ielts liz double question essay

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How to Plan & Write IELTS Double Question Essays

IELTS double question essays are also known as ‘direct question’ or ‘two questions’ essays. They are distinguished by two characteristics:

• They have one statement with two different questions after it.
• The questions may or may not be linked.

Here are 3 examples:

1) 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?

2) Some parents buy their children whatever they ask for, and allow their children to do whatever they want.

Is this a good way to raise children?

What consequences could this style of parenting have for children as they get older?

3) The arts, including art, music and theatre are considered to be important in society.

Do you think the arts still have a place amongst our modern lifestyles?

Should the arts be included in the school curriculum?

In this lesson, I’m going to demonstrate step-by-step how to plan and write IELTS double question essays.

Here’s what we’ll be covering:

• 3 Common mistakes
• Essay structure
• How to plan
• How to write an introduction
• How to write main body paragraphs
• How to write a conclusion

Want to watch and listen to this lesson?

Click on this video.

Click the links to see lessons on each of these Task 2 essay writing topics. 

Once you understand the process, practice on past questions. Take your time at first and gradually speed up until you can plan and write an essay of at least 250 words in the 40 minutes allowed in the exam.

3 Common Mistakes

These three errors are common in IELTS double question essays.

• Not answering both questions fully.
• Not outlining both answers in the introduction.
• Mistaking it for one of the other essay types.

Many students make the mistake of only answering one of the questions, or focusing more on one question than the other which leads to an unbalanced essay. Both these errors will seriously affect your score for task achievement.

You must outline everything you are going to write about in the introduction. This is your blueprint for the whole essay. I’ll show you how to do this and get your essay off to a great start.

It’s easy to mistake IELTS double question essays for one of the other four types of Task 2 essays, especially opinion or discussion essays. Each should be answered in a slightly different way.

Analysing the question properly is essential to avoiding this error. I’ll also show you how to do this and give you a simple 4 part structure for planning your essay.

Essay Structure

Let’s look at this essay structure straight away. You can use it to write any IELTS double question essay. It’s easy to learn and will enable you to quickly plan and write a high-level essay.

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 – develop the idea
• Example – give an example

3)  Main body paragraph 2 – Answer question 2

4)  Conclusion Summarise both questions and answers

This structure will give us a well-balanced essay with 4 paragraphs.

We now need some ideas to add to the structure and we’ll have everything we need for our essay.

How To Plan IELTS Double Question Essays

Here’s the question we’re going to be answering in our model essay followed by the 3 steps of the planning process.

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.

• Analyse the question
• Generate ideas
• Identify vocabulary

# 1  Analyse the question

This is an essential step in the planning process and will ensure that you answer the question fully. It’s quick and easy to do. You just need to identify 3 different types of words:

• Topic words
• Other keywords
• Instruction words

Topics words  are the ones that identify the general subject of the question and will be found in the statement part of the question.

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.

So, this question is about ‘ fossil fuels ’.

Many people will do this first step of the process and then write about the topic in general. This is a serious mistake and leads to low marks for task achievement.

Now that we know what the general topic is, we need to understand exactly what aspect of fossil fuels we're being asked to write about.

The  other keywords  in the question tell you the specific things you must write about. For IELTS double question essays, these will often be in the instructions, that is, the actual questions.

How can we  conserve  these resources?

What are some  alternatives  to fossil fuels?

By highlighting these words, it’s easy to identify the topics. Your essay must only include ideas relevant to these ideas.

The  instruction words  are the questions themselves. These tell you exactly what type of information is required and each will become the topic for one of the two main body paragraphs.

The first body paragraph will answer the first question (How?) and the second body paragraph will answer the second question (What?).

# 2  Generate ideas

The next task is to generate some ideas to write about.

There are several different ways to think up ideas. I cover them fully on the  IELTS Essay Planning  page.

We’re going to use the ‘friends technique’. This is the method I prefer as it allows you to take a step back from the stress of the exam situation and think more calmly.

Here’s how it works. Imagine that you are in a casual conversation with a friend over a cup of coffee and they ask you this question. What are the first thoughts to come into your head? Plan your essay around these ideas.

Doing this will help you to come up with simple answers in everyday language rather than straining your brain to think of amazing ideas using high-level language, which isn’t necessary.

You might want to try this yourself before reading on for my ideas.

Here are my ideas as I thought of them:

How can we conserve these resources? 

• Become more energy conscious & more energy efficient
• Use more renewable energy sources – solar panels
• All new homes should be built with solar panels on
• Use car less – walk, cycle, public transport, only travel when really necessary
• Energy-efficient light bulbs
• Solar power
• Wave energy
• Tidal energy
• Biomass energy
• Geothermal energy

Don’t spend long on this as you only need one or two ideas.

There is so much to write about this topic that we have to be very careful we don’t try to include too many different ideas and just end up with a list for each question rather than a well-developed essay.

Choose one main idea for each part of the question. My advice on making your selection is to choose ideas that you can quickly think of examples for.

Here are my choices:

• Use car less – walk, cycle, public transport
• Natural forces – solar & wind power, wave & tidal energy

We’re almost ready to start writing our IELTS double question essay but first, we have one other small task to do.

# 3  Vocabulary

During the planning stage, quickly jot down some vocabulary that comes to mind as you decide which ideas you are going to write about, especially synonyms of key words. This will save you having to stop and think of the right language while you’re writing.

For the ideas I’ve chosen, useful words will include:

• sustainable  
• renewable energy
• energy-efficient

With that done, we can focus on the first paragraph of the essay – the introduction.

How To Write an Introduction

The best introductions to IELTS double question essays have a simple 2 part structure:

1)   Paraphrase the question

2)   Outline sentence – state your answer to both questions

• Have 2-3 sentences
• Be 40-60 words long
• Take 5 minutes to write

1)  Paraphrase the question

Start your introduction by paraphrasing the statement part of the question.

Question statement:

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.

We are simply saying the same thing in a different way and using different vocabulary.

2)  Outline statement

Now we need to add an  outline statement  where we outline the two main points that we’ll cover in the rest of the essay, that is, the answers to the two questions.

We need to be very specific about what we are going to write about.

Here's a reminder of the ideas I’ve chosen to answer the two questions:

• Natural forces –solar & wind power, wave & tidal energy

Outl ine 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.

Note my use of synonyms to replace key words in the question. You don’t have to replace every key word but do so where possible whilst ensuring that your language sounds natural.

So, let’s bring the two elements of our introduction together.

     Introduction

This introduction achieves three important functions:

• It shows the examiner that you understand the question.
• It acts as a guide to the examiner as to what your essay is about.
• It also helps to keep you focused and on track as you write.

The two ideas in your introduction will become your two main body paragraphs.

Main body paragraph 1  –  Use car less – walk, cycle, public transport

Main body paragraph 2  –  Renewable energy / natural forces – solar & wind power, wave & tidal energy

How To Write Main Body Paragraphs

Main body paragraphs in IELTS double question essays should contain 3 things:

• Explanation –  develop the idea

Main Body Paragraph 1  – Answer question 1

The  topic sentence  summarises the main idea of the paragraph. That’s all it needs to do so it doesn’t have to be complicated.

It plays an important role in ensuring that your ideas flow logically from one to another. It does this by acting as a signpost for what is to come next, that is, what the paragraph will be about.

If you maintain a clear development of ideas throughout your essay, you will get high marks for task achievement and cohesion and coherence.

We’ll now take the idea for our first main body paragraph and create our topic sentence.

Main body paragraph 1  –  Use car less – walk, cycle, public transport, only travel when really necessary

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. 

Next, we must write an  explanation sentence  that develops the idea.

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.

Finally, we add an  example  to support our main point. If you can’t think of a real example, it’s fine to make one up, as long as it’s believable. The examiner isn’t going to check your facts. Alternative, you could add another piece of information to support your idea but an example is better.

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.

That’s the 3 parts of our first main body paragraph complete. Here’s the finished paragraph.

We now follow the same process for our second main body paragraph.

Main Body Paragraph 2  – Answer question 2

Again, we’ll now take the idea I’ve chosen for this paragraph and create our topic sentence.

Main body paragraph 2  –  Renewable energy / natural forces –   solar & wind power, wave & tidal energy

Topic sentence:

The most sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels are the generation of power from natural forces such as the sun, wind and oceans.

Now for the  explanation  where we expand on this idea.

Explanation sentence:

S olar 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.

Finally, an  example  to support our main point.

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.

That’s the 3 parts of our second main body paragraph complete. Here’s the finished paragraph.

Now we need a conclusion and our IELTS double question essay is done.

How To Write a Conclusion

The conclusion is a summary of the main points in your essay and can often be done in a single sentence. It should never introduce new ideas.

If you're below the minimum 250 words after you’ve written your conclusion, you can add a prediction or recommendation statement.

Our essay is already over the minimum word limit so we don’t need this extra sentence but you can learn more about how to write a prediction or recommendation statement for IELTS double question essays on the  Task 2 Conclusions  page.

The conclusion is the easiest sentence in the essay to write but one of the most important.

A good conclusion to an IELTS double question essay will:

• Neatly end the essay
• Link all your ideas together
• Sum up your argument or opinion
• Answer the question

If you achieve this, you’ll improve your score for both task achievement and cohesion and coherence which together make up 50% of the overall marks. Without a conclusion, you’ll score below band 6 for task achievement.

You can start almost any final paragraph of an IELTS double question essay with the words:

• In conclusion

        or

• To conclude

Now all you need to do is briefly summarise the main ideas into one or two sentences.

Here’s a top tip . Go back and read the introduction to the essay because this is also a summary of the essay. It outlines what you are going to write about.

To create a great conclusion, you simply have to paraphrase the introduction.

Introduction:

Here is the same information formed into a conclusion:

That’s it. We’ve completed our essay. Here it is with the 4 paragraphs put together.

Finished IELTS double question essay.

