Task 212 questions
Two-part question questions.
How this type works
A two-part question (sometimes called a direct question) asks two related questions you must both answer fully. The examiner penalises essays that address only one part, so give each its own developed paragraph. The prompts below each contain two distinct questions; plan an answer to both before you start writing.
Task 2🆕 MediaTwo-part question
“In their advertising, businesses nowadays usually emphasise that their products are new in some way. Why is this? Do you think it is a positive or negative development?”
Prep ⏱ Attempt
Task 2🏡 Society & CultureTwo-part question
“In some countries, more and more people are becoming interested in finding out about the history of the house or building they live in. What are the reasons for this? How can people research this?”
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Task 2🔄 Work & CareerTwo-part question
“Today's young workers change careers more often than previous generations. What are the causes, and is this a positive or negative trend?”
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Task 2🥩 EnvironmentTwo-part question
“Some argue that reducing meat consumption is essential for the environment. Do you agree, and what can governments do?”
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Task 2🎓 EducationTwo-part question
“A university degree no longer guarantees a good job. Do you agree, and what should young people do instead?”
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Task 2🌍 Society & CultureTwo-part question
“People spend less time with extended family. Why is this happening, and is it a positive or negative change?”
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Task 2👶 Family & ChildrenTwo-part question
“In many countries, more couples are choosing to have only one child. What are the causes, and is this a positive or negative trend?”
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Task 2📸 MediaTwo-part question
“Magazines and websites devoted to celebrities are everywhere. Why is this so popular, and is it a positive or negative trend?”
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Task 2🏖️ Travel & TourismTwo-part question
“More people are choosing holidays in their own country rather than travelling abroad. Why is this happening, and is it a positive or negative trend?”
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Task 2🌿 HealthTwo-part question
“Some people prefer traditional or alternative medicine over conventional treatment. What are the reasons for this, and is it a positive or negative trend?”
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Task 2📱 TechnologyTwo-part question
“Some children spend hours every day on their smartphones. Why is this the case? Do you think this is a positive or a negative development?”
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Task 2🏠 Urban LifeTwo-part question
“In some countries, owning a home rather than renting one is very important for people. Why might this be the case? Do you think this is a positive or negative situation?”
Prep ⏱ Attempt
❓ FAQ
About two-part question questions
- How often does a Two-part question question appear in IELTS Task 2?
- It's one of the recognised Task 2 formats, so it's fair game on test day — but you can't reliably predict which one you'll be given. Treat every format as likely and practise across all of them rather than betting on a single type.
- Should I memorise a template for Two-part question questions?
- Learn the shape, not a script. A reliable structure for two-part question questions saves planning time, but a memorised essay bolted onto the wrong prompt is penalised. Adapt the structure to the exact question in front of you.
- How is a Two-part question answer marked?
- Against the four official IELTS Writing criteria — task response, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy. Getting the format right mainly protects your task response score; the other three come down to your language.
- How many Two-part question questions should I practise?
- Enough to make the format automatic, then stop drilling it in isolation. Once you can structure a two-part question response without thinking, your time is better spent on the language criteria that actually move your band.