How to Write an IELTS Two-Part Question Essay
Two-part questions contain two separate questions that both need full answers. Answering only one is the single biggest mistake students make with this type.
Question format: Why is this happening? Is this a positive or negative development?
What is a Two-Part Question?
A two-part question essay contains two distinct questions that you must answer separately and fully. Common pairings include: 'Why is X happening? Is this positive or negative?' or 'What are the reasons for X? What can be done about it?'. Each question gets its own body paragraph. Partial answers — where one question gets two paragraphs and the other gets one sentence — fail Task Achievement.
Essay Structure
The four-paragraph structure
Introduction
40–55 wordsParaphrase the topic and signal that you will address both questions. You do not need to state your answers in the introduction — save those for the body.
Body Paragraph 1 — Question 1
90–110 wordsAnswer the first question fully. Provide two supporting reasons or examples. Make it clear which question you are answering — a topic sentence helps.
Body Paragraph 2 — Question 2
90–110 wordsAnswer the second question fully with the same depth as the first. Do not carry over reasoning from Body 1 without developing it further.
Conclusion
40–55 wordsBriefly summarise your answer to each question in one or two sentences. Do not introduce new arguments.
Real Examples
Sample introductions compared
Sample question
In many countries, the average weight of people is increasing and their level of health and fitness is decreasing. What do you think are the causes of these problems and what measures could be taken to solve them?
✗ Band 5–6
“People in many countries are getting fatter and less healthy. This is a big problem. There are many causes and many solutions to this problem and I will talk about them.”
Weak: no real paraphrase, 'many causes and many solutions' is vague and repetitive, the essay makes no attempt to preview what these might be.
✓ Band 7+
“Rising obesity and declining physical fitness have become serious public health concerns across much of the developed and developing world. This essay will examine the primary causes of this trend — including dietary changes and increasingly sedentary lifestyles — and propose realistic policy and individual-level solutions.”
Strong: precise paraphrase, both questions are acknowledged, the causes are briefly previewed (showing planning), the answer signals a clear structure without over-explaining it.
Vocabulary
Key phrases for two-part questions
Introducing your answer to Question 1
- There are several reasons why this trend has emerged,
- This phenomenon can be attributed to
- The primary cause of this development is
- A number of factors explain why
Introducing your answer to Question 2
- Turning to the second question,
- As for whether this is positive or negative,
- Regarding the impact of this trend,
- In terms of its consequences,
Giving a verdict on positive/negative
- I consider this to be a largely positive development because
- On balance, the negative consequences outweigh the benefits
- This is a fundamentally negative trend in that
- While there are some benefits, I believe the drawbacks are more significant
Linking both parts in conclusion
- In conclusion, this trend has arisen due to X, and while it brings some benefits,
- To summarise, the causes are primarily X, and the overall impact is
- Having examined both questions,
Mistakes to avoid
Common two-part question errors
Answering one question in depth and barely mentioning the second
Each question needs its own dedicated body paragraph. If Body 1 is 100 words on Question 1, Body 2 should be roughly 100 words on Question 2.
Not making it clear which question you are answering
Start each body paragraph with a clear topic sentence that signals the question: 'There are two main reasons why this phenomenon has emerged' or 'As for whether this is a positive development...'.
Confusing this type with an opinion essay
Two-part questions are not 'do you agree or disagree'. You must answer the specific questions asked, which may require objectivity (causes, effects) rather than just your personal view.
Writing a very short conclusion that only covers one question
The conclusion should reference both questions briefly. Even one sentence per question is better than summarising only one.
Examiner tip
Before writing, circle or underline each of the two questions in the prompt. During writing, check that you have genuinely answered both. In the conclusion, make sure your summary mentions both answers — even briefly.
FAQ
Common questions about two-part questions
Can I answer Question 2 in my introduction?
It is not necessary and often wastes words you need in the body. A brief indication is fine ('I believe this is largely negative'), but the full answer belongs in Body Paragraph 2.
What if both questions are about causes?
Split them differently. If both questions ask about causes and effects, cover causes in Body 1 and effects in Body 2. The rule is always: one question per paragraph.
Is a two-part question always 'positive or negative'?
No. Common pairings include: causes + solutions, causes + effects, reasons + your opinion, advantages + your recommendation. Always read both questions carefully before planning.
Do I need to take a personal position in a two-part question essay?
Only if one of the questions asks for it ('Is this positive or negative?', 'Do you think this is a good idea?'). If the questions are factual (causes, effects, solutions), stay analytical and objective.
Band 7.5 Model Answer
See a full annotated two-part question with paragraph-by-paragraph examiner notes.
Other Task 2 essay types