direct question essays ielts

IELTS Charlie

Your Guide to IELTS Band 7

IELTS Direct Question Essay: tips, common mistakes, questions & essays

In this lesson we are going to look at how to answer an IELTS Direct Question essay.

You will learn about this  IELTS Writing Task 2  essay, using  authentic IELTS essay questions , plus the most common mistakes. And I will finish with an  IELTS model essay  written by me in response to a  sample IELTS essay question . So let’s get started!

What Is Your Task?

In this IELTS question type, you are usually asked 2 questions. Your task is to simply answer these questions!

Often, one or both of the 2 questions come from one of the other 4 question types, so you might be asked to say whether you agree or disagree, or to discuss the disadvantages of something, or to suggest some solutions.

So it’s really important to read the question carefully!

Here is an example direct questions essay task:

Some people spend most of their lives living close to where they were born. 

What might be the reasons for this? 

What are the advantages and disadvantages? 

Cambridge IELTS 16 General Training Test 3

As you can see, this task has 2 questions. The 2nd question is about advantages and disadvantages, so the task takes the 2nd question from one of the other essay question types.

How To Plan An IELTS Direct Question Essay

If you are aiming for a high band score (band 7 and above) it is absolutely vital that you plan your essay. A good plan will help you to see if you have answered the question, developed your ideas and organised them BEFORE you start writing.

We’re going to plan an essay using my  4 Step Planning Process .

Step 1: Understand The Task

First, you need to make sure you understand exactly what you need to write about. So you need to read the question carefully, not quickly!

Think about these three questions:

What is the topic about?

What is the topic NOT about?

How should you respond to the topic?

Let’s go back to this essay question, and answer those 3 questions:

• The topic is about people who live near to the village / town of their birth for most of their lives.
• (The word “birthplace” implies the village /  town of their birth, NOT the country of their birth.)
• It’s not about people who live ALL their lives near their birthplace.
• Because “birthplace” implies a village / town / city, it’s not about people who rarely go outside their country.
• The two questions, “what might be the reasons for this?” and “what are the advantages and disadvantages” tell you how to respond to the topic. So make sure you answer these questions in your plan.
• Many students might forget to answer the first question, and just write about the advantages and disadvantages. This will limit your band score for Task Response to Band 5.

Step 2: Decide Your Position

Next, you need to decide your position. In other words, you need to decide what you think.

In a direct questions essay, your position is your answers to the two questions .

So in our example above, your position is your answer to the 2 questions:

• what might be the reasons for people spending most of their lives near their birthplace?
• what are the advantages and disadvantages of spending most of your life near your birthplace?

Step 3: Extend Your Ideas

When you decided your position, you may have started thinking about the reasons for your position, the reasons for your answer. In other words, WHY are you taking this view?

Giving reasons for your view is essential in an IELTS essay. In fact, all IELTS questions tell you to “give reasons for your answer”. So in Step 3, you need to think about your reasons a little more.

However, just presenting your  reasons is not enough. You need to develop them.

The two best ways of developing your ideas is by:

• giving explanations of what you mean
• giving specific examples which illustrate what you mean

Together, these add more detail to your answer.

You MUST do this to get Band 7. If you fail to develop your ideas in detail, your band score for Task Response may be limited to Band 6.

Read more about how to develop your ideas in an IELTS essay.

Step 4: Structure Your Essay

The final step in the planning process is to structure your essay. This simply means deciding which main ideas to put in which paragraphs.

I would recommend a simple structure like this:

• Paragraph 1: introduce the essay
• Paragraph 2: discuss your answer to the 1st question
• Paragraph 3: discuss your answer to the 2nd question
• Paragraph 4: summarise your ideas.

How To Write Your IELTS Direct Question Essay

Let’s go through how to write the different parts of the essay.

How To Write The Introduction

In the introduction to an IELTS Direct Questions essay, you need to do two things:

• briefly introduce the topic of the essay
• briefly say what you are going to write about

Introduce The Topic

You should begin with a background sentence which introduces your reader to the topic of the essay. The best way to do this is to paraphrase the topic statement.

