IELTS Task 2 · Essay type
IELTS Task 2 Two-Part Question Essay
This type asks two direct questions. Task Response depends on answering both fully — a strong answer to one question and a thin or missing answer to the other cannot pass the criterion.
In short
- Prompt cues: two direct questions, e.g. "Why is this the case? What can be done about it?"
- Use the four-paragraph plan below — introduction, two developed body paragraphs, conclusion.
- Band 7 needs a clear, sustained response, a range of cohesive devices, some less common vocabulary, and mostly error-free complex sentences.
The paragraph plan
What goes in each paragraph for a two-part (direct) question prompt.
| Paragraph | What it contains |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Paraphrase the topic and signal that you will answer both questions. |
| Body 1 | A full answer to the first question — with explanation and an example. |
| Body 2 | A full answer to the second question, developed the same way. |
| Conclusion | Summarise your answer to both questions. No new ideas. |
What caps this essay type at Band 6.5
- Answering one question and barely touching the other.
- Treating it like an opinion essay and arguing one side.
- Vague, undeveloped answers to either question.
- Under 250 words, or only simple sentences.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I recognise an IELTS Task 2 two-part (direct) question prompt?
two direct questions, e.g. "Why is this the case? What can be done about it?"
How many words and how long for Task 2?
At least 250 words in about 40 minutes. Task 2 is worth roughly two-thirds of your IELTS Writing band, so give it the larger share of the hour.
How is the essay scored?
On four equal criteria: Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy — each 25%.
How many paragraphs should I write?
Four: introduction, two developed body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Depth of development matters more than the number of paragraphs.
Can I get my essay marked against the criteria?
Yes. The Writing Correction Service marks IELTS Task 1 and Task 2 against all four official criteria with line-by-line feedback and a predicted band score in 48 hours.
Other Task 2 essay types: Opinion (Agree / Disagree) · Discussion (Both Views) · Advantages & Disadvantages · Problem & Solution · Task 2 overview
IELTS Writing Correction
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