IELTS Writing
Task 2: two-part questions
Two-part questions ask two direct questions, such as 'Why is this happening? Is it a positive or negative development?'. You must answer both, roughly equally.
A simple plan is one body paragraph for each question, with your answer to each stated at the start of the paragraph.
A four-paragraph plan
- Introduction: paraphrase the question and state your answer or position clearly.
- Body paragraph 1: one main idea, explained, with a specific example.
- Body paragraph 2: a second main idea (or the other side), explained and supported.
- Conclusion: restate your position in new words; no new ideas.
More practice: IELTS Writing Task 2 questions by topic →
How to answer
Handling Two-Part Questions
- A two-part prompt contains two separate questions. Underline each question before you plan your answer.
- Label each part briefly, such as “reasons” and “effects”. This helps you keep their answers distinct.
- Make each answer explicit. Do not expect the reader to infer your response to either question.
- Check your draft against both parts. A clear answer to one does not make up for an unanswered second part.
Example: Task Two prompt: More people now work from home. What are the reasons for this change? What effects does it have on employees and employers?. Reasons: Many employees choose home working because it saves commuting time and can offer greater flexibility. Some employers also allow it to attract and retain staff. Effects: Employees may have more control over their daily routines, although some may feel isolated. Employers may spend less on office space, but they may need new ways to support communication between staff.
Interpreting Command Words
- Treat the command word as an instruction for what your response must do, not just as part of the topic.
- “Discuss” requires examination of relevant arguments or viewpoints; do more than state whether you agree.
- “Explain” asks for reasons or processes, with clear links showing how or why something happens.
- “Evaluate” requires weighing relevant considerations and reaching a reasoned judgement, not simply listing points.
Example: Task 2 prompt: Some people think employers should allow staff to work from home whenever possible. To what extent do you agree or disagree?. The question asks how far I agree, so I need to weigh relevant benefits and limitations of the view, then reach a reasoned judgement. Merely explaining why people support it would not fully answer the question.
Auditing Task Two Coverage
- Rewrite the prompt as separate requirements; count its questions and command verbs, not just its topic nouns.
- For each requirement, find explicit evidence in the essay. One paragraph can meet several requirements only if it clearly answers each.
- Check the requested angle: mentioning a topic is not enough if the prompt asks for a cause, effect, solution or evaluation.
- Audit a required opinion separately; describing opposing views does not, by itself, state your position.
Example: Task Two prompt and completed-essay audit. Prompt: Many cities are introducing car-free zones. What are their advantages? What problems might they cause? Should these zones be expanded? Essay evidence: Paragraph 1 explains that car-free zones reduce noise and make streets safer for pedestrians. Paragraph 2 notes that some businesses may receive fewer customers and that public transport may become crowded. The conclusion says the zones should be expanded gradually, alongside better public transport. Audit: all three requirements are covered. The essay gives advantages, identifies problems and answers the expansion question with a clear position.
Practise
Short items from the ielts.coach lessons. Answer them, then check to see why each answer is right.
1In this prompt, what are the two distinct questions? “More people are choosing to live alone. Why is this happening? What effects can it have on individuals and society?”
2The prompt asks why more people cycle to work and what effects this has on cities. Which part is missing from this response? “People cycle because it can be cheaper than driving and provides exercise.”
3A prompt says, “Some people think public parks should receive more funding, while others think the money should be spent elsewhere. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.” What does “discuss” require?
4A prompt asks, “Explain why some employees prefer flexible working hours.” What should the response mainly do?
5Prompt: “Some people think working from home benefits employees and employers. Others believe it creates problems. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?” The essay discusses benefits and problems but gives no overall judgement. Which instruction is unmet?
6Prompt: “Some people support funding public libraries mainly for printed books; others favour digital services. Discuss both views and give your opinion.” The essay explains both views, then concludes, “This issue will remain important in the future.” What is missing?
Test hacks
Answer every part of Task 2
Underline each question in the prompt. A two-part question needs two clear answers.
Why it works: Missing part of the task limits your Task Response score, however good your English is.
Task 1 needs an overview
Write a sentence that sums up the main trends or the biggest differences, without numbers. Many writers skip it.
Why it works: An overview is essential for a high Task Achievement score.
Give Task 2 more time
Spend about 20 minutes on Task 1 (150+ words) and 40 minutes on Task 2 (250+ words).
Why it works: Task 2 counts for twice as much as Task 1 in your Writing score.
Practise with feedback on every answer
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