This type of question is sometimes called a double question or direct question essay. There is always a statement followed by 2 questions, these questions may be linked or completely different.
This post will give you examples of this type of question and talk about how to plan an answer.
Later I will explain the most common mistakes when writing this type of essay and show you how you can plan a Double Question essay.
Examples Of Double Question
It is predicted that robots are going to become increasingly important in our lives.
How could robots be used in the future? Will this development be a positive or negative development?
Success is often measured by wealth and material possessions.
Do you think wealth is the best measure of success? What makes a successful person?
Nowadays governments are investing more in public transport such as buses and trains rather than in building new roads.
What are the reasons for this?
Is this a positive or negative development?
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?
Happiness is often considered difficult to define.
Why is this? What factors determine happiness?
Common Mistakes
The most common mistakes that students make when writing this type of essay are:
- Not answering one of the questions
- Not addressing both questions in the introduction
- Thinking it is another type of essay
Lots of students either only answer one question or focus too much on answering one question leading to a partially complete essay. Either of these will negatively affect the Task Response score.
Introducing the things that you will talk about in the introduction is vital. It tells the reader what to expect and reminds you of what is important in your essay.
Analysing the question properly and planning the essay in advance should reduce the risk of making any of these errors.
Planning An Answer
Introduction
- Paraphrase the question
- Outline what the essay will include – state your answer to both questions
Main body paragraph 1 – Answer question 1
- Topic sentence – State your answer
- Explanation – Develop the idea
- Example – Give an example/consequence
Main body paragraph 2 – Answer question 2
- Topic sentence – Give your answer
- Explanation – Develop the idea
- Example – Give an example/consequence
Conclusion
- Summarise both questions and answers
As you can see, planning a Double Question Essay is quite easy and is very similar to planning other types of IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. However, care must be taken to address each question fully or your overall score may suffer.
Make sure that you practice answering each type of essay so that you are ready for the test.
For information about the other IELTS Writing Task 2 question types see below: