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IELTS / Guides / Writing · Task 2: two-part question
IELTS Writing · Guide

IELTS Writing Task 2 Two-Part Question: answering both questions fully

A two-part question gives a statement and asks two direct questions about it, such as 'Why is this happening? Is it a positive or negative development?'. You must answer both. It tests whether you identify each question and give each a full answer, because skipping or blending them lowers Task Response.

About Writing practice

Format

  • Task 2 of Writing: about 40 minutes, a minimum of 250 words, and twice the weight of Task 1.
  • There are two separate questions after the statement. They may ask for a reason, an opinion, a description or a prediction.
  • Four equally weighted criteria apply. If one question is not answered, Task Response is limited.
  • Typed on computer with a live word count. Fewer than 250 words is penalised; about 260 to 300 is realistic.
  • A standard structure is an introduction, one paragraph for each question and a conclusion.

Strategy

  1. Underline the two questions and label them 1 and 2. Check what each one asks: a cause, an effect, an opinion, a solution, a comparison.
  2. Decide your answer to each. If a question asks for an opinion, such as 'Is this a positive or negative development?', choose a position now.
  3. Brainstorm two reasons or points for each question, with an example for each. Choose points that do not overlap.
  4. Write an introduction paraphrasing the statement and saying what you will answer: 'This essay will argue that the trend is caused mainly by cost and that it is a mostly positive development.'
  5. Write one body paragraph for each question, in the order that it is asked. Begin with a topic sentence that shows which question you are answering.
  6. Explain each point and give an example. Use language that signals the question: 'There are several reasons for this', 'I believe this is a positive development because'.
  7. Write a conclusion that gives a brief answer to both questions. Do not add anything new.
  8. Check that each question has been answered directly, and that the answer to the opinion question is clear.

Common traps

  • Answering only one question fully. The second is easy to forget when the first is longer.
  • Combining both questions into one paragraph, which makes the answers unclear.
  • Answering a different question: describing the reasons when the question asks for the effects.
  • Giving no position on an opinion question, or a vague 'it has both positive and negative sides'.
  • Spending more words on the first question than the second, leaving the second as a few lines.

Practise it inside a real Writing section

Practice on PrepFreely is always a complete section, so you meet this question type in the same place and proportion as on test day. Random sections never repeat until you've done them all. Every answer is explained.

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FAQ

Do both questions have to be the same length?

Roughly, yes. If one has far less, it may be treated as under-developed.

What if one question asks for my opinion?

Give a clear position and support it. An answer that says 'both' without choosing is weak.

Can I answer the questions in a different order?

It is better to follow the order in the question, because it makes it easier for the examiner to see that both were answered.

Is this the same as a discussion essay?

No. A discussion essay gives two views to discuss. In a two-part question you answer two direct questions.

Do I need a long introduction?

No. Two sentences are enough: a paraphrase and a brief statement of your answers.

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