     (351 words)

Go through this lesson as many times as you need to in order to fully understand it and put in lots of practice writing IELTS double question essays from past exam questions. Practice is the only way to improve your skills.

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More help with ielts double question essays & other task 2 essays.

IELTS Writing Task 2  – T he format, the 5 question types, the 5 step essay writing strategy & sample questions. All the key information you need to know.

The 5 Types of Task 2 Essay   – How to recognise the 5 different types of Task 2 essays. 15 sample questions to study and a simple planning structure for each essay type.

Understanding Task 2 Questions  – How to quickly and easily analyse and understand IELTS Writing Task 2 questions.

How To Plan a Task 2 Essay  – Discover why essay planning is essential & learn a simple 4 step strategy, the 4 part essay structure & 4 methods of generating ideas.

How To Write a Task 2 Introduction  – Find out why a good introduction is essential. Learn how to write one using a simple 3 part strategy & discover 4 common mistakes to avoid.

How To Write Task 2 Main Body Paragraphs  – Learn the simple 3 part structure for writing great main body paragraphs and also, 3 common mistakes to avoid. 

How To Write Task 2 Conclusions  – Learn the easy way to write the perfect conclusion for a Task 2 essay. Also discover 4 common mistakes to avoid.

Task 2 Marking Criteria  – Find out how to meet the marking criteria in Task 2. See examples of good and poor answers & learn some common mistakes to avoid.

The 5 Task 2 Essay Types:

Step-by-step instructions on how to plan & write high-level essays. Model answers & common mistakes to avoid.

   Opinion Essays

   Discussion Essays

  Problem Solution Essays

  Advantages & Disadvantages Essays

  Double Question Essays

Other Related Pages

IELTS Writing Test  – Understand the format & marking criteria, know what skills are assessed & learn the difference between the Academic & General writing tests.

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IELTS Direct Question Essays – Structure, Questions, Samples & Tips

Updated On Aug 02, 2024

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The article explains how to write a Direct Question Essay for IELTS Writing Task 2, outlining its structure and tips for success. It includes examples and emphasizes understanding the question, clear organization, and supporting arguments with examples.

Table of Contents

Structure of a direct question essay, key pointers for direct question essays, direct question essay: a skill to learn, also check:.

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The IELTS Writing Task 2 has an essay type known as the 'Direct Question Essay', which is a crucial component of the IELTS exam. It evaluates your ability to express your ideas, analyze a given topic, and provide a clear, well-structured response.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the structure of IELTS Writing Task 2 : Direct Question Essays, delve into essential pointers, provide ten valuable tips to ace this task and furnish you with five sample questions and answers to boost your preparation.

A Direct Question Essay typically follows a specific format:

I agree that schools should place a greater emphasis on practical life skills. While traditional subjects are essential, practical skills like cooking, budgeting, and home repair equip students for real-life challenges. For instance, teaching basic culinary skills can promote healthier eating habits, reducing the prevalence of diet-related health issues.

Furthermore, budgeting knowledge empowers individuals to manage their finances effectively, reducing the risk of falling into debt. The ability to handle basic home repairs fosters independence and self-reliance, which are valuable qualities in adulthood.

By incorporating practical skills into the curriculum, schools prepare students for the responsibilities they will face in their daily lives. While academic knowledge is important, it is equally crucial to equip individuals with the tools they need to thrive in the real world. Thus, I firmly believe that schools should allocate more resources to teach practical life skills alongside traditional subjects, ensuring a holistic education that sets students on the path to success.

Banning smoking in public places offers numerous advantages. Firstly, it significantly improves public health by reducing exposure to harmful secondhand smoke. Non-smokers, including children and those with respiratory conditions, benefit from cleaner air, leading to a lower incidence of smoking-related health issues.

Secondly, such bans encourage individuals to quit smoking or reduce their consumption. When smoking is restricted in public spaces, smokers may be more inclined to quit as the inconvenience of finding a designated smoking area becomes apparent. This, in turn, decreases the overall demand for tobacco products and contributes to public health.

However, banning smoking in public places can lead to potential disadvantages. Businesses reliant on tobacco sales may experience a decline in revenue, potentially leading to layoffs or closures. Additionally, some smokers may resist the bans, leading to enforcement challenges and potential conflicts in public spaces.

In conclusion, the advantages of banning smoking in public places, such as improved public health and reduced smoking rates, outweigh the disadvantages. While businesses may face challenges, the long-term benefits to society as a whole are substantial.

• Understand the Question: Read the question carefully to grasp its requirements and focus. Identify keywords that dictate the scope of your response.
• Plan Your Essay: Spend a few minutes brainstorming and outlining your essay. Organize your thoughts and main ideas. A well-structured essay flows more naturally.
• Clarity and Coherence: Use clear and concise language. Ensure that your essay is easy to follow and logically organized. Employ appropriate transitions between sentences and paragraphs.
• Stay on Topic: Avoid straying from the main question. Irrelevant information can reduce the clarity of your essay and affect your score.
• Word Count: Adhere to the word count requirement. Going over or under the limit can result in point deductions.
• Vocabulary and Grammar: Showcase a wide IELTS Vocabulary range and accurate grammar. Simple and complex sentences should be used appropriately to enhance the quality of your writing.
• Examples and Details: Support your ideas with relevant examples, facts, and details. This strengthens your arguments and demonstrates a deep understanding of the topic.
• Counter Arguments: Address counterarguments when relevant. This shows your ability to consider different perspectives and strengthens your position.
• Time Management: Allocate time wisely. Ensure you have enough time to review and edit your essay before submission.
• Revision: Always review and edit your essay. Look for errors in spelling, IELTS Grammar , and clarity. A well-edited essay leaves a positive impression.

Find more more Direct Question Essays in the IELTS practice tests .

In conclusion, mastering the art of writing Direct Question Essays is achievable with practice, a clear understanding of the format, and attention to key pointers. By following the structure, incorporating the tips provided, analyzing the sample questions and answers and taking more IELTS Writing practice tests , you can significantly enhance your performance in the IELTS Writing Task 2. So, start practicing and make your writing shine on test day. Good luck!

Here are the 10 examples for the Direct question essay

• Tips to Improve IELTS Writing Skills
• IELTS Writing recent actual test
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• IELTS Writing Task 1 Connectors

Frequently Asked Questions

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Are IELTS Direct Question Essay and IELTS Double Question Essay the same?

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IELTS Double Question Essay

Looking for other IELTS essay guides? Just click on the essay type you want below:

The problem solution essay

The advantages and disadvantages essay

The discussion essay

The opinion essay

Introduction

This post goes through how to plan and write your IELTS double question essay. Like all of the other IELTS essay types, its important to know what's expected of you and what structure best works for the essay type. So I am going to give you a plan to practice with, and a model example to see how you answer a question like this.

A small tip, with any of your essay types, its important to keep practicing your vocabulary skills. You can't preempt the question so vocabulary is a key part of your preparation.

You can however preempt the usual topics like; societal issues, health and wellness, education, the environment, travel and leisure, technology and others. You can find sub-topics of these here to become better skilled at what could come up, and of course, more questions to practice with.

An IELTS double question can look like this

Some countries have introduced limitations around working hours

• Why have these laws been introduced?
• Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

Globally, people are continuing to move to urban areas

• Why is this?
• What problems does this cause?

We are fast said to be a 'throw away society' where consumerism lies at the helm of this.

• What are the causes of this?
• What problems does this lead to?

How to plan for your double question IELTS essay

These 6 easy steps will facilitate your planning. I believe in creating accessible, simple solutions when it comes to planning. Planning should be strictly that, and not fall into writing long sentences or 'chunks'- but concise notes.

• Identify key words in the statement- these could be crucial in leading you to specific ideas and arguments
• Generate ideas- you won't use them all but have a bank of ideas that you can lead with in your two main paragraphs
• Recognise what question types are being used; what, how, why- in what ways are these words instructing you?
• Create a small list of synonyms based on language in the question- we want to avoid being repetitive
• Decide on the examples you will use- one for each paragraph would be best
• Note down the structure so you know your meeting the questions and addressing the question in full

Model response

Excessive consumerist behaviour is partly due to our tendency to buy in an impulsive manner, and soon discard the item or items we have purchased where we end up being highly wasteful society.

Firstly, the cause of this is partly because of the competitive clothing market where brands want to out do their competitor. In order to achieve this, many clothing brands offer competitive low prices that keep the consumer invested and interested. By having a marketplace that is defined by its affordability, this creates the allusion that because we can afford it, we should keep buying. This however is problematic because it results in one buying more than they need and therefore discarding a lot of what they initially buy. As well as this, because the items are cheap, the quality does not last and people therefore discard the items. This results in landfills being filled with clothing that is likely not damaged, but thrown out because of its short-lasting quality. The reaction to rid ourselves of these clothes has a significant environmental impact.

Another way in which consumerism contributes to our throw-away attitude is the role of marketing through social media. Many brands now rely on social media platforms like Instagram to promote their brand. People spend an average of two hours a day on social media where we are quite literally faced with many brands advertising themselves, and we once again are persuaded to purchase items. Due to the algorithms, new brands are regularly brought to our attention where we think by buying more, we will be on trend and more socially accepted. This directly contributes to the problem of buying more than we need. With brands advertising on various social media platforms and our relationship to social media, we are lulled into the idea that consumerism is necessary and part of who we are. This leads to a society where we value possessions and materialism over people and relationships.

Overall, the excessive purchasing behaviour creates a society that values appearance and trends more highly over life experiences that have greater meaning and importance.

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IELTS Double Question Essay: Overview, Structure And Tips

1. ielts double question essay overview.

