obesity increases national healthcare costs and lowers life expectancy. | Solution: Launch public awareness campaigns. Extension: Education can encourage healthier eating choices and lifestyles. |
| Environment | Problem: High car ownership levels worsen air pollution. Extension: Urban areas suffer poor air quality and rising asthma cases. | Solution: Invest in public transportation. Extension: Reliable alternatives reduce private car use and pollution. |
| Education | Problem: University fees are unaffordable for many students. Extension: Lower-income groups are excluded from higher education opportunities. | Solution: Offer scholarships and subsidies. Extension: Financial support increases access and social mobility. |
| Family | Problem: Overuse of social media reduces real family interaction. Extension: Families grow emotionally distant, weakening support networks. | Solution: Promote offline family activities. Extension: Shared real-world experiences rebuild stronger family bonds. |
Very Important Reminder
✔ You do not need to brainstorm for every WHEEF area.
✔ You do not need to create multiple ideas.
✔ You only need one strong idea for each side (if the essay requires it).
✔ Focus, simplify, and move to writing once you have clear, realistic points.
Worked Example Using WHEEF + QPEE + Opinion Structure
Task Question:
Many people now work remotely from home. Is this a positive or negative development?
Opening Paragraph
A large number of individuals work remotely from their homes. In my opinion, this is a highly positive development, as it significantly improves work-life balance and benefits individuals’ health. This essay will explore both reasons in more detail.
Body Paragraph 1 — QPEE
So, why do I hold this stance? One major reason is that remote working considerably enhances employees’ work-life balance. Without the need for long and exhausting commutes, workers can reclaim valuable time, which they can spend with family, exercising, or engaging in personal development activities. This shift not only improves their quality of life but also reduces daily stress levels. For example, employees working remotely in Europe reportedly save around two hours per day, allowing them to invest more time in activities that support their mental and emotional well-being.
Body Paragraph 2 — PEE
Another reason I believe remote working is beneficial is its positive impact on physical and mental health. Avoiding the daily commute, often cited as a major source of stress and fatigue, leads to lower rates of stress-related illnesses. Furthermore, the flexible working hours often associated with remote jobs provide employees with greater control over their routines, which in turn promotes healthier lifestyles. For instance, remote workers are significantly less likely to report stress-related health issues compared to their counterparts who travel daily to a physical workplace.
Conclusion
In conclusion, working remotely is a positive trend because it allows individuals to achieve a better work-life balance and leads to improved overall health. For these reasons, I firmly believe that remote working offers significant advantages for both employees and society as a whole.
Final Note
Analyse the question carefully.
Brainstorm quickly using WHEEF, find one strong idea, and start writing immediately.
Compose your essay using QPEE and PEE structures to guarantee strong coherence, cohesion, and full task coverage.