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Answer two distinct questions in a single essay.
Two-part questions ask TWO distinct questions. You must answer BOTH — missing either caps your score.
Prompt: 'Many young people now move to large cities for work. Why is this happening, and is it a positive or negative development?'
Which thesis answers BOTH parts of the prompt?
Two-part (direct) questions present two distinct questions that must BOTH be answered. Common pairings: 'What are the causes? Is this a positive or negative development?' or 'Why is this happening? How can it be addressed?' or 'What are the reasons? Do you think it is a good thing?' The biggest risk is answering only one question—both must be addressed equally. Use a 4-paragraph structure: Introduction, Body 1 (Question 1), Body 2 (Question 2), Conclusion. Introduction (45–55 words): paraphrase the topic, briefly preview your answer to BOTH questions.
Briefly state your stance on any opinion-bearing question right in the introduction. Body 1 (90–100 words): answer the first question fully. Topic sentence directly addresses Question 1. Provide explanation and a specific example.
Body 2 (90–100 words): answer the second question fully. Topic sentence directly addresses Question 2. Develop your view with reasons and example. If Question 2 asks 'how can it be addressed,' propose 1–2 concrete solutions.
Conclusion (30–40 words): summarize your answers to both questions. Linking devices: 'Firstly,' 'Another reason is,' 'Moreover,' 'Turning to the second question,' 'Regarding whether...,' 'In my opinion,' 'Furthermore,' 'Consequently.' Match the register to the questions—if one question asks for an opinion, use opinion vocabulary; if it asks for solutions, use modal verbs and action verbs. Identify exactly what each question is asking before writing—'why,' 'how,' 'what,' 'do you agree.' Aim for 280–300 words.
Task Response: BOTH questions must be answered with sufficient depth. Skipping or barely addressing one question is the most common cause of low Task Response scores here. Each answer needs reasons and an example. Coherence & Cohesion: clear separation between the two question answers, with topic sentences signaling which question each paragraph handles. Lexical Resource: vocabulary range varies depending on the question types (causes, opinion, solutions); precise topic-specific terms are rewarded. Grammatical Range & Accuracy: complex sentences with cause-effect, opinion, and modal structures, plus accurate punctuation and articles, are required for Band 7+.
Tactical content is original synthesis based on these public IELTS prep resources.