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Gular

· Edited

Hello, how can I develop ideas for essays?

Comments

Aydin

Yes, it is recommended to read essays as well, but it is somebody else's ideas not your. We need to develop your ideas.

Aydin

Mostly by improving your own critical thinking. I would recommend reading a lot of academic articles, listening to podcasts, reading books.

riya28

Thanks sir. After reading an article, do we write a summary or reasons for and against? not sure how to turn it into essay ideas

selin96

Could try a one-sentence summary, then one reason you agree or disagree and an example. That gets you beyond just summarising.

Mia_ch

Could I use an article from college for this? Or better to start with an IELTS question so I know what I'm reading for?

selin96

A college article could work. For IELTS practice, keep a question beside it so your reason actually answers the task. Without one, you can still look at how the writer explains their point.

AlexT

Then check your reason against the task question. Does it answer that, or only explain the article?

DmytroV

Gular, maybe start with 'Keeping libraries free gives people access to books they might not be able to buy.' Then a student who needs textbooks but has a small budget. @Aydin, is there a missing link between the point and example?

yasmin_f

Maybe: 'A student who cannot afford several textbooks could borrow them and still complete the reading for their course.' That shows what the books let them do. 'Libraries are important for education' just repeats it.

TomaszW

Does the example have to be from a real study, or is this possible situation enough? no percentages, just the student borrowing books

zarina_u

They don't all need published studies. The IELTS Writing guide allows relevant examples from your own experience. For this one, 'A student who cannot afford textbooks could borrow them' makes the point. No need to invent a study or percentage.

yasmin_f

Yes, a possible situation works for 'to what extent' too. You can explain why it supports your position on the extent, not just the main point.

Aydin

It's important to read as many articles as possible to develop your general thinking. Try to learn more about the world and it will have a positive effect on your writing.

marco_v

When you read for ideas, do you keep one topic until you can give two reasons for and against? or pick a new article each time?

yuliya_k

Trying both can work. Maybe stay on one topic until you can give one reason for and one against, then move on. That stops you from collecting notes without using them.
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