How To Paraphrase

Think about the meaning of the topic statement, and briefly rewrite it using your own words. Try not to use the same grammatical structures as in the essay question, and try to move language around. In other words, be flexible. This is important if you are aiming for a Band 7 or higher.

In the example essay question above, the topic statement said:

“Some people spend most of their lives living close to where they were born.”

Here is one way of paraphrasing this:

“Despite opportunities to travel widely in the modern world, many people still live most of their lives not far from their birthplace.”

This sentence has a similar meaning as the original sentence, but uses different vocabulary and different grammatical structures.

Say What You Are Going To Write About

In an IELTS Direct Questions essays, it’s a good idea to briefly say what you are going to write about – in other words, say that you are going to answer the two questions.

In our example essay above, we need to answer two questions:

• What might be the reasons for this?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages?

So I could write:

“This essay will consider the reasons for this tendency, along with the possible benefits and drawbacks.”

How To Write The Body Paragraphs

In an IELTS Direct Questions essay, you simply need to answer the questions in the body paragraphs.

Write the answer to each question in a separate paragraph.

Direct questions essays can vary quite a lot, so you need to be flexible in your paragraphing.

In our example essay, the two questions are:

So, the first body paragraphs could contain:

• A reason why people live most of their lives near their birthplace
• A more detailed explanation of this reason
• An example which illustrates this reason
• You can also include a 2nd reason in the same paragraph.

The second body paragraph could contain:

• One advantage of living most of their life near their birthplace
• A more detailed explanation of this advantage
• An example which illustrates this advantage

You could include a disadvantage in the same paragraph, but I would personally write it in a separate paragraph:

• One disadvantage of living most of their life near their birthplace
• A more detailed explanation of this disadvantage
• An example which illustrates this disadvantage

(You probably only have enough time to write one advantage and one disadvantage in this essay, because you also have to write about the reasons for living in one place.)

You can read more about  developing your ideas here .

How To Write The Conclusion

In the conclusion to an IELTS Direct Questions essay, you need to do one thing:

• summarise your main points

Do NOT write any new ideas in your conclusion. If you think of new ideas while writing your conclusion, forget them! It’s too late.

Common Mistakes in an IELTS Direct Question Essay

These are the most common mistakes made by Test Takers when writing an IELTS Direct Questions essay:

• not reading the question carefully enough. The questions in these essay types can vary a lot, so don’t read the questions quickly. Read them carefully.
• Writing an overly general statement about the topic in the introduction (e.g. Education is a topic of hot debate.
• Your main ideas are not explained and illustrated enough. You need to develop all of your ideas to get a band 7 and higher.
• Using memorised phrases (e.g. “a hot topic”, “in a nutshell”, “pros and cons”)
• Using “research studies” as examples: examples should illustrate your ideas, not prove them. Read about  how to use examples in IELTS essays .
• Trying to use rare or “novel” language: examiners are looking for groups of words used naturally, not rare words.

Sample IELTS Direct Question Essay Questions

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?

(Cambridge IELTS 16 Academic Test 1)

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?

(Cambridge IELTS 16 Academic Test 2)

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?

( Cambridge IELTS 15 Academic Test 1 )

In many countries today, crime novels and TV crime dramas are becoming more and more popular. Why do you think these books and TV shows are popular? What is your opinion of crime fiction and TV crime dramas?

(Cambridge IELTS 15 General Training Test 1)

Model IELTS Direct Question Essays

Here is an IELTS Direction Questions Essay that I wrote in response to this task:

In many countries today, crime novels and TV crime dramas are becoming more and more popular.

Why do you think these books and TV shows are popular?

What is your opinion of crime fiction and TV crime dramas?

Stories about criminal activity, both fictional and real-life, have become increasingly popular over the last few decades. There are many possible reasons for this, but the two primary ones that I can think of are the underlying desire of people to see good overcome evil, and a fascination with criminal lifestyles.

Almost all stories about crime, whether in print or on TV, are about good people, such as detectives and law-abiding civilians, triumphing over bad people, namely criminals. We often see this in fictional detective stories, where an otherwise ordinary person uses their intellect and skill to identify evil criminal masterminds. A good example of this is Miss Marple, an elderly woman who always manages to track down and apprehend evil criminals.