Also known as Direct Question or Two-Question or Two-part Question essay, IELTS Double Question Essay can be distinguished from other question types by its own characteristics:

• One statement only with two different questions 
• Two questions are sometimes not related to each other

An IELTS problem solution essay question includes typically 3 parts:

• 1st part: a statement (e.g. Many people decide on a career path early in their lives and keep to it. This, they argue, leads to a more satisfying working life.)
• 2nd part: two questions (e.g. To what extent do you agree with this view? What other things can people do in order to have a satisfying working life?)
• 3rd part: requirement for the time and word limit (e.g. You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.)

Below are some double question essay IELTS samples:

• Many people decide on a career path early in their lives and keep to it. This, they argue, leads to a more satisfying working life. To what extent do you agree with this view? What other things can people do in order to have a satisfying working life?
• Money is important in most people’s lives. Although some people think it is more important than others. What do you feel are the right uses of money? What other factors are important for a good life?
• In recent years, the family structure has changed, as well as family roles. What are the changes which have occurred? Do you think these changes are positive or negative?

>>> Read more: IELTS Writing Task 2

2. IELTS Double Question Essay Structure

Double question essay IELTS structure still follows three parts with four different paragraphs:

2.1. Introduction

– Paraphrase the question: 

(e.g. It is true that some people know from an early age what career they want to pursue, and they are happy to spend the rest of their lives in the same profession.)

– Thesis statement / Outline sentence: discuss both 2 questions and/or state your view (e.g. While I accept that this may suit many people, I believe that others enjoy changing careers or seeking job satisfaction in different ways.)

– Body paragraph 1: Answer the first question

• Topic sentence: state your answer to the first question (e.g. On the one hand, having a defined career path can certainly lead to a satisfying working life.)
• State and explain the first problem: elaborate on your answer to the first question (e.g. Many people decide as young children what they want to do as adults, and it gives them a great sense of satisfaction to work towards their goals and gradually achieve them.)
• Example: support your answer to the first question with an example (optional) (e.g. For example, many children dream of becoming doctors, but to realise this ambition they need to gain the relevant qualifications and undertake years of training. In my experience, very few people who have qualified as doctors choose to change career because they find their work so rewarding, and because they have invested so much time and effort to reach their goal.)

– Body paragraph 2: Answer the second question

• Topic sentence: state your answer to the second question (e.g. On the other hand, people find happiness in their working lives in different ways. )
• State and explain the second problem: elaborate on your answer to the second question (e.g. Firstly, not everyone dreams of doing a particular job, and it can be equally rewarding to try a variety of professions; starting out on a completely new career path can be a reinvigorating experience. Secondly, some people see their jobs as simply a means of earning money, and they are happy if their salary is high enough to allow them to enjoy life outside work. Finally, job satisfaction is often the result of working conditions, rather than the career itself. )
• Example: support your answer to the second question with an example (optional) (e.g. For example, a positive working atmosphere, enthusiastic colleagues, and an inspirational boss can make working life much more satisfying, regardless of the profession.)

2.3. Conclusion

– Summarize both questions and answers:

(e.g. In conclusion, it can certainly be satisfying to pursue a particular career for the whole of one’s life, but this is by no means the only route to fulfillment.).

– Give recommendations (optional).

If you are planning to take the IELTS, let’s start practicing with our free  IELTS online test  to get ready for your exam.

3. IELTS Double Question Essay Strategy

3.1.  analyse ielts problem solution essay questions.

This type of question may be confusing compared to others, especially IELTS problem solution essay or IELTS discussion essay. However, the two questions you will have to figure out are not linked to each other. As a result, before writing your IELTS double question essay, don’t forget to analyze the question carefully. Highlight or underline keywords based on the two following parts: 

• Main topic (e.g. Many people decide on a career path early in their lives and keep to it. This, they argue, leads to a more satisfying working life. To what extent do you agree with this view? What other things can people do in order to have a satisfying working life?)
• Instructions (e.g. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. 

Write at least 250 words.)

3.2. Make an outline

There will be two different questions to think about within an IELTS double question, hence, you need to make this step so quick that you can save time for the next step – writing an essay. Just choose the main ideas for each question and outline those in the form of a mindmap, a table, or bullet points. 

3.3. Write a complete IELTS problem solution essay

With the range of vocabulary related to the topics, grammar structures you have obtained, and the outline you’ve generated, it’s time for you to write an IELTS double question essay.

3.4. Double-check your IELTS problem solution essay

Don’t forget to leave at least 3 to 5 minutes to check your essay at least once before it is handed in. You should take grammar, spelling, and vocabulary mistakes into consideration when doing this step.

Practice now: IELTS Writing Practice Test

4. IELTS Double Question Essay Tips

• Pick up the main idea for each question that you can think of any reasonable explanation and/or example for it.
• Imagine the issue stated in the IELTS double question essay just like a situation happening in the reality and you may find it much easier to generate ideas.
• Try to jot down some vocabulary related to the topic given, especially synonyms for the keywords in the question and you can think of the correct language quickly while writing.
• Spend around 40 minutes with 250-290 words writing your essay.
• Remember to use properly linking words to make your writing both cohesively and coherently.

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IELTS Double Question Essay: Everything that you need to know

Ielts double question essay: top tips.

If you’ve been preparing for IELTS for a while, you’re probably familiar with the different Task 2 essay types. If you’re just starting out or if your test is in a couple of nights of sleep, you might be feeling a bit stressed about all the possible questions and topics you might encounter on test day. It can be daunting! You might get an essay topic asking for your opinion on taxes , or a question about the causes and solutions of city traffic , or perhaps an IELTS Double Question essay on robots…

Well, there’s good news and bad news.

The bad news is that you can really never know what topics and what questions you’ll get on the day…

The good news is, there’s one simple rule to follow, regardless of the topic or the question type:

Answer the question/s.

Simple, right? Obvious, right?

In fact, many candidates forget this basic principle and the result can be disastrous. If, for instance, you’re asked to discuss the causes and solutions of city traffic, but you only deal with the causes, you cannot score above band 5 in Task Response:

See! Disaster. Luckily, it’s easy to avoid that.

Ok, so you need to answer the question or questions. The question (so many questions!) now is: how?

The IELTS ‘Double Question’ : 

Let’s look at a ‘Double Question’ essay topic:

Before you race off to write down everything you know about robots, take a moment and look really carefully at the task. There are 2 completely separate questions:

• How could robots be used in the future?
• Will the increasing use of robots be a positive or negative development?

In other words, how are we going to use robots in the future and will this be good or bad?

Notice that the first question is asking you to suggest or imagine some ways robots can be used while the second question is asking for your opinion. You should structure this essay in the normal way , dealing with question 1 in body paragraph 1 and question 2 in, you guessed it, body paragraph 2.

The brainstorm

Before you start writing though, spend a bit of time (3-5 minutes) thinking about the question, brainstorming and planning. Keep looking back at the questions to make sure you aren’t drifting off-topic (and into the disaster zone!).

Here’s an example of a brainstorm for this double question:

Notice that there is a very clear opinion: positive. Yes, it’s possible to feel both positively and negatively about this topic but keep in mind that if the examiner thinks you have not presented a clear position (ie. opinion), you could score band 3 in Task Response:

So, unless you’re a super strong writer and can convey a nuanced opinion clearly and within the time limit, we suggest taking a strong position and sticking with it in the IELTS Double Question Essay. Your real opinion doesn’t matter; this is about getting a good IELTS score.

 The structure

From here, you put your IELTS Double Question essay together, following the trusty E2 structure, like this:

And you’re ready to write! Check out a sample written by one of our IELTS experts below.

A sample essay

Check out a sample answer by one of our IELTS experts:

In the last 100 years, technology has advanced at an unprecedented rate. Although robots are already a part of our lives, experts predict that they will become even more prevalent in the coming years. This essay will outline some possible uses of robots in the future and explain why this development will be a positive one for humanity.

It is highly likely that robots are going to play a more major role in many fields but two important ones are dangerous jobs and healthcare. Whereas currently, it is humans that are sent to war or to fight fires or explore space, in the future, these tasks could be performed by robots. In addition to such roles, robots could also become more commonplace in hospitals and aged care facilities. Not only could they be used to perform surgery in remote locations, but, as artificial intelligence advances, they may also be able to interact with and support patients when nurses or carers are in limited supply. Indeed, such developments are already underway.

Clearly, these advancements in robotics and AI will have a positive impact on society. By outsourcing hazardous tasks, human workers will be less prone to injury or death. If robots are able to extinguish fires or disarm bombs efficiently, society too will be safer. In the health sector, even though some may worry that robots lack the empathy and understanding of a human worker, the fact is that demand for healthcare workers exceeds supply in many places, which means there is a dire need for extra help. This demand could well be met by robots with artificial intelligence in the decades to come.

In conclusion, the potential of robotics is unimaginable. This essay discussed just a few areas in which this technology could benefit us. While some caution is needed, ultimately, robots may enhance our lives beyond expectations.

To learn more about how you can effectively write a ‘double question essay’ and ace IELTS Writing, become an E2Laguage student today! Try our materials and practice tests for FREE, visit www.e2language.com now.

Written by Alex

Saddam says:

You are sucha great teacher no doubt.

Emmanuel says:

This is an articulate writing exposition. You are awesome.

Obaid gullo says:

It really helped me alot in writting task I appreciate your services

Thank you so much Obaid :)

Mahfuzur Rahman says:

I like this format. It will really be helpful for me organise my essay writing..

Thank you so much.

All the best!

Haseeb khan says:

the crime rate nowadays is decreasing compared to the past due to advance technology which can prevent and solve crime do you agree or disagree?

agree police and armed forces are now using latest equipments to track criminals greater source of communication within law enforcement agencies .Such as, walkie talkie sensors to detect offenders

are these ides relevant?kindly guide me

Saira shah says:

This essay widened my sphere of mind more than before . Thanks for the efforts , Keep helping us .

Azizbek says:

Good advice

Mitzie Brueeissen says:

I like your post. Thanks for sharing the amazing info.

