IELTS Writing Task 2: The Double Question Essay (Step-by-Step)
Quick answer: An IELTS Task 2 double-question essay asks two related questions (e.g., "What are the causes? What can be done?"). Answer each question in its own body paragraph, with equal length and depth. Use the 4-paragraph template: introduction, body 1 (question 1), body 2 (question 2), conclusion that summarises both.
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How to spot a double-question prompt
Look for two question marks in the prompt. "Why is this happening? What can be done about it?" is the classic double-question format.
Sometimes the questions are joined with "and": "What are the causes and what solutions can you suggest?" — still a double question.
Don't confuse with discussion essays ("Discuss both views") or opinion essays ("To what extent do you agree?"). Each has a different structure.
The 4-paragraph template
Introduction (40–50 words): paraphrase the prompt and state that you'll address both questions.
Body 1 (110–130 words): answer question 1 fully. Topic sentence, 2–3 supporting points, example, link.
Body 2 (110–130 words): answer question 2 fully with equal depth.
Conclusion (40–50 words): summarise your main answer to each question in one sentence each.
Equal depth — the most common error
Candidates often answer question 1 thoroughly (140 words) and question 2 in passing (60 words). This loses Task Response marks.
The fix: in planning, write 2–3 supporting points for each question BEFORE you start writing. If you can't find 2 points for question 2, brainstorm again.
Both body paragraphs should have roughly the same word count. Aim for ±10 words between them.
Worked Band 8 example
Prompt: "Many people now work from home rather than in an office. Why is this happening, and is it a positive or negative development?"
Introduction: "In recent years, the proportion of employees working from home has risen dramatically. This essay examines the reasons behind this shift and argues that, on balance, it is a positive development for both individuals and businesses."
Body 1 (causes): "The most direct cause has been the maturation of digital communication tools — Zoom, Slack, and cloud-based document systems — which have made remote collaboration as efficient as in-person meetings. The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated this transition, forcing companies to invest in remote infrastructure they might otherwise have avoided. Additionally, urban housing costs have made daily commutes financially and psychologically unsustainable for many workers, particularly in cities like London, New York, and Sydney where the average commute exceeds 90 minutes round-trip."
Body 2 (positive/negative): "On balance, the development is positive. Workers benefit from reclaimed commuting time — typically 7–10 hours per week — which they invest in family, exercise, or sleep. Businesses save substantially on real estate (Salesforce alone reported $440 million in annual savings post-shift). The negative effects, primarily reduced collaboration and weaker mentorship for junior staff, are real but addressable through structured in-office days and asynchronous documentation. Overall, the gains in autonomy and quality of life outweigh the manageable downsides."
Conclusion: "In summary, remote working has spread because of digital tools and pandemic-driven necessity, and it brings clear benefits in time savings and corporate cost reductions. While collaboration challenges remain, hybrid approaches make this trend a positive evolution of the workplace."
Common mistakes
Mistake 1: answering only one question. Automatic band 5 ceiling on Task Response.
Mistake 2: combining both questions in one body paragraph. Coherence suffers.
Mistake 3: in the conclusion, only summarising one question. Both must be summarised, even briefly.
After writing, count how many sentences address each question. If the ratio is worse than 60:40, you've underweighted one question.
Time management
5 minutes planning (longer than for opinion essays because you're planning two answers).
33 minutes writing (8.25 minutes per paragraph average).
2 minutes proofreading. Check that both questions are answered substantively.
Practice this with WitPrep
Reading about IELTS only gets you so far — band gains come from rubric-graded practice. Open the IELTS Writing coach to drill this exact skill with band-by-band feedback. If you have not yet baselined your level, start with the free IELTS diagnostic (free, ~10 min).
Related WitPrep reading
Frequently Asked Questions
Are double-question essays harder than opinion essays?
Slightly, because you must allocate time and word count carefully across two questions. But the structure is straightforward.
Can I answer both questions in one paragraph?
Possible but risky for coherence. Separate body paragraphs are clearer and safer.
Do I need a thesis statement?
A brief signal that you'll address both questions is enough. "This essay examines [Q1] and discusses [Q2]" works.
How many words should each body paragraph be?
110–130 words. Total essay: 270–290 words (above the 250 minimum).
Can I take a position?
Yes — if one of the questions asks for an opinion. Both balanced and one-sided answers can score band 9 if well argued.
What's the lowest-scoring mistake on double-question essays?
Answering only one of the two questions. This caps Task Response at band 5 regardless of your other strengths.
How we verify this content
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