IELTS Two-Part Question Essay (Direct Questions)
Also called a double question or direct question essay. You are given two questions rather than a statement to argue, and both must be answered. The failure mode is quiet: candidates answer the first thoroughly, run short of time or words, and give the second a passing sentence.
How to recognise it
Identifying the type before you plan is what decides your structure. Look for wording like this:
- Why is this happening? Is it a positive or negative development?
- What are the reasons for this? How can it be addressed?
- Two separate questions after the statement.
Half an answer caps the whole essay
Task Response is judged on whether you addressed all parts of the task. An essay that answers question one brilliantly and question two in a clause cannot score well, however good the English is. Give each question its own body paragraph and roughly equal space.
How to structure the answer
- 1
Introduction
Paraphrase the situation and signal that you will answer both questions. If part two asks for a judgement, give it here.
- 2
Body 1 — question one
Answer it directly in the first sentence, then develop with a reason and an example.
- 3
Body 2 — question two
The same treatment, at comparable length. If it asks whether something is positive or negative, commit to one.
- 4
Conclusion
Summarise both answers, one clause each. Neither can be missing.
Language for two-part questions
Phrases that do the specific work this question type needs.
- Signposting each part
- There are two main reasons for this trendTurning to the second questionAs for whether this is a positive development
- Answering 'why'
- This is largely becauseThe main driver behind this isA further explanation is that
- Judging positive or negative
- I regard this as a broadly positive developmentOn balance the drawbacks are greaterThis is a welcome change, with one reservation
- Covering both in the conclusion
- In conclusion, this trend stems from X, and is on balance Y
Mistakes that cost marks
- Answering the first question and barely touching the second.
- One body paragraph each, roughly equal length. Check word counts before you finish.
- Merging both questions into a single argument.
- They are separate questions and usually need separate paragraphs to stay coherent.
- Hedging on 'is this positive or negative'.
- That half is an opinion question. Commit to a side, even if qualified.
- A conclusion that only covers one part.
- Both answers belong in the conclusion, a clause each.
- Treating it as a discussion essay and giving two views on one issue.
- You are answering two questions, not weighing two opinions on one.
Two-Part Questions: practice questions
9 questions of this type from our bank. Give yourself 40 minutes and at least 250 words for each.
In many countries, people now wear western-style dress such as suits and jeans rather than traditional clothing.
Why is this? Is this a positive or negative development?
More and more people today expect to get what they want instantly ( e.g. goods, services, news) without having to wait.
Why is this? Do you think this expectation to get things instantly is a positive or negative development?
Some people think that money is one of the most essential factors in promoting happiness.
Do you think people can be happy without much money?
What other factors contribute towards happiness?
Art is considered an important part of a society as well as an expression of its culture.
Do you think it is important for children to be taught art?
Do you think children should be encouraged to focus on art rather than other subjects?
In some parts of the world it is becoming popular to research the history of one’s own family.
Why might people want to do this?
Is it a positive or negative development?
More and more adults are playing computer games.
Why is this happening?
Is it a positive or negative trend?
See all 9 two-part question questions in the full bank, alongside every other type.
Every Task 2 question carries the same instruction: Write about the following topic. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Find out what your essay would score
Task Response is where this question type is won or lost, and it is the hardest criterion to judge in your own writing. Paste an answer in and get a band for all four, with the corrections that would raise it.