Hi, im am a keen learner from iran. It was an example of well organized essay that in my opinion, will definitely give band score 9. It was a pleasure to read it and it was really useful for me. I wish someday, I will be able to write like this. Tank you very much.

E2Language Team says:

Hello Reza,

That’s great to hear, I’m glad you enjoyed the article! For more help with IELTS, you can sign up for a free IELTS E2Language account here: https://www.e2language.com/ .

Best wishes, Maree from your E2 team

Mehedi Hasan says:

Abhinav Agrawal says:

You are amazing.

Nodirbek says:

I like this post thanks for sharing

Dilrabo says:

It helped me a lot. I am from Uzbekistan. I have had full information. Thanks for everything.

Siobhan MacDonald says:

You’re welcome!

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Two-Part Questions

Posted by David S. Wills | Jul 18, 2018 | IELTS Tips , Writing | 1

Today we’re going to look at an IELTS writing task 2 question that often makes students a little worried: the two-part question . This is also sometimes referred to as “the direct question” as it is more direct than other types of writing questions, such as advantages and disadvantages or causes and solutions .

In this lesson, I will show you what this question looks like and explain how to answer it.

Table of Contents

What is a two-part question, two-part question examples, analysing the question, structuring a two-part question essay, sample answer.

In IELTS writing task 2, there are different sorts of questions you may be asked. One of them is called the two-part question (or sometimes “the direct question”). It is most commonly called a two-part question because it contains two distinct questions.

Of course, some other questions also contain two parts. For example, a problem and solution essay is two parts. However, what we mean by a “two-part question” is one that contains two questions . The reason this is sometimes called a “direct question” task is that the questions themselves are more direct than other IELTS writing task 2 question types, which instruct candidates to explore an idea. This is rather vague , whereas the two-part question is very specific .

To understand this idea better, let’s look at an example two-part question:

In education and employment, some people work harder than others. Why do some people work harder? Is it always a good thing to work hard?

Ok, the first thing that you may notice is that there are three parts to this question! However, the first part is actually a lead-in statement. It is not particularly important. The parts that you need to address in your essay are the two questions. This is why some people say “two-part question” and others say “direct question”.

Here is another example:

Happiness is often considered difficult to define. Why is this? What factors determine happiness?

Here the first question contains a pronoun, “this”, which refers back to the idea in the first sentence. In other words, the first question is “Why is it often considered difficult to define happiness?”

Finally, here is one more example question:

Success is often measured by wealth and material possessions. Do you think wealth is the best measure of success? What makes a successful person?

As you can see by now, each question has three parts: an introductory statement and two individual (but related) questions. You will see this exact format used with numerous IELTS topics .

Sometimes the lead-in statement will be very long, and sometimes the questions are quite closely linked. Other times the statement may be short or the questions ask quite different things.

How to Answer Two-Part Questions

The first thing to remember is: DON’T PANIC! Two-part questions often make students a bit nervous, but really they are not so bad. They are no more difficult to answer than the other IELTS task 2 question types.

In fact, this type of question may even be the easiest one to answer!

Although the questions themselves are sometimes a bit challenging, they are direct questions . This means that it is less likely you will stray off-topic while writing. In other words, your task is actually more straightforward than it would be with an agree/disagree question, for example.

Let’s look at an example question so we can analyse it. This is the first thing you should do in any IELTS writing task 2 essay, and it’s important to spend a minute or two thinking carefully about it.

Some parents buy their children whatever they ask for, and allow their children to do whatever they want. Is this a good way to raise children? What consequences could this style of parenting have for children as they get older?

We can take three steps to analyse this question.

• Let’s look at the first sentence: What is it about? It is about permissive parents – ie parents who give their children too much (or who give in to their child’s demands) and let them do too many things.
• Next, the first question contains a pronoun (“this”) which refers to the ideas in the first sentence, and asks if it’s good or not.
• The second question talks about the consequences – not for the parents, but for the children.

I have deliberately chosen a slightly difficult question here in order to show you how to answer it. Usually, the questions are a little more direct and obvious, but here you need to consider the three sentences in order, making sure to understand each fully.

In a situation like this, if you make an incorrect assumption about the first or second parts of the sentence, it may cause a serious lack of coherence and cohesion , in addition to poor task achievement .

For example, if you thought it was just about children not being made to study enough, you might write the next paragraph all about a lack of studying and the following one may come back closer to the correct idea because of the more specific question. This would look bad, indicating a lack of unity in your writing.

Thankfully, it is not difficult to create a perfect two-part essay structure. In fact, it is very easy!

Here is a basic essay template:

In a previous article, I talked about whether to use a 4 or 5 paragraph essay . This is one case when you definitely want to use a four-paragraph essay.

Here’s the video, if you want to review it:

I have lots more posts on the topic of IELTS essay structures. Here are a few: 

• IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Structures
• Planning IELTS Writing Task 2 Structure
• How to Structure a Paragraph

In this section, I will give you my sample answer to the above question, using the basic four-paragraph structure that I mentioned. Obviously, my ideas will be different to yours, but the structure which I outlined can be used 100% of the time.

In today’s society, some parents are becoming increasingly permissive. They do not impose sufficient discipline on their children, and in some cases buy them too many things. This essay will explore why this is not a good way to raise children and why it will have negative impacts upon them in future. While it is understandable that parents want to give their children expensive toys and let them run freely in the streets, this is actually not really an appropriate method of parenting. Having too many toys encourages children to be materialistic and does not offer them the same change to develop social skills like sharing. Furthermore, when children have asked for the toys, it gives them a sense of entitlement and even power over their parents. As for giving children too much freedom, there are obviously a great many dangers in this world from which they need to be kept safe. Children also need rules and boundaries to encourage them to develop into mature and responsible adults. If parents insist on this permissive style of parenting, their children will grow up with very different values from those of stricter parents. Children who were never forced to study will end up with poorer grades in school, and those who were given everything they wanted as children will expect everything to come easily as adults. In short, they will lead difficult and disappointing lives, in contrast with what their parents hoped. In conclusion, although it is tempting to give children whatever they want, parents ought to set rules and boundaries, and to be careful with how they reward children. If parents fail to impose a basic level of discipline, children may grow up with a poor attitude that will cause them and others to suffer.

There are really no words or phrases that are unique to the two-part question essay. Just use regular academic English as with any other IELTS task 2 question, and of course stick to the topic.

For my essay, I used the word “permissive.” It means allowing too much and not setting enough rules. You could use similar words like “liberal,” “easygoing”, “live and let live”, and so on, although they vary slightly in precise meaning.

Here are some more useful terms that you can use to talk about parents:

As always, remember to avoid IELTS phrases and other cliches. Learn new vocabulary by topic and in collocations rather than isolation.

Tips for Two-Part Questions

Finally, a few tips to remember:

• Practice this question type often before the exam – it’s pretty common!
• Make sure you understand each part of the question before answering.
• Always use the four-paragraph essay structure.
• Work on idea generation at home in order to come up with good, on-topic answers.

I made this article into a short video. Please give it a ‘LIKE’ and subscribe to the channel if you find it useful.

About The Author

David S. Wills

David S. Wills is the author of Scientologist! William S. Burroughs and the 'Weird Cult' and the founder/editor of Beatdom literary journal. He lives and works in rural Cambodia and loves to travel. He has worked as an IELTS tutor since 2010, has completed both TEFL and CELTA courses, and has a certificate from Cambridge for Teaching Writing. David has worked in many different countries, and for several years designed a writing course for the University of Worcester. In 2018, he wrote the popular IELTS handbook, Grammar for IELTS Writing and he has since written two other books about IELTS. His other IELTS website is called IELTS Teaching.

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could someone evaluate this and give the band score it deserves? here is my writing of the given topic….. In education and employment, some people work harder than others. 1. Why do some people work harder? 2. Is it always a good thing to work hard?

ans : It is often seen that some people put in more effort than others in the field of education and employment . The possible reasons could be due to the workload pressure or genuine passion .While passion for accomplishing task is a good thing, working hard due to constant pressure and other circumstances could be a problem . This essay explores the potential reasons as to why some work more than others and also discusses whether it is good to do so or not.

While students work hard due to their caliber and interest in studies working people work hard due to circumstances .Although there are a few students who study due to constant nagging by mentors or parents, most of them develop a genuine interest towards the subjects. Employers, on the other hand, work up to their innate potential to make both ends meet. For example, some workers work overtime that is for longer hours in order to earn higher salary or during the weekends to cope with the pending works . Sometimes they complete their tasks in advance in case they have any upcoming projects or plans outside the workplace to compensate for the missing working days.

Whether it is a good thing or a bad thing completely depends on the situation. Any work, no matter how important and urgent, if done against will and under high pressure will never give good outcomes . Instead it will lead to anxiety and stress if not accomplished on time. But if one is passionate and hungry for success and enjoys pursuing their interest, it will undoubtedly bear fruits and their hard work will eventually pay off.

All things considered, hard work is the key to success with respect to both education and employment. But it is important to make a note that one should have a great deal of passion and sincerity to achieve success and should not be forced to work due to helplessness or under pressure.

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IELTS Task 2 Question Types: Two Questions (Double Questions)

by Dave | Understanding Task 2 Writing | 2 Comments

I have listed here IELTS task 2 questions that contain two questions (double questions) from the real IELTS exam over the last few years – have fun learning about a common IELTS task type!

Enjoy and consider signing up for my Patreon Ebooks here .

Some people choose to have their first child at an older age.

What are the reasons?

Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

Read my essay here.

Fewer and fewer people today write by hand using a pen or pencil.

What are the reasons for this?

Is this a positive or a negative development?

In recent years, there has been a rise in the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports.

What are the consequences of doping for athletes?

What measures should be taken to combat this issue?

Get access to the full EBook (for this and other topics) on Patreon.

The rise of social media platforms has made it easier for people to vent their frustrations and complaints publicly.

