Before writing an IELTS essay, give your ideas a few minutes of organised planning room.
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Name the task clearly
Read the prompt twice. Underline the words that define the topic and the words that define the task. Decide whether you are being asked to discuss, compare, explain, or give a position.
Build a compact plan
Write a short opening position, two main ideas and one supporting detail for each. Keep the plan in phrases rather than complete sentences so you still have energy for the response itself.
Check the direction of every paragraph
Ask whether each paragraph answers the task directly. If it only repeats a general idea about the topic, rewrite the main point before beginning the essay.
Leave time for one careful read
Reserve a final check for clarity, word choice and sentence boundaries. A careful last read can be more useful than adding a new idea at the last minute.
Further reading
Review the official test-format information when organising English-language practice: IELTS test format.