Two-Part Question Type

This type of IELTS Task 2 question is sometimes called a ‘direct

question’ or ‘two questions’ essay. It has one statement with two
different questions after it. The questions may or may not be
linked.

Key tips:
 You must answer both questions fully.
 Don’t confuse it with an opinion or a discussion essay.
 Be careful that you don’t end up with too many ideas to write
about.

Here are 3 examples of double question essay questions:

As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job
satisfaction is an important element of individual well-being.
What factor contributes to job satisfaction?
How realistic is the expectation of job satisfaction for all
workers?

Success is often measured by wealth and material possessions.

Do you think wealth is the best measurement of success?
What makes a successful person?

In education and employment, some people work harder than others.

Why do some people work harder?
Is it always a good thing to work harder?

Successful companies use advertising to make more sales.

What can make an advertisement effective?
Do you think advertising is a good thing or bad thing for society?

IELTS Essay structure for this Type

1) Introduction
• Paraphrase the question
• Outline sentence – state your answer to both questions

2) Main body paragraph 1 – Answer question 1

 Topic sentence – state your answer

 Explanation – explain why you think this
 Example – give an example

3) Main body paragraph 2 – Answer question 2

 Topic sentence – state your answer

 Explanation – explain why you think this
 Example – give an example

4) Conclusion

 Summarise both questions and answers

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EXAMPLE:

Fossil fuels are essential for producing electricity, powering

industry and fueling transportation. However, one day we will reach
a point when all the world’s fossil fuels have been depleted.
How can we conserve these resources?
What are some alternatives to fossil fuels?

INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH
Paraphrased question:
The world is currently reliant on oil, coal and natural gas for the
majority of its energy requirements but there will come a time when
these run out.
Outline statement:
This essay will discuss how we can help to prevent our non-renewable
resources from becoming depleted by using our cars less frequently
and it will name some natural forces that can be harnessed to
generate power.

MAIN BODY PARAGRAPH 1- ANSWER QUESTION 1

Topic sentence:
Conserving energy is a responsibility of every individual and an
important way in which we can all do our bit is to use more energy-
efficient means of transport.
Explanation sentence:
The easiest way to do this is to leave the car at home and walk or
cycle to our destination if it isn’t too far away, or take public
transport for longer journeys. Another way to reduce our fuel
consumption is to car share.
Example sentence:
Whenever my friends and I get together for coffee, we agree to meet
up at a café that we can each get to without having to drive our
cars there. We usually go on foot or ride our bikes. If everyone
made small decisions like this, it would make a real difference.

MAIN BODY PARAGRAPH 2- ANSWER QUESTION 2

Topic sentence:
The most sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels are the generation
of power from natural forces such as the sun, wind and oceans.
Explanation sentence:
Solar and wind power are already widely used across the world but it
is wave power and tidal energy that have the greatest untapped
potential to provide for our energy needs in the future.
Example sentence:
A report recently commissioned in the United Kingdom estimates that
tidal energy could meet as much as 20% of the UK’s current
electricity demands once the technology being developed is
operational. Wave energy converters are expected to prove equally
successful in the long-term.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, our earth's reserves of fossil fuels will not last
forever and we need to be continually developing new technologies to
enable us to produce energy from renewable sources such as the sun,
wind and water. In the meantime, we can help to slow the rate of

2
depletion by leaving the car at home and using more energy-efficient
forms of transport whenever possible.

NOTE: To create a great conclusion, you simply have to

paraphrase the introduction.

INTRODUCTION
The world is currently reliant on oil, coal and natural
gas for the majority of its energy requirements but
there will come a time when these run out. This essay
will discuss how we can help to prevent our non-
renewable resources from becoming depleted by using our
cars less frequently and it will name some natural
forces that can be harnessed to generate power.

