IELTS Writing Task 2
How to write an IELTS two-part (direct) question essay
Some Task 2 prompts do not ask for one opinion; they ask two direct questions, such as why something is happening and whether it is a positive or negative development. Your job is simple to describe and easy to get wrong: answer both questions in full. This guide shows the structure that keeps your Task Response score safe.
In short
- Find the two direct questions in the prompt and answer both, fully and clearly.
- Give each question its own body paragraph; partial coverage caps Task Response.
- Preview both answers in the introduction and summarise both in the conclusion.
Spot the two questions before you plan
A two-part question prompt gives a statement and then asks two separate things. The classic shape is one "cause" question plus one "evaluation" question. For example: "More and more people are choosing to live alone. Why is this happening? Is it a positive or negative development?" That is two questions, not one, and both carry equal weight under Task Response.
Other common pairings include "What are the causes? What can be done?" and "Why has this changed? Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?". Underline each question in the booklet. If you only see one, read again; missing the second question is the single biggest reason candidates lose marks on this type.
Spend three or four minutes writing a one-line answer to each question before you draft. Those two lines become your two topic sentences. If you cannot answer one of them in a single sentence yet, you are not ready to start writing the paragraph.
One question per body paragraph
The cleanest structure mirrors the prompt exactly: four paragraphs across at least 250 words, written in about 40 minutes. Each paragraph has a single job, and the two body paragraphs map directly onto the two questions.
- Introduction. Paraphrase the statement, then give a one-sentence preview answering both questions, so the examiner sees from the start that you addressed each one.
- Body paragraph 1. Answer the first question. Topic sentence, then explain it, then a specific example. For a "why" question, give the main cause and develop it.
- Body paragraph 2. Answer the second question with the same depth. If it asks "positive or negative", commit to one judgement and justify it; do not leave it vague.
- Conclusion. Summarise both answers in one or two sentences. Add no new ideas, and make sure both questions are represented.
This shape serves Coherence & Cohesion directly: one idea per paragraph, a clear topic sentence, and a logical path from preview to summary. It also protects Task Response, because the examiner can confirm at a glance that you covered both parts of the question.
Map the prompt to your essay
The table below takes a typical two-part prompt and shows where each part belongs, with a worked phrase you could adapt. The point is parity: each question gets one full body paragraph, and neither is rushed into a single sentence.
| Part of the prompt | Where it goes | Worked phrase |
|---|---|---|
| Statement (people living alone) | Introduction, paraphrased | Solo living has become far more common in recent decades. |
| Preview of both answers | Introduction, final sentence | This stems mainly from rising incomes, and on balance it is a positive shift. |
| Question 1: Why is this happening? | Body paragraph 1 | The primary cause is economic independence, which lets young adults rent alone. |
| Question 2: Positive or negative? | Body paragraph 2 | I regard this as largely positive, since it reflects greater personal freedom. |
| Both answers, restated | Conclusion | In short, prosperity drives this trend, and its benefits outweigh its costs. |
Notice that the second question gets a committed judgement, not a hedge. "Positive or negative" demands a decision. Sitting on the fence reads as an incomplete answer and pulls down Task Response, even when your Lexical Resource and Grammatical Range & Accuracy are strong.
IELTS two-part question essay FAQs
What is an IELTS two-part question essay?+
It is a Task 2 prompt that asks two direct questions, for example 'Why is this happening?' and 'Is it a positive or negative development?'. You must answer both questions fully. Covering only one caps your Task Response score, no matter how good the writing is.
How do I structure a two-part question essay?+
Use four paragraphs: an introduction that previews both answers, one body paragraph for the first question, one body paragraph for the second question, and a conclusion that summarises both answers. One question per body paragraph keeps it clear.
How is it different from an opinion essay?+
An opinion essay asks for one position you defend throughout. A two-part question essay asks two separate direct questions. You are not picking a single side; you are answering each question in turn, which usually means two distinct body paragraphs.
How long should a two-part question essay be?+
Write at least 250 words in about 40 minutes, the same as every Task 2 task. Aim for roughly 270 to 290 words so both questions get full development without padding. Going under 250 words is penalised under Task Response.
Why do candidates lose marks on two-part questions?+
The most common error is answering only one of the two questions, or answering the second one in a single rushed sentence. Partial coverage caps Task Response at band 5. Plan both answers before you write so each gets a full body paragraph.