Since we started talking about IELTS writing task 2, which requires writing opinion essays, I have noticed that many of you face some difficulties brainstorming ideas to discuss in your writing. Having ideas for writing comes mainly from having general background knowledge on various topics and the only way to gain that is through reading and watching videos.
Here are simple steps/tips for you:
- Choose anytime during the week to read some newspapers and magazine articles in English. You don't have to buy these, you can just read online.
- Watch documentary TV channels for 15-30 minutes a week.
- Look for websites that focus on important topics. Most of these websites provide videos and useful information.
- Talk to your teachers and classmates about what you have learnt. Sharing interesting articles with the class and your teacher will be fantastic. Just send them the link with a few words to explain why you are sharing it and why you think it's useful.
- Choose topics that interest you, but also focus on global issues such as global warming, saving wild animals, the economic crisis, helping the poor nations, energy resources...etc.
- Take notes of two or three words that you have learned and keep them in your vocabulary log. make sure you know how to spell the words and know what they mean.
You can even create a blog or a Google site where you post your favorite articles and ask your classmates to post comments!
You can't have an opinion on what you don't know and only you can build this background knowledge.
