1. I used copy of original IELTS answer sheet for writing section every time i do the exercise. download here.
2. Using a copy of original ielts answer sheet, i know on average i write 10-15 words each line, or 50-60 words (1 paragraph) every 4-5 lines.
3. I know exactly how fast i write, 1-1,5 mins per line, that means if I write 15 words each line, I need 17-19 lines equal to 25-30 minutes to write 250-260 words. With some pause (3-5 minutes), I have enough 7-5 minutes time spare to re-check grammar, wording etc.
4. I know in one page of answer sheet there are 19 lines, so if i write with the same pace, 1 page should be sufficient for 250 words. Or to be safe (>250 words) 1 page plus 1 paragraph on the next page.
5. With that speed of writing, i decided to always write 4 paragraphs for writing task 2. Some people would suggest 5 paragraphs which is fine.
6. I took the following strategy for writing my answer on task 2: 1st paragraph for introduction (repeat question in different wording without loosing the objective; 40 words or 3-4 lines), agreeing argument (first line; decide your position, sub-sentence, to strengthen the position, line 2; argument 1 with example, line 3; second argument; line 4; summary of the paragraph 2), disagree argument (first line; contrasting sentence; 2nd line; disagreeing argument with example, 3rd line; disagreeing 2, 4th line; wrap up), and conclusion (first line; repeat with different wording of first line paragraph 1 and 2, 2nd line; brilliant sentence to mix between agreed and disagreed argument, line 4; supporting this brilliant idea).
6a. Example conclusion (see question task 2 here). My brilliant conclusion idea was: “when the government provide better public transportation –support what do you mean with “better”–, then people -who bring their car to city centre- will automatically switch to public transportation without government have to telling them to do so. In fact, reading a book, listening music, and reviewing a paper are more pleasing activities than cursing traffic jam from the driver’s seat.”
7. Task 1 writing section is shorter and has less score than task 2. But, i always do task 1 first to start writing section. It’s part of the warming up your hand and brain muscle. if you do it according to your pace you can gain 3-5 precious minutes to spare for task 2.
Simple Thought 