A second reason is that people have a fascination with the lives of criminals. Perhaps this is to do with people’s need for escapism. One of the most popular crime dramas in the UK of the last 20 years was ‘Legend’, a dramatisation of the lives of the Kray Twins, two violent London gang leaders of the 1960s. The film, which I watched on TV, portrayed their violent behaviour, along with their opulent and chaotic lifestyles, and I do feel that people find this compelling viewing, despite how it shows evil people succeeding.

Personally, unless it is related to real-life stories, I have little interest in either crime fiction or crime drama. I find their plots too repetitive. With true crime stories, however, I can learn something about social history and psychology. Why, for example, do people turn to lives of crime? Is it simply for money, or are they motivated by power as well? And what causes people to join gangs and follow people like the Krays? These are all interesting questions.

In summary, a desire to see good triumph over evil, along with a fascination with evil, are two reasons I think underlie the popularity of crime stories, but my interest in them is mainly limited to dramatisations of real lives.

(335 words)

Read my full plan and comments for this essay.

More IELTS Direct Question Sample Essays

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Direct Question Essay in IELTS: Everything You Need to Know

• Updated on  
• May 24, 2024

Direct Question Essay IELTS: The IELTS Writing Task 2 demands test takers to write cohesive, nuanced, and insightful essays. This section includes a diverse spectrum of essay types, such as opinion pieces, problem-solution analyses, and advantage/disadvantage examinations. Notably, the Direct Question Essay, characterized by its explicit and directive nature, demands a clear and concise response within a 250-word limit. To know more about IELTS direct question essays, read the entire blog. 

This Blog Includes:

Introduction paragraph, body paragraph 1, body paragraph 2, conclusion paragraph, task achievement , lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, maintain coherence, most common ielts direct essay sample questions, ielts direct question essay samples , 5+ tips for direct question essay ielts, ielts direct question essay: exam pattern 2024.

Sticking to the expected structure in IELTS direct question essays is crucial to avoid losing points and improve your chances of scoring better. Refer to the data given below to get a better understanding of the structure of IELTS Direct Question Essays. 

Always start your essay with a concise, articulated and punchy introduction. Intros that pack a punch can rope in a lot of eyeballs and encourage them to read further. Begin with a succinct yet insightful phrasing of the assigned prompt, then offer a taste of the key arguments you’ll elaborate upon in the subsequent paragraphs. 

Directly address the first question in the opening paragraph with a clear and comprehensive response. 

In this paragraph, feel free to explore your second or third questions, bolstering your arguments with illustrative examples for greater clarity and impact.

Sum up your entire essay in this paragraph. Ensure that you have included all the major points in this part of the essay. 

Direct Essay Questions IELTS: Scoring Criteria

The IELTS Direct Essay Questions are evaluated on the following factors: 

Your essay should answer all the questions asked on the topic. You should use linkers and examples to make your essay more cohesive, comprehensible and impactful. 

Diversify your lexical choices to enhance the persuasiveness and sophistication of your written arguments.

Evaluate your essay for grammatical inconsistencies that might detract from its persuasiveness and accuracy.

Your IELTS Direct Question Essay should be coherent and comprehensible to the readers. It must be segregated into concise and articulated paragraphs that are easy to read and comprehend.

Here are the most common IELTS Direct Essay Sample Questions. 

Refer to the following samples to get a solid idea about IELTS direct question essays and how to answer them. 

Q: Online shopping is significantly increasing. What impact does this have on people, what are the disadvantages, and what are the job opportunities?

Ans: The internet’s discovery has transformed numerous facets of people’s lives, giving rise to online shopping and sparking significant societal changes. While it delivers numerous benefits, it also introduces disadvantages that warrant discussion.

One of the main disadvantages of online shopping is that it lacks a tangible experience as consumers can not touch, feel, or try the items they are purchasing beforehand. It not only causes dissatisfaction but has also increased return rates. In addition to this, the impersonal nature of online shopping has led to poor customer service. Apart from this, another significant concern of people is the risk of fraud and identity theft that it carries. With the growing prevalence of online transactions, consumers face a heightened risk of compromising their personal and financial information.

