Instead of one statement to agree with or discuss, this type asks you two direct questions. Your job is simple to describe but easy to get wrong: answer both questions clearly and give roughly equal attention to each. Most students who lose marks here answer one question fully and forget, or rush, the other.
Recognising the question type
The giveaway is two separate questions, usually ending in two question marks. The two questions often combine different formats.
Common combinations:
▸ "What are the reasons for this? Is it a positive or negative development?" (cause + opinion)
▸ "Why is this happening? What problems can it cause?" (cause + effect)
▸ "What are the reasons for this? How can people address it?" (cause + suggestion)
▸ "Why do some people do this? Do you think the benefits outweigh the drawbacks?" (cause + evaluation)
The trap: don't confuse it with a discussion essay
A discussion essay says "discuss both views" — two opposing opinions. A two-part question asks two different questions. Treating one as the other is a common and costly mistake.
✗ Discussion essay
"Some think X. Others think Y. Discuss both views and give your own opinion." → two opinions on one issue.
✓ Two-part question
"Why is X happening? Is it positive or negative?" → two questions to answer directly.
Quick check — which type is this?
"More people are working from home than ever before. What are the reasons for this trend, and what effect does it have on family life?"
This is a two-part (direct) question — cause + effect. It asks two separate questions (reasons / effect on family life), not for two opposing opinions. You would write one body paragraph on the reasons and one on the effects.
Think about this:
Why do you think so many students answer only the first question well and treat the second as an afterthought? How could you make sure both get equal attention?
The structure: one paragraph per question
The cleanest, safest structure gives each question its own body paragraph. This guarantees you answer both, and makes your essay easy for the examiner to follow.
1
Introduction
Paraphrase the situation, then signpost that you will answer both questions. One or two sentences is enough — do not answer the questions here.
2
Body paragraph 1 — Question 1
Answer the first question fully: topic sentence → explanation → example. If it asks "why", give one or two clear reasons and develop them.
3
Body paragraph 2 — Question 2
Answer the second question fully, with the same depth. If it asks "is this positive or negative", commit to a clear judgement — do not sit on the fence.
4
Conclusion
Summarise your answer to both questions in one or two sentences. No new information.
The golden rule: equal weight
Both questions carry equal importance. If your second body paragraph is three sentences long while the first is eight, you have unbalanced the essay and capped your Task Response score. Plan two reasons or points for each question.
Special case: "is this a positive or negative development?"
When one part asks for an evaluation, you must take a clear position — positive, negative, or (carefully) a mix dominated by one side. State it in the topic sentence of that paragraph and again in the conclusion, exactly as you would in an opinion essay.
Discuss:
If a question asked "What are the causes? What are the effects?", what would go in each body paragraph? Could you give two causes and two effects?
Language that fits each kind of question
Each part of the question calls for slightly different language. Flip the cards to see useful phrases and an example of each in use.
Giving reasons (for "why" / "what are the causes")
One of the main reasons for this isIntroduce a primary cause. One of the main reasons for this is the rising cost of living in major cities.
This trend can largely be attributed toFormal way to explain a cause. This trend can largely be attributed to advances in communication technology.
A further factor isAdd a second reason. A further factor is the growing desire for a better work-life balance.
stems from / arises fromTrace something to its source. Much of this change stems from shifting attitudes towards traditional careers.
Describing effects (for "what problems / what effects")
As a result, / Consequently,Introduce a consequence. As a result, many city centres have become quieter during the working week.
This can lead toPoint to a likely effect. This can lead to a sense of isolation among employees who work alone.
One significant consequence isHighlight an important effect. One significant consequence is the blurring of the line between work and home life.
Evaluating (for "is this positive or negative")
On balance, I regard this asState an overall judgement. On balance, I regard this as a largely positive development.
While there are drawbacks, the benefits are more significantAcknowledge the other side, then commit. While there are drawbacks, the benefits to individuals and the environment are more significant.
a welcome / worrying developmentCompact evaluative phrases. For most workers, this is a welcome development.
You want to say: "People do this because houses cost a lot."
→ Rewrite using cause language.
One of the main reasons for this is the soaring cost of housing, which forces many people to seek alternatives.
You want to say: "I think it is a good thing overall."
→ Rewrite as a measured evaluation.
On balance, I regard this as a positive development, despite the challenges it brings.
Discuss:
Why is it risky to use phrases like "it is totally positive" or "there are no problems at all" in an evaluation? What does measured language signal to the examiner?
Plan your essay
📝 The prompt:
In many countries, people are working longer hours than in the past. Why is this happening, and what problems can it cause?
Step 1 — Identify the two questions:
▸ Question 1: Why are people working longer hours? (causes)
▸ Question 2: What problems does this cause? (effects)
Step 2 — Two answers for Question 1 (causes):
Cause 1: Rising cost of living forces people to work overtime or take second jobs to cover essentials such as housing.
Cause 2: A competitive job market and "always-on" culture, where technology makes employees reachable at all hours, blurs the boundary between work and rest.
Step 3 — Two answers for Question 2 (problems):
Problem 1: Health consequences — stress, burnout and a lack of sleep, which lower both wellbeing and long-term productivity.
Problem 2: Damage to family and social life — less time with children and partners, weakening relationships and community ties.
Discuss:
In your country, are people working longer than they used to? What do you think is the single biggest cause?
Write your essay
Use the working-hours prompt from Tab 4, or choose the alternative below. Aim for 250–280 words.
Alternative prompt:
Nowadays, many people choose to be self-employed rather than work for a company. Why might this be the case? Is it a positive or negative development?
40:00
Before you submit — check your essay:
Exam practice — on your own
This is a real exam question. Give yourself the full forty minutes and write a complete answer of at least 250 words. Answer both questions with equal attention. There are no structure prompts this time — this is as close to the real test as practice gets.
Real exam question — Cambridge IELTS 16
In some countries, more people are becoming interested in finding out about the history of the house or building they live in. What are the reasons for this? How can people research this?
40:00
Finished? Compare with a model
Write your own answer first. Then reveal a Band 9 model — to compare how each question is answered, not to copy.
In a number of countries, growing numbers of people are keen to discover the history of the homes in which they live. This essay will examine why this interest has developed and how individuals can go about researching their property.
There are two main reasons behind this trend. The first is a deepening desire for a sense of identity and connection to the past. As modern life becomes increasingly fast-paced and impersonal, learning who once lived in their home gives people a comforting link to those who came before them. The second reason is the wider popularity of family history and heritage, encouraged by television programmes and online ancestry services. Once people begin tracing their own family tree, it is a natural step to become curious about the buildings tied to that history.
Fortunately, there are several practical ways to carry out such research. The most reliable starting point is official records: land registries, census documents and old title deeds, many of which are now stored in national or local archives. Local libraries and historical societies are also valuable, as they often hold old maps, photographs and newspapers relating to a particular street or neighbourhood. In addition, simply speaking to long-standing neighbours or previous owners can reveal details that no document records.
In conclusion, this rising interest stems mainly from a search for identity and the popularity of genealogy, and people can satisfy their curiosity through official archives, local resources and personal conversations. It is a rewarding pursuit that brings the past of an ordinary home vividly to life.