What is the consequence of this trend?

Is there any benefit to expressing complaints on social media?

In many countries, the number of animals and plants is declining.

Why do you think this is happening?

How can this issue be solved?

Read the essay here.

In many societies, there is a growing emphasis on sustainable living and reducing environmental impact.

What are the challenges of adopting a sustainable lifestyle?

What practical actions can individuals take to contribute to sustainability?

The full EBook (for this topic and others) is exclusively available on my Patreon.

Some countries have introduced laws to limit the working hours that an employer can ask from an employee.

Why are these law introduced?

Is this a positive or negative trend?

Nowadays, not enough students choose science subjects at university in many countries.

Why is this?

What effects does this have on society?

In many countries, people increasingly talk about money such as how much they earn or how much they pay for things in their daily conversations.

Car ownership has increased so rapidly over the past thirty years that in many cities around the world there are constant traffic jams.

How true do you think this statement is?

What measures can governments take to discourage people from owning cars?

Some children spend hours every day on their smartphones. 

Why is this the case?

Do you think this is a positive or a negative development?

Some young people like to copy the behaviour and clothes of famous people today.

Why might this be the case? 

What problems can it cause?

Advanced technology has brought many beneficial changes to the world. However, some old people today struggle with the use of technologies such as mobile phones and the Internet.

How can the elderly benefit from using advanced technologies?

How can the elderly be encouraged to use consumer electronics more often?

There is more and more outrage and anger common in society today.

These days consumers are faced with an increasing amount of advertising from various companies.

To what extent do you think consumers are influenced by advertising?

What measures should be taken to protect them?

In many countries, people now wear western clothes such as suits and jeans rather than traditional clothing.

Is this a positive or negative development?

Some children spend hours every day on smartphones.

Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

More and more young people from wealthy countries are spending time in communities in poorer countries doing unpaid work such as teaching or building houses.

Who benefits more from this, the communities or these young people?

Weddings are getting bigger and more expensive.

What is the reason for this?

Is it a positive or negative development?

Some people say that now is the best time in history to be living.

What is your opinion about this?

What other time in history would be interesting to live in?

Today, TV channels broadcast men’s sports shows more than women’s sport shows.

Should TV channels give equal showtime for each?

Many young people today know more about international pop or movie stars than about famous people in the history of their own country.

What can be done to increase young people’s interest in famous people in the history of their country?

Read my sample answer here.

There are different methods businesses use to increase their sales.

What are the different ways companies use to increase sales?

Which one is the most effective?

Many adults nowadays prefer spending their free time playing computer games.

Why do they do this?

Consumers are faced with increasing numbers of advertisements from competing companies.

To what extent do you think are consumers are influenced by advertisements?

What measures can be taken to protect them?

In many countries, people now wear western-style dress such as suits and jeans rather than traditional clothing.

Some believe children should be taught to give speeches and presentations in school.

Should this be taught in schools?

In many countries, increasing numbers of people are becoming interested in learning about the history of the house or building where they live.

What are the reasons behind this?

How can individuals research this?

In their advertising, businesses nowadays usually emphasise that their products are new in some way.

Why is this? Do you think it is a positive or negative development?

Some people today prefer to get advice for medical problems and do not want to visit a doctor.

In recent times, economic growth has helped many become richer, both in developed and developing countries. However, those in developed countries are not as happy as they were in the past.

What can be learned from this?

Some people spend a lot of money celebrating personal family events, such as weddings and birthdays.

How important is it to celebrate such events?

Do you think people spend too much money on these events?

Some people work harder than other.

Is this a positive or negative habit?

Some countries have introduced laws to limit working hours for employees.

Why are these laws introduced?

Do you think they are a positive or negative development?

Competition for university study is becoming increasingly strong.

Why are universities becoming more competitive?

Many people are working longer hours.

Why is this happening?

What problems can this cause to people?

Around the world more and more people today are living in urban areas.

What problems does this cause?

In some countries, there are fewer young people who listen to or play classical music these days.

Should young people be encouraged to play or perform classical music?

Nowadays people live longer after they retire.

How does this affect individuals and society?

What can be done about this?

Many educational institutions give greater importance to subjects related to science and ignore subjects such as drama and literature.

Shopping is now one of the most popular forms of leisure activities in many countries for young adults.

These days more fathers stay at home and take care of their children while mothers go out to work.

What could be the reasons for this?

Many researchers believe that we can now study the behaviour of children to see if they will grow up to be criminals, while others disagree.

To what extent do you think crime is determined by genetics?

Is it possible to stop children from growing up to be criminals?

The manufacturing and use of cars damages the environment but their popularity is increasing.

How could this be controlled?

In some countries, owning a home rather than renting one is very important for people.

Why might this be the case?

Do you think this is a positive or negative situation?

In some countries, governments provide payments for unemployed people.

How does this impact people?

Many parents today do not spend much time with their children.

Does this affect parents or children more?

Many people today are choosing to travel to other countries.

A lot of companies and organisations require employees to wear uniforms.

Which kind of jobs are uniforms suitable for?

Are there any disadvantages to wearing a uniform to work?

More and more students at university today are not choosing to study science.

What are the effects of this?

Many people who drop out of school are more successful than those who complete their studies.

Why does this happen?

What does it require to be successful?

Watching TV shows and movies about crime is becoming more and more popular.

What effect does that have on society?

Some think that ambition is a good quality.

Is it important to be ambitious?

Is it a positive or negative characteristic?

Nowadays, entertainers get paid more than politicians.

What are the reasons for this?

Is this a negative or positive development?

Scientists have been warning for many years about environmental protection and how important it is to limit our personal energy consumption.

What are the causes of the over-consumption of electricity?

How can people be encouraged to use less energy?

People have historically attempted to achieve a perfect society. However, it is difficult to decide what a perfect society would be like.

What would be the most important element of an ideal society?

What can normal people do to make society more perfect?

Compared to the past, more people are now studying abroad because it is more convenient and cheaper than before.

Do you think this is beneficial to the foreign student’s home country?

Will this trend change much in the future?

In many countries people are living in a “throwaway society” where things are used for a short time and thrown away. 

What are the causes of this and what problems does it lead to.

Nowadays many people choose to be self-employed, rather than to work for a company or organisation.

What could be the disadvantages of being self-employed?

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IELTS Writing Task 2

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IELTS Double Question Essay

IELTS double question essays are also known as ‘direct question’ or ‘two questions’ essays. They are distinguished by two characteristics:

• They have one statement with two different questions after it.
• The questions may or may not be linked.

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Essay#78 | undervalued jobs, essay#40 | studying abroad.

Increasing numbers of students are choosing to study abroad. To what extent does this trend benefit the students themselves and the countries involved?

Essay#29 | Increasingly Dependent on Computers

We are becoming increasingly dependent on computers. They are used in businesses, hospitals, crime detection and even to fly planes. What things will they be used for in the future? Is this dependence on computers a good thing or should we he more auspicious of their benefits?

Essay#28 | Childhood Diseases

Should parents be obliged to immunise their children against childhood diseases? Or do individuals have the right to choose not to immunise their children?

Essay#20 | Success

When talking about success, we often think of people who are rich or famous. In your opinion, what are the qualities that characterize a successful person? Why do you think these should be the criteria?

Essay#6 | Computers

We are becoming increasingly dependent on computer-based technology. How do you think it will change in the future? Is it good for us to rely so much on computers?

IELTS Sample Charts (IELTS Academic Writing Task 1)

IELTS Writing Task 1 – Academic

The Writing Task 1  of the  IELTS Academic test  requires you to write a summary of at least 150 words in response to a particular graph (bar, line or pie graph), table, chart, or process (how something works, how something is done). This task tests your ability to select and report the main features, to describe and compare data, identify significance and trends in factual information, or describe a process.

IELTS Writing Task 2 (IELTS Sample essays)

IELTS Writing Task 2  requires you to write at least 250 words. You will be presented with a topic and will be tested on your ability to respond by giving and justifying an opinion, discussing the topic, summarizing details, outlining problems, identifying possible solutions and supporting what you write with reasons, arguments and relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

The assessment of Task 2 carries more weight in marking than Task 1. Writing scripts are marked by trained and certificated IELTS examiners, who all hold relevant teaching qualifications and are recruited as examiners by the test centres and approved by British Council or IDP: IELTS Australia.

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Double Question Essay IELTS - Tips on How to Plan

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Updated on 13 April, 2023

Mrinal Mandal

Study abroad expert.

In task 2 of the IELTS writing test, you need to write a double question essay IELTS for 250 words, and the marking depends on factors such as word count, grammar and vocabulary used in the essay. Before we understand how to write a double question essay IELTS, let us first understand it.

Table of Contents

Tips to follow while writing or practising for double question essay ielts, structure of double question essay ielts.

• Start Your Preparation Now With these Free Guides

Sample of a Double Question Essay IELTS

Study master programs in usa, what is a double/direct question in ielts essays.

A double question essay IELTS, also known as a direct question essay, contains one statement with two questions. These questions in task 2 of the IELTS writing test may or may not be linked with each other. It tests your ability to respond to the statement by justifying it. In the 250-word essay, you are required to summarize the details while discussing the topic, providing sufficient examples to support your stance and coming up with possible solutions to the problem.

The IELTS Writing task 1 requires the candidate to write a summary in 150 words and in response to a particular chart, table, graph or process. The weightage for the writing task 2 IELTS test assessment is more than task 1 in terms of marking. The scripts are evaluated by trained and certified IELTS examiners the British Council or IDP approves: IELTS Australia and hold adequate teaching experience.

To score decent points in IELTS Writing Task 2 test, one needs to frame a phenomenal double question essay IELTS. Listed below are some of the tips you need to keep in mind before coming up with the essay.

