Two-Part Question Essay: Answer both questions directly and fully
Two-Part Question — Practice 2The question contains two separate questions that you must both answer fully. Each question gets its own body paragraph. Missing one question entirely will significantly reduce your Task Achievement score.
(Based on a question from IELTS Academic, January 2026)
Introduce the topic + state that you will address both questions
Why are consumers less influenced by advertising? (2-3 clear reasons)
Is this positive or negative? (your reasoned position with evidence)
Summarise answers to both questions
Notice: each body paragraph clearly signals which question it is answering. Both questions receive equal treatment and depth.
Introduction signal: "This essay will examine the factors driving this shift and consider whether this development represents a positive or negative outcome" — tells the reader what's coming
Q1 topic sentence: "There are several key reasons why consumers have become more resistant to advertising" — directly answers the first question
Q2 topic sentence: "This development can be regarded as largely positive, though not without drawbacks" — directly answers the second question with a clear position
Balance: Both body paragraphs are approximately equal length and depth (one covers reasons, one covers evaluation)
Conclusion: Summarises BOTH answers — "consumers' diminished susceptibility... stems from... and this shift ultimately represents..." — using a clear parallel structure
Advertising has traditionally been one of the most powerful tools for influencing consumer behaviour, yet consumers today are demonstrably less susceptible to marketing messages than previous generations. This essay will examine the factors driving this shift and consider whether this development represents a positive or negative outcome for society.
47 words
What are the reasons why consumers are less influenced by advertising than in the past?
Give 2-3 clear reasons with explanations. Start with a topic sentence that directly answers the question.
There are several key reasons why consumers have become more resistant to advertising. First, the internet and social media have given consumers unprecedented access to independent information — they can research products, compare prices, and read authentic customer reviews before making decisions, reducing their dependence on brand messaging. Second, the proliferation of ad-blocking technology and the shift towards subscription-based services that eliminate advertisements have fundamentally limited exposure to traditional advertising. Third, high-profile scandals involving misleading advertising campaigns and data-harvesting practices have fostered widespread consumer scepticism, making people naturally question marketing claims rather than accept them uncritically.
107 words
Is this a positive or negative development?
Take a clear position (positive, negative, or both). Support it with specific evidence. Acknowledge any counterargument.
This development can be regarded as largely positive, though not without drawbacks. On the positive side, more discerning consumers drive companies to prioritise genuine product quality and innovation rather than relying on persuasive marketing alone, ultimately benefiting all purchasers. Additionally, reduced vulnerability to advertising can contribute to more conscious consumption patterns and less wasteful spending based on manufactured desire. However, smaller businesses and emerging brands struggle to reach new customers without traditional advertising budgets, potentially stifling competition and innovation. Despite this disadvantage, the overall effect — empowered consumers and improved product standards — outweighs the challenges.
108 words
Summarise BOTH answers in one or two sentences. Use a parallel structure: "X has happened because of [reasons], and this represents [your evaluation]."
In conclusion, consumers' diminished susceptibility to advertising stems from greater access to information, technology barriers, and increased scepticism, and this shift ultimately represents a positive development that benefits consumers and encourages higher product standards.
35 words
Two-part questions are common in IELTS Writing Task 2. The key to success is recognising the two separate demands and planning your essay to address both with equal depth.