FULL ESSAY
The world is currently reliant on oil, coal and natural gas for the
majority of its energy requirements but there will come a time when
these run out. This essay will discuss how we can help to prevent
our non-renewable resources from becoming depleted by using our cars
less frequently and it will name some natural forces that can be
harnessed to generate power.
Conserving energy is a responsibility of every individual and an
important way in which we can all do our bit is to use more energy-
efficient means of transport. The easiest way to do this is to leave
the car at home and walk or cycle to our destination if it isn't too
far away, or take public transport for longer journeys. Another way
to reduce our fuel consumption is to car share. Whenever my friends
and I get together for coffee, we agree to meet up at a café that we
can each get to without having to drive our cars there. We usually
go on foot or ride our bikes. If everyone made small decisions like
this, it would make a real difference.
The most sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels are the generation
of power from natural forces such as the sun, wind and oceans. Solar
and wind power are already widely used across the world but it is
wave power and tidal energy that have the greatest untapped
potential to provide for our energy needs in the future. A report
recently commissioned in the United Kingdom estimates that tidal
energy could meet as much as 20% of the UK's current electricity
demands once the technology being developed is operational. Wave
energy converters are expected to prove equally successful in the
long-term.
In conclusion, our earth's reserves of fossil fuels will not last
forever and we need to be continually developing new technologies to
enable us to produce energy from renewable sources such as the sun,
wind and water. In the meantime, we can help to slow the rate of
depletion by leaving the car at home and using more energy-efficient
forms of transport whenever possible.

3
Nowadays the way many people interact with each other has changed
because of technology. In what ways has technology affected the
types of relationships people make? Is this a positive or negative
development?

In recent years, advancements in technology have changed how people

connect with each other. This has turned people into making much
more friends but has also reduced the depth of those relationships.
In my opinion, this is a harmful change due to the fact that it
makes human less able to communicate their personal feelings.

Technology’s influence has enabled people to make much more friends

than they possibly could in the past. This is largely owing to
social media, which revolutionizes communication and helps people to
keep touch with each other regardless of their geographical
locations. Another change in human relationships caused by modern
technology is that the number of intimate relationships made has
been substantially less significant. With so many people to care
about, social media deters users from strengthening bonds. For
instance, a stark difference can be observed in Vietnam, where most
young adults 20 years ago – when the internet was underdeveloped,
had much deeper connections than their modern counterparts.

The changes made to the types of relationships people make nowadays

is largely a disadvantageous one, for it deters people from having
deep connections. Lacking valuable bonds means that they have almost
no one to confide during depressive episodes that are inevitable for
most humans, and thereby increase the possibility of making unwise
decisions. Examples of this can be found all over the world, where
the cases of depression that cause suicidal behaviors are becoming
more and more common, and one of the primary contributing factors is
victims having no one to share their burdens with.

In conclusion, despite having much more ability to connect, people

are making less meaningful relationships; thus, the quality of
relationships diminishes and harms their wellbeing.

Today people are travelling more than ever before. Why is this the
case? What are the benefits of travelling for the traveller?

Nowadays, passion for a journey from one place to another has been
increasing among people. This essay will first discuss that an
increasing number of tour packages is the prominent reason behind
this, and it will then explain that cultural awareness and being
healthy are the two prime advantages of this.

Many tour companies around the world are enticing people to travel
more than ever before. That is to say, people are being offered
appealing and discounted tour packages, especially during the
holiday season, to explore other places. Whereas in the past
travelling was very expensive and people could not afford it;
however, these companies have made it possible to visit one place to
another by spending a small chunk of money. For example, Travel

4
Magazine estimated that more than 40% of Australian people travelled
nationally and internationally, in the year 2019, because of cheap
tour deals they grabbed from the Flight centre.

The first major benefit of travelling is that it allows a traveller

to know about different cultures. By visiting other parts of the
world, people get an opportunity to experience the various culture,
cuisines and languages. The other significant advantage is stress
relaxation through holidays. This is especially true for a
significant number of people who are working many hours a week to
earn their livings. During holidays, they choose to travel to
different destinations around the world, and this greatly helps them
to relieve their stress and keep their health in a sound condition.
For example, a recent study by the Indian Medical Institute
concluded that frequent travellers are happier and more satisfied
with their life than those who do not.

In conclusion, people travel more often than in the past because of

the tour deals they are being offered, and travelling does not only
provide a traveller with knowledge about a different culture, but it
also helps them to stay away from a hectic schedule

Today people are travelling more than ever before. Why is this the
case? What are the benefits of travelling for the traveller?

At present, travelling is more popular than it was in the past. This

essay will discuss that this is because nowadays flying is cheaper
and that the benefits of travelling are learning about new cultures
and experiencing new adventures.

People are travelling more than ever because flying has become more
economic. This is because now there are many low-cost airline
companies that offer cheap flight tickets to visit several
countries, and this did not exist two decades ago. As a result, more
people have the opportunity to travel to new places without spending
a huge amount of money, while in the past flying was only affordable
for rich people. For example, Ryanair is a low-cost company that
provides extremely cheap flight tickets to visit countries around
Europe, sometimes for the cost of 10 euros.

One benefit of travelling is that people can learn about other

countries’ culture. That is to say, when people visit a new nation,
they go to local shops, eat typical food and visit museums where
they can learn about the history of that country. Another advantage
that travelling has is that travellers can live new adventures. This
is because people who travel often choose to do activities that they
cannot do in their own country. For example, is very common for
travellers that visit South Africa to do a safari in Kruger, one of
the biggest national parks to visit wild animals in the world, since
this is an activity that most countries do not offer.

In conclusion, travelling has become more popular because flying is

cheaper than it was in the past and the advantages that this gives

5
to travellers is the possibility to learn about new cultures and
experience new adventures.

More and more adults are playing computer games.

Why is this happening? Is it a positive or negative trend?

It seems that the current trend is for an increasing number of

adults to enjoy playing computer games in their free time. With the
development of game technology, it is hardly surprising that adults
are playing games, but whether it is positive or negative depends on
the games played and the time spent on them.
In terms of why so many adults are choosing to spend time playing
computer games, it is mainly because the technology behind the games
is becoming more sophisticated. Initially, when games first came
out, they were very simplistic and appealed mainly to children.
However, things have moved on since then and games have become
visually appealing, very absorbing, require great dexterity and some
also have a strategic challenge to them which adults particularly
like. Such games can attract professional adults looking to hone
tactics and skills to other adults wishing just to relax and switch
off.
However, whether this trend in adults towards computer games is
beneficial or not can be challenged. Some adults use complex,
challenging games as a form of escapism which keeps their mind sharp
and helps them relax at the same time. As long as the time spent on
such games is balanced with other healthier pursuits, it can be
constructive. Unfortunately, adults who ignore their physical health
and spend too much time on mindless, repetitive games develop a
sedentary lifestyle which can be detrimental to their wellbeing.
In conclusion, computer games have become more fascinating and
tempting to adults. While games that help develop tactics and
knowledge might be advantageous, no game, particularly senseless
games, should be played to excess and certainly should not replace
healthier leisure activities.
Word count = 276

IELTS Two-part Question Essay Sample (Corrected)

Millions of people every year move to English speaking countries

such as Australia, Britain or America, in order to study at school,
college or university.
Why do so many people want to study English?
Why is English such an important international language?
English speaking countries like Australia, the USA and Britain are
becoming more popular destinations for students to study English. In
this essay, I will discuss why English is such an important language
and why so many people want to study it.

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English is a door-opener to well-paid jobs and the most used
language among travellers, which is why so many students desire to
study English as a second language. Many international companies
require English skills as a minimum requirement for a job. A lot of
people are studying English just to have a better chance to get a
well-paid job. Travelling is another reason why many people study
English; to travel without English skills can be very challenging,
especially with customs in airports. English is quite handy in a
globalised world where English is the standard.
However, English is not just important for individuals. It is also a
very important language worldwide. For example, scientific research
is done in English, so that the research can be published more
easily to a global audience. Without a global audience, only a
fraction of scientists would be able to finance themselves.
To sum up, without English the world would be running less smoothly
from applying for an international job to travelling: everything
would be much harder. Scientific progress and international
companies would be almost impossible. I think English
is irreplaceable for our society.
(233 words)
Band Score Estimate 5.5
(prior to corrections)