IELTS two-part question essay: how to answer both questions

How to recognise a two-part question

After the topic statement there are two questions, for example:

• Why is this happening? Is this a positive or negative development?
• What are the reasons for this? How can it be encouraged?
• Why do people…? What effects does this have on…?

The two questions can be any combination of reasons, effects, opinions and solutions. Treat each one as a separate job.

A structure that always works

Practice question

Band 9 model essay

Across much of the world, the average age at which people have their first child has risen considerably over recent decades. In my view, this change is mainly driven by education and economic pressures, and on balance it is a positive development, although it brings some real risks.

There are two main reasons why people are delaying parenthood. First, more young people, especially women, now stay in education into their twenties and then want time to establish a career before taking on the responsibilities of a family. Second, the cost of raising children has increased sharply. In many cities, housing is so expensive that couples feel they must wait until they have a secure income and a large enough home before they can afford a child.

I believe this trend is largely positive. Older parents are usually more financially stable, which means their children are less likely to grow up in poverty. They also tend to be more emotionally mature and more certain that they want children, so they are often well prepared for the demands of parenthood. In addition, women who have built careers before having children are more likely to return to work afterwards, which benefits both their families and the economy.

That said, the trend is not without drawbacks. Fertility declines with age, so some couples who wait find it harder to conceive and may need expensive medical treatment. On a national scale, smaller families contribute to an ageing population, which puts pressure on pension and health systems.

In conclusion, people are starting families later mainly because of longer education and the high cost of living. Despite the medical and demographic risks, I consider this a positive development overall, because it means more children are born to parents who are ready and able to support them.

Word count: 299

Why this essay scores highly

Task Response. The introduction answers both questions in one sentence each. Body 1 answers "why" with two developed reasons; body 2 answers "positive or negative" with a clear position; body 3 acknowledges the risks without changing that position. The conclusion repeats both answers.

Coherence and Cohesion. The topic sentences signal exactly which question is being answered: There are two main reasons why…, I believe this trend is largely positive. First, Second, In addition and That said organise ideas without overuse.

Lexical Resource. Delaying parenthood, establish a career, financially stable, emotionally mature, conceive, ageing population and demographic are precise and used naturally.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy. So… that clauses, relative clauses, comparative forms and a range of linking structures are all accurate.

Useful language for two-part questions

Common mistakes

1. Answering only one question. This limits Task Response to band 5 at most.
2. Mixing the answers. If reasons and opinions are scattered through every paragraph, the examiner may decide one question was not answered.
3. No position for an opinion question. "There are good and bad sides" does not answer "Is this positive or negative?"
4. A conclusion that answers only the second question. Summarise both.

More two-part questions to practise

1. More people are choosing to travel abroad for holidays than ever before. Why is this? Is it a positive or negative trend?
2. Many people now get their news from social media rather than newspapers. Why is this happening? What problems might it cause?
3. In some countries, more young people are choosing not to learn to drive. What are the reasons for this? Is it a good thing?
4. Many adults are returning to education later in life. Why do they do this? What are the benefits for society?
5. Fewer people today cook meals at home. Why is this? What effects does this have on families?
6. Some cities are planting large numbers of trees along their streets. Why are they doing this? Is it a good use of public money?

For topic vocabulary, see the society and family questions and health questions. Back to the Task 2 overview.

Do both questions need the same amount of space?

Roughly. Each question must be answered fully. One body paragraph per question is the clearest plan; if one question is more complex, it can have two.

What if one of the questions asks for my opinion?

Then that part is an opinion question and needs a clear position, stated in the introduction and the conclusion as well as in its body paragraph.

Can I combine the two answers in one paragraph?

It is possible but risky, because the examiner may not see where each question is answered. Separate paragraphs make it obvious that the whole task is covered.