• Dedicate some time to think on the topic and frame your answers accordingly.
• While planning your answer, keep a check on your vocabulary and note down all the uncommon words that come to your mind. 
• While answering the question, make sure you maintain a formal tone and stick to the word count.
• Follow a structure for the content - starting with an introduction, concluding it at the end, and including two paragraphs in between the introduction and conclusion as the essay's body.
• Each of the paragraphs in the essay should address the question and reasons.

While writing a double question essay IELTS, the candidate needs to follow a structure that would enable them to plan their essay quickly and write a high-level one. 

Introduction

• Provide a background of the statement and rephrase the question.
• Draw your perception addressing both the questions.

Body paragraph 1

• Address the first question in the first few opening sentences. 
• Develop the idea while explaining your notion.
• Give an example or evidence based on your knowledge or experience to support your answer.

Body paragraph 2

• Address the second question in the first few lines of the second paragraph
• Give an example or evidence from your knowledge or experience to support your answer.

Conclusion  

• The conclusion should be a broad statement summarizing all the main points and serving as a closing statement. 

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Question: Increasing numbers of students are choosing to study abroad . To what extent does this trend benefit the students themselves and the countries involved?

Students from China and India are increasingly opting for studying abroad in the last few years. Both the students and their families sacrifice a lot when they decide to move abroad to pursue their studies, but they consider the experience worthy in terms of opportunities that follow. While the former leave their families, the latter spend their entire savings to meet the expenses of their child who is opting to study abroad.

Many governments invest vast sums of money in financing students to study overseas. However, this transaction comes with both benefits and drawbacks for the students. One major drawback is that the instructions an international student receives might not be relevant to the context of their home country. For example, students who go to western countries for teacher's training get trained to teach classes containing few students. However, when they come back to their home country and work as a teacher, they must teach a class of 40 to 50 students.  

The phenomenon of brain drain is another primary concern. Most students leave their home country to return after completing their studies, but since most of their personal and professional relationships form in the host country, they prefer to stay back. 

However, there are some advantages attached to studying abroad. International students get to experience global diversity. They interact with their fellow batchmates and faculty and gain enriching experiences that help in shaping their overall personality. Most people bring the enhanced experiences to their home country with themselves and try to implement whatever they have learned in their host country. However, the benefits of studying abroad are so many that they outweigh the drawbacks. 

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• Essay Task 2

IELTS Writing Task 2: Double Question Essays Types

• Essay Types
• Double Question
• Advantage Disadvantage
• Problem Solution
• Essay Length

A double-question also known as a two-part IELTS essay has low occurrence as compared to other IELTS Task 2 Essay types. However, you must learn to identify this question type and how to deal with it accurately in the real IELTS exam.

We have created this guide to help you produce a high-level response to an IELTS writing task 2 double essay question. Read on for tips, useful language, and a sample double-question essay.

Table of Contents

1.1 understanding the question.

• 1.2 Example double question essay questions
• Essay Structure for Double Question Essays
• 3.1 Identify key words and phrases

3.2 Organise your ideas

3.3 identify vocabulary, 4.1 introduction, 4.2 main body paragraphs, 4.3 conclusion.

• 5.1 Complete the sample double question essay

5.2 Double Question Sample Essay

1. double question essay overview.

Double question essays, often referred to as two-part essay questions , are exactly what they say: instead of dealing with one IELTS question, you have to answer two .

Remember, there are five main types of writing task 2 questions:

• Advantage/disadvantage
• Double question
• Problem/solution

When answering a double question , you still have the same minimum word count ( 250 words ) and the usual time limit for IELTS writing task 2 ( 40 minutes ). You will just have to organise your essay in a slightly different way to other essay types.

It is essential that you address both questions in your introduction and conclusion and you should separate your main body paragraphs logically: focus on the first question in the first body paragraph and the second question in the second body paragraph.

One of the most common mistakes test takers make is that they only answer one question because they have not understood the question type. Make sure you take your time to identify the question type before writing your answer.

1.2 Example Double Question Essay Questions

Take a look at these example IELTS double question essay writing task 2 questions for a range of topics:

The internet is a good source of information and has opened up opportunities for people all over the world.

Is all the information reliable online?

What could be done to control information online?

Also, read the following IELTS Essay Writing Guides

• IELTS Discussion Type Questions
• Opinion-based Task 2 IELTS Guide
• IELTS Advantage Disadvantage Essay Type
• Problem Solution IELTS Writing Task Statement

Many people prefer to watch foreign films rather than locally produced films.

Why could this be?

Should governments give more financial support to local film industries?

IELTS Writing

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Nowadays, many people have easy access to computers and a large number of children play computer games.

What are the negative impacts of playing computer games?

What can be done to minimise these effects?

In spite of the advances in medicine, many people around the world still die from preventable diseases.

Why is this the case?

What can be done about this problem?

2. Essay Structure for Double Question Essays

Here is a clear and simple structure you can follow for any double-question IELTS writing task 2:

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3. Planning your Double Question Essay

Read on for some useful essay planning tips and techniques.

3.1 Identify keywords and phrases

By this point, you should have identified that you have been given a double question by looking at the instruction words in the question (the clue here is there are two sets of questions ).

The next step is to identify the topic words in the statement that will tell you the general topic of the essay and any other keywords that give you additional information.

Here is an example for our sample question where we have underlined the topic words and put other keywords in bold:

So the general topic here is the internet being a good source of information . Other keywords let us know we need to focus on the reliability of that information and whether controls need to be put in place.

Part of a good essay plan is writing down your ideas. You could do this as we have have done below using the essay structure:

Introduction – Opinion = Some information on the internet can be unreliable/ need some process of control (e.g. fact checking)

Main body paragraph 1 – Majority of information is reliable/ can be verified/ media outlets carry out fact checking

Main body paragraph 2 – Not all information is trustworthy/ misinformation can influence people/ elections can be swayed

Conclusion – Balanced view/ information can be trusted but organisations should be accountable/ government should intervene too much

Notice how we have not used full sentences to save time. You might also write down ideas that you do not use in your actual essay. Make sure to cross through any notes you make before the end of a paper based exam (so they will not be marked by the examiner).

While you are creating your plan, take a note of any useful vocabulary that comes to mind. Here is some that we thought of for the model double question answer:

• Misinformation
• Media outlets
• Accountability
• Fact checking

4. Writing your Double Question Essay

You should start your introduction to a double-question essay in the same way as all other IELTS task 2 essay types : Paraphrase the given IELTS statement .

Let’s look at the example from our sample essay:

Notice that we have mentioned both sides of the argument .

For a double-essay question, you should always include your opinion in the introduction. Here’s our opinion:

In my view, the majority of the information that can be found on the internet is reliable. However, some of this information may be unreliable and therefore, it is important to have some processes in place to carry out fact checking.

And lastly, you can give a brief outline statement that explains what your essay will do, for example:

This essay will explain my opinion in more detail.

Let’s remind ourselves of the suggested structure for your main body paragraphs:

One way of addressing each question, as well as increasing the grammatical range shown in your essay, is to use noun phrases . Using a noun phrase instead of a more standard verb phrase also makes your writing more academic and interesting. Compare the following sentence:

Verb phrase – One advancement in the internet is that t he amount of information available has increased .

Noun phrase – One advancement in recent years is the amount of information available .

You could also noun phrases to describe developments over time . Here is an example:

• In the last few years there has been (a rise/a fall/ an increase/ a decrease) in _____

Your supporting sentences should provide reasons for the opinions given in your topic sentences. You can also use noun phrases to do this.

Here are some sentence starters:

• As a consequence of…
• As a result of…
• Because of…

And here’s an example:

As a result of the wide availability of the internet, there has been an increase in the number of fake news stories.

You must always include a conclusion for any IELTS writing task 2 essay. For a double-question essay conclusion, you should do the following:

• Start with a linking phrase such as In conclusion,…,In summary,…or To sum up,…
• Mention both question from the IELTS statement/question
• Rephrase the opinion given in your introduction

Take a look at our example and try to identify each point:

In conclusion, my view is that although a lot of internet sources can be trusted, there should also be measures put in place to ensure organisations take accountability for spreading misinformation. However, I do not believe that governments should have complete autonomy and control over what adults read on the internet.

5. Example Double Question Essay and Exercise

Time to practise ! Here is the discussion essay that we have been using in this guide. We have removed some keywords so you can test your knowledge on discussion essays by selecting the correct missing word.

5.1 Complete the Sample Double Question Essay

As a result of the development of the internet, people can now access any information they need at the click of a button from anywhere in the world. In my view, the majority of the information that can be found on the internet is reliable. However, some of this information may be unreliable and therefore, it is important to have some processes in place to carry out fact checking. This essay will explain my opinion in more detail.

One reason why the majority of information on the internet can be deemed reliable is that it can be verified by various sources and people also have the opportunity to freely contest information they believe is fake news or untrue. To take one example, large media outlets not only fact check sources they find on the internet, but they also show this to the public and will issue a retraction if anything is found to be untrue.

On the other hand, not all information found online is trustworthy and, as a result, measures need to be put in place to control this misinformation. The biggest downside of  this misinformation is that it can be easier for groups to unfairly influence people in situations such as political elections. Therefore, I believe that there should be certain measures put in place to control internet sites. One way to do this is to implement fines to companies consistently spreading untrue information.

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How to Plan & Write IELTS Double Question Essays

IELTS double question essays are also known as ‘direct question’ or ‘two questions’ essays. They are distinguished by two characteristics:

They have one statement with two different questions after it.

The questions may or may not be linked.

Here are 3 examples:

1) 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? 2) Some parents buy their children whatever they ask for, and allow their children to do whatever they want. Is this a good way to raise children? What consequences could this style of parenting have for children as they get older? 3) The arts, including art, music and theatre are considered to be important in society. Do you think the arts still have a place amongst our modern lifestyles? Should the arts be included in the school curriculum?

3 Common Mistakes

These three errors are common in IELTS double question essays.

