Kavya from Kochi wrote 200 words explaining why people spend hours scrolling through social media, but left only two sentences for its consequences. Half the question received half an answer, which limits Task Response.

An IELTS two-part question essay means treating both questions with equal weight. Address both in your introduction, dedicate one body paragraph to each question, and begin each paragraph with a topic sentence that directly answers that question.

Practice question: Many people now spend several hours a day on social media. Why do people spend so much time on social media? What effects does this have on their lives?

How to Spot a Two-Part Question

Look for two question marks after the statement. These questions ask for direct answers rather than an agree-or-disagree stance.

In hybrid questions where Question 2 asks whether a trend is positive or negative, take a clear position, as shown in the guide to positive or negative development essays. To read questions systematically, see how to analyse the question.

The Four-Paragraph Skeleton: Equal Weight for Both Parts

Organise your response into four paragraphs:

  • Introduction (40–55 words): Paraphrase the question and answer both parts.
  • Body 1 (100–130 words): Answer Question 1 with supporting reasons and an example.
  • Body 2 (100–130 words): Answer Question 2 with explanation and an example.
  • Conclusion (30–45 words): Reiterate both answers without new ideas.

Leaving one question underdeveloped is typical of Band 6 Task Response. Keep both body paragraphs roughly equal, following the guide to body paragraphs.

Topic Sentences That Mirror the Question

Begin each body paragraph with a topic sentence answering that question directly:

Incorrect: Social media is a fascinating phenomenon that influences daily routines across modern societies.

Correct: Users stay online for hours mainly because the platforms are designed to hold their attention.

The improved sentence answers the first question directly.

Incorrect: There are also various effects of this habit that will be discussed.

Correct: Heavy social media use also affects people’s lives, particularly their sleep and their face-to-face relationships.

The revised sentence names the effects immediately, giving the paragraph a clear central topic.

Model Introduction and Body Openers

Model Introduction and Body Openers (Band 7+)

A large number of people now devote several hours of every day to social networking sites. This is largely because interactive feeds give users tailored content, instant emotional rewards and constant stimulation, and the effects on their lives can include disrupted sleep and weaker face-to-face relationships.

Users stay online for hours mainly because the platforms are designed to hold their attention. Algorithms continually present tailored content, and notifications and messages give instant feedback that draws users back to their screens throughout the day.

The effects on people’s lives can be seen in their sleep and in their relationships. Using a phone late into the evening can delay sleep, and tired users often find it harder to concentrate the next day.

Why It Works

  • Task Response: The introduction answers both questions in one thesis sentence, and each opener answers its own question.
  • Coherence and Cohesion: Each opener states its topic in the first sentence: reasons in Body 1, effects in Body 2.
  • Lexical Resource: Natural collocations: “tailored content”, “instant feedback”, “disrupted sleep”.

Tip

Write your thesis in two halves, one per question: the reason (“largely because…”) and the effect (“the effects can include…”).

Common Two-Part Traps to Avoid

Incorrect: I completely agree that social media is having a terrible effect on people around the world.

Correct: While individuals join social networks seeking connection, excessive use can lead to isolation and sedentary habits.

The question asks for reasons and effects, not for agreement.

Incorrect: There are many reasons for this habit, which also causes numerous severe problems in modern society.

Correct: People spend hours online because of constant notifications, which can reduce their productivity at work.

Name a direct cause and a concrete consequence in your thesis instead of vague placeholders.

Try It

Practice question: More adults are choosing to live alone than in the past. Why is this happening? Is it a positive or negative development?

Write the thesis sentence and both topic sentences, including a clear position on the second question.

Show sample answer
  • Thesis sentence: Adults increasingly live alone because higher incomes grant financial independence, a shift that is largely positive as it fosters personal autonomy.
  • Topic sentence 1 (Reasons): The growth in solo living is driven by career mobility and higher earnings, enabling individuals to rent their own flats.
  • Topic sentence 2 (Evaluation): On balance, this trend represents a positive development because managing a household alone builds self-reliance.

Key Takeaways

  • Identify the two questions marked by question marks before planning.
  • Answer both questions directly in a two-part introduction thesis statement.
  • Allocate one body paragraph to each question with balanced length.
  • Begin each body paragraph with a topic sentence answering that question.

The bottom line: To answer a two-part question fully, give each question its own body paragraph and open it with a topic sentence that answers it directly.