IELTS · Guides · October 24, 2026 · 4 min read
IELTS two-part question essay (double question): how to answer both parts, with a sample
A two-part question, also called a double question or direct question essay, describes a situation and then asks two separate questions about it. They can be about anything: Why is this happening? Is it a positive or negative development?, What are the reasons? How could it be changed?, Why do people do this? Do you think it is a good idea? The rule is simple: answer both questions, directly and fully. Most low scores in this type come from an essay that answers one question well and the other in a sentence.
How to recognise it
Many people now change jobs several times during their working lives. Why is this happening? Is this a positive or negative development?
Two question marks, two different questions. Unlike the problem and solution essay, the questions can be of any kind, so read each one and decide what kind of answer it needs:
| Question | Answer type |
|---|---|
| Why is this happening? | reasons |
| Is this positive or negative? | an opinion with justification |
| What problems can this cause? | effects |
| How can this be encouraged? | measures |
| What do you think? | your view |
A four-paragraph plan
- Introduction: paraphrase the situation, then answer both questions in one sentence each.
- Body 1: question 1, with two developed points.
- Body 2: question 2, with two developed points.
- Conclusion: both answers again, briefly.
The answers in the introduction are what make this type easy to plan: the examiner can see at once that you have understood both questions.
A sample essay
Many people now change jobs several times during their working lives. Why is this happening? Is this a positive or negative development?
In the past, it was common for people to stay with one employer for most of their career, but today many workers change jobs several times. This is largely because of changes in the economy and in people’s expectations, and I believe it is a positive development on the whole.
There are two main reasons for this trend. Firstly, the economy changes faster than it used to. New technology creates new industries and makes some jobs disappear, so workers must often move to find employment or to use new skills. Secondly, people’s attitudes to work have changed. Many younger employees value variety, personal development and a good work-life balance more than security, and they are willing to leave a job that no longer offers these things. Moving between companies is also one of the quickest ways to earn a higher salary.
In my opinion, this is mostly a positive change. Workers who move between jobs gain a wider range of experience and skills, which makes them more adaptable when their industry changes. Employers also benefit from new staff who bring fresh ideas from other organisations. There are drawbacks, as frequent moves can mean less job security and the loss of benefits that come with long service, such as pensions. However, these risks can be reduced through portable pension schemes and good training, and they are outweighed by the freedom to find more suitable and rewarding work.
In conclusion, people change jobs more often today because the economy is less stable and their priorities have shifted, and I believe this greater mobility is largely beneficial.
264 words. The introduction answers both questions; each body paragraph deals with one; the conclusion repeats both answers.
Common mistakes
- Answering only one question properly. Both should get a body paragraph of similar length.
- Treating it as an opinion essay and arguing for one view throughout, without answering why.
- Answering a question that was not asked. If the task asks why, do not write about solutions.
- No direct answer: There are many reasons for this. Name them.
Practise in the practice room
Two-part question essays with band scores for all four criteria and comments:
A sample on family meals is analysed in Task 2 sample essays. The structure shared by all five types is in Writing Task 2 structure.
Common questions
Can there be three questions? Rarely, but yes. Then give each a paragraph, or combine two short ones, and still answer all three in the introduction.
Do I need an opinion? Only if one of the questions asks for it (positive or negative?, do you agree?, what do you think?).
Should the paragraphs be the same length? Roughly. A one-sentence answer to the second question will limit your Task Response score.