Two-part Question Essays: Planning (British Council Academic IELTS: Writing): Study Material

Planning two-part question essays

Identifying key words in the question & instructions

• In a two-part question essay, you are given a topic and asked two separate questions about it

• You must address  both questions clearly in your essay

• A typical two-part question looks like this:

  • More and more people want to work from home. Why is this happening? Is this a positive or negative trend?

• Underline or highlight key words to help you focus on:

  • the main topic

  • the two specific questions

• If you ignore one question or answer it only partially, your score for Task Response will be lower

Brainstorming for ideas

• Do not start writing immediately 

• Spend at least five minutes planning your answer

• Planning is important because it helps you generate and organise your ideas clearly

• Without a plan, you may write a disorganised essay

• First, brainstorm ideas for each question separately

• Make notes 

• Useful questions to ask yourself:

  • What ideas answer the first question?

  • What ideas answer the second question?

  • What is my opinion about the topic?

• Your plan should include:

  • one or two main  ideas for the first question

  • one or two main  ideas for the second question

  • relevant examples and explanations for both

• Remember: it is better to have a few well-developed points than many weak ones

Ordering ideas

• Use a clear four-paragraph structure:

  • introduction

  • body paragraph 1 

  • body paragraph 2

  • conclusion

• Make sure that:

  • each paragraph focuses on one question only

  • your ideas are logically organised and well-connected

  • the second paragraph follows naturally from the first