Introduction to Two-Part Question Essays

IELTS Writing Task 2 can sometimes present you with a two-part question essay. These are questions that, instead of offering a single Question to discuss, provide two distinct questions that must be addressed within your essay. Addressing both parts equally is crucial to achieving a high score. In this chapter, we will explore how to analyze these questions, structure your essay, and link your ideas to ensure both parts of the question are comprehensively covered.

Understanding the Two-Part Question

Analyzing the Question

• Identifying Each Part: Scan the Question to differentiate between the two parts. One part often deals with a reason or cause, while the other asks for an opinion or a solution.
• Keywords: Highlight the keywords in each part to address them accurately in your essay.

Crafting Your Response

• Balanced Coverage: Create an outline ensuring you allocate enough content to cover both questions effectively. Failure to adequately address one part can significantly affect your score.
• Direct Answer: Your thesis statement should clearly answer both parts of the question before you proceed to the body paragraphs.

Structure of a Two-Part Question Essay

Introduction

• Background Statement: Introduce the topic briefly, providing context for the two questions that you are about to address.
• Thesis Statement: Clearly state your responses to both parts of the question here.

Body Paragraphs

First Body Paragraph: Addressing Part 1

• Topic Sentence: Focus on the first part of the question. Establish a clear topic sentence.
• Supporting Ideas: Provide two or three sentences that support your topic sentence with examples, explanations, or data.
• Concluding Sentence: Wrap up the paragraph and ensure it clearly addresses the first part of the question.

Second Body Paragraph: Addressing Part 2

• Topic Sentence: Transition into addressing the second part of the question.
• Supporting Ideas: As with the first paragraph, provide evidence or arguments that support your second topic sentence.
• Concluding Sentence: Close the paragraph with a sentence summarizing how you addressed the second question.

Conclusion

• Restate Thesis: Rephrase your thesis to remind the reader of your answers to the two-part question.
• Summary: Summarize the key points from each body paragraph.
• Final Thought: Leave the reader with a conclusive thought or a call to action if appropriate.

Linking Ideas and Cohesion

Transition Words

• Between Paragraphs: Transition smoothly from one paragraph to another using phrases such as "Moving onto the second part," "Furthermore," or "In regards to."
• Within Paragraphs: Use cohesive devices like "For instance," "In addition," or "Consequently".

Parallel Structure

• Balanced Sentences: Use a parallel structure in sentences and across paragraphs to maintain a rhythm and balance in your essay.

Referencing Both Parts

• Synthesis: Occasionally reference the first part when discussing the second part to create a well-woven response that acknowledges the two-part nature of the Question.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Overlooking One Part

• Do not focus so heavily on one part that the second part is underdeveloped.

Forgetting to Plan

• Without a clear outline, you risk a disorganized essay where one or both parts may be inadequately addressed.

Repetition

• Avoid repeating the same ideas or vocabulary, as this could indicate a lack of depth in your answer.

Practice Exercise: Two-Part Question Essay

Sample Question

"Some people believe that governments should prioritize spending money on public services rather than on arts such as music and paintings. Discuss both views and give your opinion."

Planning Your Response

• Define "public services" and "arts."
• Generate ideas for why some might prioritize one over the other.
• Form your opinion for a robust thesis statement.

Writing Practice

• Write an essay responding to the sample question, ensuring you balance the discussion of both parts with linked ideas and coherent structure.

Review and Feedback

Self-Evaluation

• Use IELTS Writing rubrics to evaluate your essay’s task response, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy.

Peer Review

• Exchange essays with peers to get feedback on how well you've addressed the two-part question.

Teacher Assessment

• Having an expert evaluate your essays can provide valuable insights and targeted guidance to improve your score.

By mastering the two-part question essay on the IELTS Writing Task 2, you demonstrate your ability to comprehend complex questions and deliver a well-structured, detailed, and cohesive argument, which is crucial for achieving a high band score.