Not answering both questions fully.

Not outlining both answers in the introduction.

Mistaking it for one of the other essay types.

Many students make the mistake of only answering one of the questions, or focusing more on one question than the other which leads to an unbalanced essay. Both these errors will seriously affect your score for task achievement.

You must outline everything you are going to write about in the introduction. This is your blueprint for the whole essay. I’ll show you how to do this and get your essay off to a great start.

It’s easy to mistake IELTS double-question essays for one of the other four types of Task 2 essays, especially opinion or discussion essays. Each should be answered in a slightly different way.

Analysing the question properly is essential to avoid this error. I’ll also show you how to do this and give you a simple 4 part structure for planning your essay.

Essay Structure

Let’s look at this essay structure straight away. You can use it to write any IELTS double question essay. It’s easy to learn and will enable you to quickly plan and write a high-level essay.

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 – develop the idea

Example – give an example

3) Main body paragraph 2 – Answer question 2

4) Conclusion Summarise both questions and answers

This structure will give us a well-balanced essay with 4 paragraphs.

How To Plan IELTS Double Question Essays

Here’s the question we’re going to be answering in our model essay followed by the 3 steps of the planning process.

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?

Analyse the question

Generate ideas

Identify vocabulary

# 1 Analyse the question

This is an essential step in the planning process and will ensure that you answer the question fully. It’s quick and easy to do. You just need to identify 3 different types of words:

Topic words

Other keywords

Instruction words

Topics words are the ones that identify the general subject of the question and will be found in the statement part of the question.

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.

So, this question is about ‘ fossil fuels ’.

Many people will do this first step of the process and then write about the topic in general. This is a serious mistake and leads to low marks for task achievement.

Now that we know what the general topic is, we need to understand exactly what aspect of fossil fuels we're being asked to write about.

The other keywords in the question tell you the specific things you must write about. For IELTS double question essays, these will often be in the instructions, that is, the actual questions.

By highlighting these words, it’s easy to identify the topics. Your essay must only include ideas relevant to these ideas.

The instruction words are the questions themselves. These tell you exactly what type of information is required and each will become the topic for one of the two main body paragraphs.

How can we conserve these resources? What are some alternatives to fossil fuels?

The first body paragraph will answer the first question (How?) and the second body paragraph will answer the second question (What?).

# 2 Generate ideas

The next task is to generate some ideas to write about.

We’re going to use the ‘friends technique’. This is the method I prefer as it allows you to take a step back from the stress of the exam situation and think more calmly.

Here’s how it works. Imagine that you are in a casual conversation with a friend over a cup of coffee and they ask you this question. What are the first thoughts to come into your head? Plan your essay around these ideas.

Doing this will help you to come up with simple answers in everyday language rather than straining your brain to think of amazing ideas using high-level language, which isn’t necessary.

You might want to try this yourself before reading on for my ideas.

Here are my ideas as I thought of them:

How can we conserve these resources?

Become more energy conscious & more energy efficient

Use more renewable energy sources – solar panels

All new homes should be built with solar panels on

Use car less – walk, cycle, public transport, only travel when really necessary

Energy-efficient light bulbs

What are some alternatives to fossil fuels?

Solar power

Wave energy

Tidal energy

Biomass energy

Geothermal energy

Don’t spend long on this as you only need one or two ideas.

There is so much to write about this topic that we have to be very careful we don’t try to include too many different ideas and just end up with a list for each question rather than a well-developed essay.

Choose one main idea for each part of the question. My advice on making your selection is to choose ideas that you can quickly think of examples for.

Here are my choices:

Use car less – walk, cycle, public transport

Natural forces – solar & wind power, wave & tidal energy

# 3 Vocabulary

During the planning stage, quickly jot down some vocabulary that comes to mind as you decide which ideas you are going to write about, especially synonyms of key words. This will save you having to stop and think of the right language while you’re writing.

For the ideas I’ve chosen, useful words will include:

sustainable

renewable energy

energy-efficient

How To Write an Introduction

The best introductions to IELTS double question essays have a simple 2 part structure:

1) Paraphrase the question 2) Outline sentence – state your answer to both questions

Have 2-3 sentences

Be 40-60 words long

Take 5 minutes to write

1) Paraphrase the question

Start your introduction by paraphrasing the statement part of the question.

Question statement: 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.

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.

We are simply saying the same thing in a different way and using different vocabulary.

2) Outline statement

Now we need to add an outline statement where we outline the two main points that we’ll cover in the rest of the essay, that is, the answers to the two questions.

We need to be very specific about what we are going to write about.

Here's a reminder of the ideas I’ve chosen to answer the two questions:

Natural forces –solar & wind power, wave & tidal energy

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.

Note my use of synonyms to replace key words in the question. You don’t have to replace every key word but do so where possible whilst ensuring that your language sounds natural.

So, let’s bring the two elements of our introduction together.

Introduction

This introduction achieves three important functions:

It shows the examiner that you understand the question.

It acts as a guide to the examiner as to what your essay is about.

It also helps to keep you focused and on track as you write.

The two ideas in your introduction will become your two main body paragraphs. Main body paragraph 1 – Use car less – walk, cycle, public transport Main body paragraph 2 – Renewable energy / natural forces – solar & wind power, wave & tidal energy

How To Write Main Body Paragraphs

Main body paragraphs in IELTS double question essays should contain 3 things:

Main Body Paragraph 1 – Answer question 1

The topic sentence summarises the main idea of the paragraph. That’s all it needs to do so it doesn’t have to be complicated.

It plays an important role in ensuring that your ideas flow logically from one to another. It does this by acting as a signpost for what is to come next, that is, what the paragraph will be about.

If you maintain a clear development of ideas throughout your essay, you will get high marks for task achievement and cohesion and coherence.

We’ll now take the idea for our first main body paragraph and create our topic sentence.

Main body paragraph 1 – Use car less – walk, cycle, public transport, only travel when really necessary

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.

Next, we must write an explanation sentence that develops the idea.

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.

Finally, we add an example to support our main point. If you can’t think of a real example, it’s fine to make one up, as long as it’s believable. The examiner isn’t going to check your facts. Alternative, you could add another piece of information to support your idea but an example is better.

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.

That’s the 3 parts of our first main body paragraph complete. Here’s the finished paragraph.

Main Body Paragraph 2 – Answer question 2

Again, we’ll now take the idea I’ve chosen for this paragraph and create our topic sentence.

Main body paragraph 2 – Renewable energy / natural forces – solar & wind power, wave & tidal energy

Topic sentence: The most sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels are the generation of power from natural forces such as the sun, wind and oceans.

Now for the explanation where we expand on this idea.

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.

Finally, an example to support our main point.

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.

That’s the 3 parts of our second main body paragraph complete. Here’s the finished paragraph.

How To Write a Conclusion

The conclusion is a summary of the main points in your essay and can often be done in a single sentence. It should never introduce new ideas.

The conclusion is the easiest sentence in the essay to write but one of the most important.

A good conclusion to an IELTS double question essay will:

Neatly end the essay

Link all your ideas together

Sum up your argument or opinion

Answer the question

If you achieve this, you’ll improve your score for both task achievement and cohesion and coherence which together make up 50% of the overall marks. Without a conclusion, you’ll score below band 6 for task achievement.

You can start almost any final paragraph of an IELTS double question essay with the words:

In conclusion

To conclude

Now all you need to do is briefly summarise the main ideas into one or two sentences.

Here’s a top tip . Go back and read the introduction to the essay because this is also a summary of the essay. It outlines what you are going to write about.

To create a great conclusion, you simply have to paraphrase the introduction.

Introduction:

Here is the same information formed into a conclusion:

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5 Types of IELTS Essays with Questions and Samples

In IELTS Writing Task 2 (both General and Academic), there are 5 different types of essays:

• Discussion essay (Discuss both views essay)
• Agree/disagree essay (Opinion essay)
• Advantage/disadvantage essay
• Problem/solution essay
• Two-part question essay (Direct question essay)

Note that no matter what type of IELTS essay you have to write, you need to make sure that you always follow the instructions and write at least 250 words.

IELTS Discussion Essay Questions

IELTS discussion essay asks you to "Discuss both views/sides and give your opinion".

For example:

Some people think that wild animals should not be kept in zoos. Others believe that there are good reasons for having zoos.

Discuss both these views and give your opinion.

See also: Discussion Essay Sample

IELTS Agree/Disagree Essay Questions

IELTS agree/disagree essay, also known as an opinion essay, asks you "Do what extent do you agree?", "Do you agree or disagree?", "What is your opinion?".

Medical procedures for cosmetic purposes should not be allowed.

Do you agree or disagree?

See also: Agree/Disagree Essay Sample

IELTS Advantage/Disadvantage Essay Questions

IELTS advantage/disadvantage essay asks you "What are the advantages of this?", "Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?".

Today more and more tourists are visiting places where conditions are difficult, such as the Sahara desert or the Antarctic.

What are the benefits and disadvantages for tourists who visit such places?

See also: Advantage/Disadvantage Essay Sample

IELTS Problem/Solution Essay Questions

IELTS problem/solution essay asks you "What can be done about this problem?", "How could this situation be improved?".

Even though doctors all over the world agree that fast food is bad for people's health, more and more people are eating it.

Why are more people eating fast food?

What can be done about this problem?

See also: Problem/Solution Essay Sample

IELTS Two-part Question Essay Questions

IELTS two-part question essay, also known as direct question essay, asks you to write in response to two or more direct questions.

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?

See also: Two-part Question Essay Sample

See more useful IELTS essay resources:

• How to write an IELTS essay?
• How to Improve IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay?
• Essay vocabulary
• Linking & cohesive words

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Whether you have any questions, want to leave feedback or discuss cooperation possibilities, do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help and will answer as soon as possible. In the meantime, discover our site and let it help you smooth your IELTS journey and make your studies more efficient.

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Double Question Essay IELTS

Acing the double question essay IELTS task can boost your writing score significantly.

• Essential Analysis : Understanding the specific format of a double question essay is key to crafting a strong response.
• Skillful Structuring : Organizing your ideas efficiently can make or break your essay.
• Focused Response : Addressing each question thoughtfully ensures thorough coverage of the topic.

Master the art of the double question essay IELTS challenge today.

Understanding the Double Question Essay Format

Identifying the two questions, essay structure for double question essays, crafting an effective introduction, developing main body paragraphs, writing a balanced conclusion, common pitfalls to avoid, example response and analysis, further resources and practice.

Navigating the IELTS Writing Task 2 can be quite the journey, but understanding the format of the double question essay is a game-changer for boosting your score. This essay type asks you to dig deep and provide responses to not one but two distinct questions.

What Exactly Is a Double Question Essay?

Double question essays, also known as ‘two-part question’ essays, require you to thoroughly dissect and individually address two separate questions. This demonstrates not only your depth of knowledge but also your ability to organize and present information in a coherent manner. Essentially, you’re showing off your multitasking skills in essay form.

Why Is It Important?

Mastering this essay format is critical because it reflects your ability to process multiple pieces of information simultaneously, much like real-life decision-making situations. It evaluates your critical thinking and your eloquence in expressing complex ideas.

The cornerstone of acing this task is to clearly identify the two questions and ensure they both receive equal attention in your essay. An eagle-eyed approach to the prompt is essential.

Spot the Nuances

• Question 1: Look for the first question often presented right after the brief introduction to the topic.
• Question 2: The second question follows the first and may take a different angle or ask for a solution or opinion.

Be sure not to confuse details within the scenario as separate questions. The real questions are typically direct and placed towards the end of the prompt.

Dissecting the Prompt

Consider each question individually and write them down. Highlight keywords and consider their implications to avoid misinterpretation.

A well-structured essay not only looks good but also ensures you cover all the essentials. Here’s how to lay out your double question essay for maximum impact.

Introduction: Set the Stage

• Paraphrase the Prompt: Begin by rewording the questions. This sets a clear focus for your essay and shows the examiner you understand the task.
• Thesis Statement: Clearly state your stance or introduce the main points that you will talk about in the body. Make it sharp and precise.

Body Paragraphs: The Meat of the Matter

• First Question First: Allocate the first body paragraph to the first question. Start with a topic sentence and follow it up with an explanation, example, or evidence.
• Then Tackle Question Two: The same format applies to the second body paragraph where the second question is addressed thoroughly.

Each paragraph should be a self-contained unit that, when coupled with the other, forms a coherent whole.

Conclusion: Tie It All Together

Round off your essay by neatly summarizing your responses to both questions. This isn’t the place for new ideas—think of it as the final bow on a package.

First impressions count, and in the case of your IELTS essay, your introduction can set the tone for the rest of your writing.

Hook Them In

Start with a hook—a sentence that grabs attention. Maybe an interesting fact or statement that relates to the topic at hand.

Keep It Clear and Concise

• Restate the Questions: Paraphrase the given questions to demonstrate your understanding.
• Outline Your Answers: Without delving into the specifics, indicate how you plan to answer each question.

Remember, clarity is king. You want to make sure your introduction provides a clear roadmap for the reader. It’s a balancing act between being informative and keeping some suspense for the body of your essay.

Crafting the main body of your double question essay in IELTS requires a meticulous approach that ensures each question is given due attention. Your ability to dissect and respond to each question individually is what will set your essay apart.

Main Body Paragraph One: Dive into Detail

• Opening Sentence: Start with a topic sentence that encapsulates the essence of your answer to the first question.
• Supporting Sentences: Follow with sentences that further elaborate on your point. Evidence, anecdotal instances, or hypothetical scenarios can strengthen your argument.
• Concrete Examples: Concrete examples are particularly persuasive, as they ground your theoretical points in reality.
• Closing Sentence: Conclude with a sentence that ties the paragraph to your main thesis, ensuring coherence and transition to the next part of your essay.

Main Body Paragraph Two: Equally Engaging

• Transition Smoothly: Begin with a sentence that ensures a logical flow from the previous paragraph.
• Answer with Clarity: Clearly respond to the second question, mirroring the structure used in your first paragraph.
• Solidify with Specifics: Use data, quotations, or detailed examples to lend credence to your point of view.
• Concluding Thought: Cap off your paragraph effectively by summarizing the key point and relating it back to the overall essay argument.

A well-crafted conclusion is the crown jewel of your double question essay IELTS. It’s your chance to leave a lasting impression and underscore the robustness of your argument.

Summarizing with Symmetry

• Sum up the response to both questions, ensuring that neither overshadows the other. Your conclusion is a mini-recap of your essay’s journey—short, succinct, and strong.
• Reinforce the relevance of your discussions and how they answer the initial prompts. This will not only show that you remained on-topic but also that you constructed a well-reasoned argument throughout.

Ensuring the quality of your double question essay IELTS lies not just in what you include, but also in what you skillfully sidestep.

• Vagueness: Avoid broad, sweeping statements that don’t directly answer the questions. Specificity is critical.
• Imbalance: Giving more weight to one question over the other can disrupt the harmony of your essay. Equal attention is paramount.
• Repetitiveness: Steering clear of repeating the same ideas in different words keeps your essay fresh and engaging.

By dodging these potential stumbling blocks, you elevate the clarity and credibility of your essay.

An exemplary double question essay IELTS response serves as a teaching tool—a map guiding you to essay success.

• Consider a sample response that efficiently tackles both questions, using a creative scenario or a realistic example.
• The strength of such a sample lies in its structure, precision, and balance. An analysis might highlight the integration of relevant evidence and the artful linkage between points.

In your quest for double question essay IELTS mastery, exploring additional resources can provide fresh insights and reinforce best practices.

• Look for resources that offer nuanced advice, such as how to effectively brainstorm ideas.
• Practicing with a variety of sample questions can sharpen your analytical and writing skills.

Frequent practice transforms what might first appear complex into something more approachable and doable.

Perfecting your approach to double question essays in IELTS is a fusion of art and science. It requires not only a grasp of the format but also the ability to engage with the questions at hand in a thoughtful and balanced way. With consistent practice and a strategic mindset, you’ll be well on your way to crafting responses that not only meet but exceed the evaluators’ expectations. Remember, every essay is a stepping stone towards clarity of expression—the quintessential marker of language proficiency.

Master the IELTS double question essay with tips for structure, planning, and common pitfalls to ensure a high score.

IELTS writing: model answer on accommodation.

Ielts two-part question essay on renting or owning a home..

Updated : November 9th 2022

A two-part question essay is pretty straightforward. Simply answer the first question in main body one, explain and give an example and then answer the second question in main body two. In the thesis statement briefly answer both questions. See the structure and the model answer below. The task is from Cambridge IELTS 15.

It is very important to spend a couple of minutes analysing the task question to understand the general topic as well as the specifics of what you need to write about. Set aside 10 minutes to plan and get ideas for an IELTS essay. Leave a few minutes at the end to check the essay for mistakes such as spelling etc.

IELTS two-part question essay structure.

Model Answer

In some countries, owning a home rather than renting one is very important for people. Why might this be the case? Do you think this is a positive or negative situation?

It is argued that in some nations owning a property is much more important than renting. This is mainly because owning a home gives a feeling of security, stability, and the freedom to renovate it. In my view, this is a positive development as homeowners can make money if they sell their house in the future.

To begin with, if people own their own home they do not have to worry about paying monthly rent and are less anxious about restrictions on decorating the interior. In other words, they tend to feel more stable and comfortable than if they were renting. This enables them to renovate and decorate their abode according to their desires, without the worry of a landlord complaining. For instance, recent research has shown that in the UK the vast majority of new homeowners feel that owning a home is an investment, so they spend most of their income on DIY projects, interior goods, and decorating.

I believe that there is a huge advantage to owning a home because it is an investment where the value of the house increases every year. That is to say, when someone buys a house and installs a new kitchen, or bathroom, and redesigns the interior, the value of the property rises considerably. For example, in England people who rent their homes will never get that money back, whereas those who buy a property can sell it for a considerable profit after just a few years, even in a tough economic situation.

In conclusion, owning a house or flat gives one a sense of security and the choice to redecorate. In my opinion, this is a great benefit because people who invest in their home can sell it later on at a profit.

In IELTS the examiner is not marking your essay on your ideas, rather they mark you on your ability to state an idea, explain and develop the essay, paragraphing, grammar, and vocabulary.

For example, in main body two at the end, I wrote: ‘those who buy a property can sell it for a considerable profit after just a few years, even in a tough economic situation’ . .T his is debatable because with the current economic situation people could lose their investment. However, the examiner is not marking you on this.

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Test yourself with Linking Words

You must use a range of linking words in your IELTS essay. The examiner will mark your linking words for both accuracy and range. Linking words are part of the marking criterion of Coherence & Cohesion, which counts for 25% of your marks. Try this test below:

Practice with Linking Words

Use the linking words given below to fill in the gaps and complete the sentences:

• (1) ……………………… of the popularity of Facebook, there has been a rise in online crime, (2) ………….. fraud and identify theft. 
• There are a number of drawbacks to people using Facebook as a way of communicating (2) ………………… it is (3) …………….. one of the most common social networking platforms for both individuals and businesses.
• (4) ……………………….. the lack of exercise taken by the average person, obesity and other weight related problems are on the rise.
• Unemployment and poverty, (5) ………….. in urban areas, is often deemed to be the cause of the rising crime rate.
• (6) ………….. the rise in urban crime, more and more people continue to move to cities looking for a better life.
• More children are becoming obese and (7) …………….. schools should be encouraged to provide more sports lessons and outdoor activities.

Word Options:

To see the answers and a full list of linking words for IELTS Writing Task 2, click below:

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