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2. What if ?
Use this for any question that has the words should. E.g. Should cars be
banned?
You can also use it for discussion questions, two points of view, or even
solutions.
Brainstorming Technique 1
Pros and Cons
Write down any ideas you have for or against an idea.
Try to add an example or a reason why. Use these in your plan.
Pros Cons
1 1
2 2
3 3
Brainstorming Technique 2
What if?
This is great for evaluating solutions, or discussing what should or should not be done.
This is often the case in opinion essays or when talking about two views.
Add a note why this result would be good or bad. Use these in your plan.
Question 3
Language note: It is really good to use second conditionals with this brainstorming technique.
E.g. This would be a good idea because If this were done, people would be safer.
Brainstorming Technique 3
The discussion clock
This is great for coming with any ideas for any topic, but especially for opinion essays!
fairness / justice
+
- -
- -
the environment
+
Brainstorming Technique 4
The argument table
This is very similar to the discussion clock but is organised like a table (and it has some
helpful phrases too!)
safety It is safe / secure (it makes sth it is unsafe / insecure (it makes
security safe/secure) sth unsafe/insecure)
Brainstorming Technique 5
The solution evaluator
This is a great way to think about any solutions you need to write about. You can nearly
always think of some problem with any solution! But if you cant, this will help!
The best thing to do is decide what is positive about the solution, (e.g. is it effective) and
then think about the problem with the solution (the but column).
is impractical
is costly
effective
practical
Sample questions
Practice brainstorming!
Use the questions here to practice brainstorming with.
Practice 1
Try the pros and cons technique, the discussion clock, or the argument table.
All around the world children are becoming obese at younger and younger ages. Governments are
considering putting limits on the amount of sugar, fat and calories that school children can eat.
Practice 2
Try what if?, the discussion clock, or the argument table.
Although children learn math and language skills are compulsory for years at school, many of them still do
poorly on end-of-year tests. Should math and language skills be optional for children at school so they can
spend time doing things they are better at?
Practice 3
Try the solution evaluator.
In many developed and developing countries, the birthrate is dropping and there will be fewer young
people in the future. What are some things governments could do to increase the percentage of young
people in society?
What to do next?
Action steps
If you have any questions about this guide or the brainstorming techniques,
please email me at:
ben@ielts7.guru
Thats it!
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