One of the biggest challenges in IELTS Writing Task 2 is coming up with good ideas that fully answer the question. Without relevant ideas, your Task Response score can suffer.
To help you think clearly and quickly, I recommend using the PESTEL method—a simple framework that looks at six different perspectives:
- Political: Government rules or policies
- Economic: Financial impact or jobs
- Social: Effects on people and society
- Technological: Role of technology
- Environmental: Impact on nature
- Legal: Laws or rights involved
How to Use PESTEL
When you read the question, spend 1–2 minutes thinking about each PESTEL factor. This will help you generate diverse ideas and avoid repeating the same points.
Example question:
“Some people believe fast food should be banned to improve health. Do you agree or disagree?”
Using PESTEL, you might think:
- Political: Governments might regulate fast food.
- Economic: Banning fast food could affect jobs.
- Social: Fast food causes health problems like obesity.
- Technological: Technology could create healthier alternatives.
- Environmental: Fast food production creates waste.
- Legal: Laws can limit advertising to children.