The ABC Method for IELTS Task 2 Essays
Introduction
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 language is.
B = Brainstorm Using WHEEF
After analysing the task, brainstorm ideas quickly using WHEEF.
WHEEF stands for:
| 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. |
How to use WHEEF
Quickly run through each WHEEF area.
Find one area that gives you a clear, real-world idea.
Stop brainstorming once you find a good idea — do not overthink or try to fill every box.
Example:
Question: Many people now work remotely from home. Is this a positive or negative development?
Work: Remote working changes office culture and work-life balance.
Health: Reduced commuting lowers stress.
Environment: Fewer cars reduce carbon emissions.
Education: Minor relevance.
Family: More time at home strengthens family ties.
Pick the first strong idea and move into writing immediately.
C = Compose
Once you have your main idea from WHEEF, start writing using a controlled structure.
Use the QPEE method for each body paragraph:
Question — Begin with a rhetorical question introducing the idea naturally.
(e.g., So why has remote work become so popular?)Point — Clearly state the main idea.
(e.g., One major reason is the improvement in work-life balance.)Explain — Explain how and why this is important.
(e.g., Employees no longer spend hours commuting, allowing for greater personal time and reduced stress.)Example — Extend naturally with a real-world example.
(e.g., For instance, remote workers often report higher satisfaction and productivity rates according to company surveys.)
Why Compose Immediately?
Quick, structured writing prevents overthinking and drifting off-topic.
It also ensures you hit the marking criteria directly: Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
WHEEF Brainstorming Grid for Problem/Solution Essays
When facing a Problem/Solution essay, WHEEF helps you quickly build realistic problems and solutions.
You only need one strong problem and one strong solution to write a full Task 2 essay.
| 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. |
How to Use This Grid
Choose one WHEEF area related to the question.
Pick one strong Problem and Solution line.
Build each body paragraph tightly using QPEE.
Important:
You do not need to brainstorm every WHEEF area.
Once you have one good idea, start writing immediately to stay focused and avoid confusion.
Final Thought
IELTS Task 2 rewards clarity, structure, and control — not random cleverness.
The ABC Method, powered by WHEEF brainstorming and the QPEE body structure, gives you a simple, repeatable way to answer any Task 2 question confidently and consistently.
Master the system — and you master the exam.