Writing Task 2: Two-Part (Direct) Question Essay: IELTS Academic 9990 (IELTS Academic)
Syllabus W.task2 · Strand 3 Writing
- Questions
- 10
- Total marks
- 40
- Tier mix
- 10 Core
0 of 10 questions completed
Syllabus coverage
- W.task2 10 questions completed
A two-part question prompt poses two specific questions on a shared topic (for example, asking why a trend is happening and whether it is a positive or negative development) rather than presenting a single statement to agree or disagree with. Because Task Response is judged on how fully each question is answered, the essay should devote clearly identifiable space to each part, typically one or two body paragraphs per question, rather than blending both into a single general discussion that never directly answers either one.
The introduction should paraphrase both questions so the examiner can see they have been understood as distinct, and the conclusion should briefly summarise the answer given to each, since an essay that answers only one of the two questions well cannot achieve a high Task Response score regardless of the quality of its language. Examples used to support one part should be clearly relevant to that part rather than reused loosely across both.
Question 1
In many countries, a growing share of clothing, furniture and household electronics is now bought second-hand rather than new, through dedicated resale shops, charity shops and online marketplaces.
Why is this happening? Is it a positive or negative development?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Question 2
In several developed countries, the proportion of 17- to 25-year-olds who hold a full driving licence has fallen steadily over the past two decades, even though overall car ownership among older adults has remained high.
What are the reasons for this? Do you think it is a good thing?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Question 3
In many countries, the proportion of meals eaten alone, rather than with family, friends or colleagues, has risen substantially over the past two decades, even among people who share a home with others.
Why is this happening? Is it a positive or negative development?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Question 4
In many countries, growing numbers of adults in their thirties, forties and fifties are enrolling in university degrees, professional qualifications or other formal courses, often many years after they first left full-time education.
What are the reasons for this? Do you think it is a good thing?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Question 5
In many countries, the average length of time people keep their smartphones and laptops before replacing them has increased significantly over the past decade, even though manufacturers continue to release new models every year.
Why is this happening? Is it a positive or negative development?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Question 6
In many countries, growing numbers of people are staying in paid employment well beyond the traditional retirement age, whether by choice or by necessity.
Why is this happening? Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Question 7
Across many cities, a growing number of families are choosing to live in smaller houses or apartments than earlier generations typically occupied, even when they could afford a larger property.
Why are families increasingly choosing to live in smaller homes? Is this a positive or negative development?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Question 8
In recent years, people have become increasingly willing to share detailed accounts of their meals, opinions, holidays and personal milestones on social media, often within minutes of the event itself.
Why do people increasingly share details of their daily lives online? Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Question 9
In numerous countries, the proportion of households that keep a cat, dog or other companion animal has climbed noticeably over the past ten years.
Why are more households choosing to keep a pet? Is this a positive or negative development?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Question 10
Recent surveys in several countries indicate that fewer adults are taking part in organised team sports such as football, basketball or hockey than in previous decades, even though most still say they value physical exercise.
Why is participation in team sports declining among adults? Is this a positive or negative development?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.