Writing Task 2 · Two-question essays (standard) · Lesson 7 of 12
Two-question essays (standard)
Some questions ask two things and do not ask for your opinion. Learn how to answer both parts fully, one body paragraph each.
In this lesson you will
- recognise a two-part question with no opinion
- answer both parts fully, one body paragraph each
- write an introduction that outlines the essay
- write a conclusion that summarises both answers
Step 1
Recognise the question type
Some questions ask you to do two things, such as Discuss the advantages and disadvantages, or two direct questions like Why…? What…? If neither part asks for your opinion, you simply answer both parts.
Due to advances in technology, working from home has become more popular.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of working from home.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
| You must… | You must not… |
|---|---|
|
|
Check your understanding
- Does this question ask for your opinion?
- What happens if you only discuss the advantages?
Step 2
Plan the essay
Follow the four planning steps from Lesson 1.
- Paraphraseworking from home → home-based work · more popular → increasingly common · due to advances in technology → as a result of developments in technology · advantages and disadvantages → merits and drawbacks
- Identify the typeTwo-part question: discuss advantages, then disadvantages. No opinion needed.
- Brainstorm+ higher productivity · + saves time · − hard to stay motivated · − communication is more difficult
- StructureIntroduction → Body 1: advantages → Body 2: disadvantages → Conclusion (summary)
Paraphrase: match the words
How did the model answer paraphrase the words from the question?
- working from home
- more popular
- Due to
- advances in technology
- advantages and disadvantages
Put the paragraphs in order
Use the arrows to put the paragraph plan in the correct order.
- Conclusion: summarise the advantages and the disadvantages
- Body 1: two advantages (productivity, saving time)
- Body 2: two disadvantages (motivation, communication)
- Introduction: paraphrase + outline of the essay
Step 3
Model answer
Read the model answer. The colours show what each sentence does.
IntroductionHome-based work has become increasingly common as a result of developments in technology. This essay discusses the main merits and drawbacks of this way of working.
Body paragraph 1Working from home has two main advantages. First, it can lead to higher productivity, because it removes the distractions of an office environment. For instance, when working from home, I am not interrupted by co-workers stopping by my desk to ask unnecessary questions. Second, it saves a great deal of time, as no time is wasted travelling to and from an office. As a result, people have more time for activities outside work.
Body paragraph 2However, there are also drawbacks. The most significant is that it can be difficult to stay motivated. This is because there is no manager present to supervise employees. For example, I sometimes waste time browsing the Internet because nobody can see what I am doing. Another limitation is that communication between colleagues is more challenging. Because they do not meet face to face and must communicate online, misunderstandings are more likely.
ConclusionIn conclusion, the main advantages of working from home are greater productivity and the time saved on commuting, while the main disadvantages are lower motivation and less effective communication.
- position
- topic sentence
- explanation
- example
Notice: the introduction outlines the essay instead of giving an opinion (highlighted in yellow), and the conclusion summarises both parts. The question didn't ask for an opinion, so none is given.
Related type: problem and solution questions (What are the causes? What can be done?) are organised in a similar way, one paragraph for each question. They have their own lesson: Lesson 8.
What does each sentence do?
Choose the function of each sentence from the model answer.
- “Home-based work has become increasingly common as a result of developments in technology.”
- “This essay discusses the main merits and drawbacks of this way of working.”
- “However, there are also drawbacks. The most significant is that it can be difficult to stay motivated.”
- “For example, I sometimes waste time browsing the Internet because nobody can see what I am doing.”
- “In conclusion, the main advantages of working from home are greater productivity and the time saved on commuting…”
Step 4
Useful language
Signal clearly which part of the question each paragraph answers.
| Purpose | Language |
|---|---|
| Outline the essay | This essay discusses the merits and drawbacks of… · This essay will examine why… and what… |
| Introduce points | There are two main reasons / advantages… · First, … Furthermore, … |
| Move to the second part | However, there are also drawbacks to this. · The most significant is that… · Another limitation is that… |
| Explain | This is because … · This is due to … · The main reason for this is that … |
| Summarise | In conclusion, the advantages of… are that… The disadvantages are that… |
Complete the sentences from the model
Type the missing word or phrase. Then check against the model answer.
- This essay the main merits and drawbacks of this way of working.
- Working from home has two main .
- However, there are also .
- The most is that it can be difficult to stay motivated.
- Another is that communication between colleagues is more challenging.
Answer both parts
- The practice question asks: “Why might this be the case? What could be the disadvantages?” Which plan answers both parts?
- What should the conclusion of a standard two-question essay do?
Step 5
Your turn: practice task
Use the same four steps to plan and write your own essay. Save your work and send it to your tutor for feedback.
Nowadays many people choose to be self-employed, rather than work for a company or organisation.
Why might this be the case? What could be the disadvantages of being self-employed?
Plan and write
- 1. Paraphrase the first sentence of the question:
- 2. Identify the type. What must your essay do?
- 3. Brainstorm (+ / −) and choose your two best ideas:
- 4. Structure. What will each paragraph say?
- Write your essay (at least 250 words, about 40 minutes):
- Does your introduction outline both parts of the essay?
- Body 1 answers question 1 (why)?
- Body 2 answers question 2 (disadvantages)?
- Does your conclusion summarise both answers?
- At least 250 words?
Model answers and lesson materials by Tips4IELTS.