Two-Part Question Essays

Two-part question essays present you with a topic followed by two distinct questions. Your task is to answer both questions fully. This essay type is sometimes called a "direct questions" essay and is frequently underestimated by candidates.

---

Recognising Two-Part Questions

The key feature is that there are two separate questions, often marked by question marks:

Example Prompt

Many people believe that social networking sites such as Facebook have had a negative impact on both individuals and society. To what extent do you agree? What measures could be taken to reduce the negative effects?

Another Example

Successful sports professionals can earn a great deal more money than people in other important professions. Why do you think this is? Is it a positive or negative development?

---

The Critical Requirement

You must answer both questions. If you only answer one, your Task Response score will drop significantly, typically to Band 5 or below.

Band 7+ tip: Before you start planning, underline or mentally separate the two questions. Write your plan with clear space for each question. This simple step prevents you from accidentally neglecting one.

---

Essay Structure

The most reliable structure devotes one body paragraph to each question:

Paragraph	Purpose	Approximate Length
Introduction	Paraphrase the topic, briefly indicate your answers to both questions	40-50 words
Body 1	Answer to Question 1 (developed with reasons and examples)	90-110 words
Body 2	Answer to Question 2 (developed with reasons and examples)	90-110 words
Conclusion	Summarise your answers to both questions	30-40 words

When to Use Three Body Paragraphs

If one question requires more development, or if you have three strong points that do not fit into two paragraphs, you can use:

• Body 1: Answer to Question 1
• Body 2: First part of answer to Question 2
• Body 3: Second part of answer to Question 2

However, you must still ensure that Question 1 receives adequate treatment.

---

Writing the Introduction

Your introduction should:

1. Paraphrase the topic
2. Give a brief indication of your answer to both questions

Model Introduction

It is undeniable that top athletes and sportspeople command salaries that far exceed those of professionals in fields such as medicine and education. This disparity exists primarily due to the enormous revenues generated by the global sports industry, and while it may seem unjust, I believe it is largely a neutral economic reality rather than a wholly negative development.

Notice how this introduction addresses both questions: why it happens (revenue) and whether it is positive or negative (neutral economic reality).

Common Introduction Mistakes

• Only addressing one of the two questions
• Being so vague that the examiner cannot tell what your answers are
• Writing a lengthy background that does not address either question

---

Body Paragraph 1: Answering the First Question

Apply the same PEEL structure you use in other essay types.

Model Paragraph (Why do sports professionals earn so much?)

The primary reason for the vast earnings of elite sportspeople is the commercial value of professional sport. Major football leagues, tennis tournaments, and Olympic events attract billions of viewers worldwide, generating enormous revenues through broadcasting rights, sponsorship deals, and merchandising. Athletes are at the centre of this industry, and their salaries reflect the revenue they help to generate, much as leading actors earn substantial fees because their presence attracts audiences and investment. Furthermore, the career span of a professional athlete is typically very short — often fewer than fifteen years — which means that their high earnings must sustain them long after retirement. When viewed in this context, the apparent disparity is at least partially justified by market forces.

Key Points for Body Paragraph 1

• Answer the first question directly in your topic sentence
• Provide at least two reasons or explanations
• Use specific examples or comparisons
• Ensure everything in this paragraph relates to the first question only

---

Body Paragraph 2: Answering the Second Question

Your second body paragraph addresses the second question with equal depth.

Model Paragraph (Is this a positive or negative development?)