The Five Planning Hacks of High-Scoring IELTS Students

Introduction

• High-scoring IELTS students (Band 8 and above) have common planning strategies.
• Five key planning hacks are identified.
• The presentation begins with an analogy of getting lost in an Irish park without a good plan.

Hack 1: Understand the Question Thoroughly

• Importance: Crucial to not get 'lost' during the test.
• Common Mistakes: Not fully understanding the question.
• Bands 8+ Method: Spend 1-2 minutes deeply considering the question.
• Three-Step System: Detailed system taught in a VIP course offered.

Hack 2: Efficient Idea Generation

• Issue with Brainstorming: Creates stress and often irrelevant ideas.
• Alternative Method: Pathway System.
  • Advantages: Produces relevant, specific ideas quickly.
  • Question to Ask: What is the simplest, most straightforward idea that directly answers the question?
• Outcome: Satisfies the marking criteria (relevant, extended, well-supported ideas).
• Additional Techniques: Shared in a free course.

Hack 3: Effective Use of Structures

• Need for Structure: Critical for logical sequencing and managing paragraphing.
• Analogy: Using a well-constructed bridge to cross a river.
• Effective Structures: Created by experts.
  • Availability: Free on the website and in paid VIP courses.
• Warning: Be cautious of incorrect 'Band 9 structures' found online.

Hack 4: Vocabulary Planning

• Importance: 50% of the writing score depends on vocabulary and grammar.
• Planning Technique: Spend time thinking of relevant topic-specific words before writing.
• Benefit: Allows full focus on writing during the test, reducing cognitive load.
• Analogy: Preparing essentials like water/snacks for a safe walk in the park.

Hack 5: Grammar Accuracy

• Marking Criteria: Majority of sentences must be error-free.
• Focus during Writing: Reduces errors by focusing purely on writing.
• Technique Efficiency: Saves time and allows for error checking at the end.
• Benefit: Higher score due to fewer errors.

Conclusion

• Comprehensive System: Combining understanding the question, idea generation, structure, vocabulary, and grammar planning ensures a high score.
• Additional Resources: Free essay course and 10% discount on VIP course available.
• Key Takeaway: Focus on one thing at a time to make it safely 'to the other side' of the writing test.