Despite these challenges, the rise of online shopping has created numerous job opportunities. The e-commerce industry is booming and requires a wide range of skills such as web development, digital marketing, logistics, and customer service. Due to this, new jobs have been created, allowing individuals to start their businesses. Furthermore, the need for improved cybersecurity has led to an increase in demand for this field. In today’s fast-paced world, businesses are emphasizing safeguarding their customers’ data and ensuring a secure online shopping experience, making cybersecurity an essential and integral part of the e-commerce industry.

In conclusion, although online shopping comes with a share of drawbacks, it also brings opportunities for various employment prospects. It is crucial for both consumers and businesses to effectively tackle these challenges while capitalizing on the opportunities provided by this expanding industry.

Q: Fast food is a part of life in many places. Some people think this has bad effects on lifestyle and diets. How is the consumption of fast food bad for people? Why should one avoid fast food? 

Ans : The omnipresence of fast food in today’s society is undeniable, as it has become an integral part of every individual’s life worldwide. However, fast food’s detrimental effects on our lifestyle and diet are unmistakable, and I wholeheartedly agree with this viewpoint for several reasons.

Fast food is often high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and calories while providing very few nutrients. If someone consumes it regularly, there is a high probability that it can lead to obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and other health-related problems. It is concerning as in the present scenario many countries are facing high rates of childhood obesity cases. In addition to this, the convenience of fast food has encouraged a sedentary lifestyle. Daily consumers tend to invest less time in preparing home-cooked meals and participating in physical fitness activities, contributing to social isolation. This lifestyle shift can have adverse effects on people’s overall well-being.

Moreover, fast food promotes overconsumption through clever marketing strategies. For instance, the ubiquitous practice of offering “value meals” with larger portions at only a slightly higher cost may entice customers to opt for larger servings than they need. Coupled with the addictive appeal of certain fast food ingredients, such as the high levels of salt, sugar, and fat, this marketing approach can significantly contribute to overeating and, consequently, weight gain.

In conclusion, while fast food may be an enticing option for many individuals, it comes with adverse impacts on health and overall lifestyle. Therefore, people need to make conscious decisions regarding their food consumption, and governments should actively play a pivotal role in promoting healthy eating habits. This may involve enacting regulations on fast food advertising, providing education, and encouraging physical activity.

Here are the top tips for direct question essays in IELTS writing task 2. Refer to them to bolster your chances of scoring better in IELTS writing. 

• Take a good look at the test questions before diving in. It’ll save you time and frustration in the long run, and make sure you’re answering what the examiners want to know.
• You should keep a formal tone while writing direct-question essays in IELTS writing task 2. 
• Individuals must stick to the given word limit. Exceeding the word limit can cause you to lose marks and time. Write your essay with a word count of at least 250-270 words. 
• Set a time restriction during your preparation to enhance your overall speed and accuracy. During your actual exam, you will get around 40 minutes to write a direct-question essay. Therefore, practising under time constraints can help you get accustomed to the actual time crunch you’ll face during the test. 
• A proper content structure must be followed, i.e., begin with an introduction paragraph, a two-body paragraph and end the essay with a concise conclusion.  
• Make your intro concise and to the point. In other words, keep them tight, clear, and accurate to the topic. 
• The main body paragraphs of your essay should answer the questions asked in the question.
• Refined writing with proper grammar and vocabulary makes a big impression and showcases your language proficiency. 

So that was all about IELTS direct essay questions. Hope the blog has answered your queries regarding the topic.

Ans. The IELTS direct-question essay is divided into an introduction, two body paragraphs and a conclusion. 

Ans. Test takers can use a range of linkers, adverbial phrases, references, and punctuations to bolster their overall scores in IELTS writing. 

Ans. The IELTS Writing Task 2 requires individuals to complete the task within 40 minutes. 

Visit the Leverage Live page of Leverage edu or contact our study abroad experts at 1800-57-2000 to strengthen your scores and application to secure your spot in your dream college. 

Shubham Das

Shubham Das has been working as an educational content writer for the past two years and has a background in filmmaking & screenplay/ teleplay writing. He is fascinated by the human psyche, literature and cinema.

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Direct Question Essay in IELTS: Structure and Examples

• Last Updated On July 29, 2024
• Published In IELTS Preparation 💻

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the globally recognised English proficiency exams. It is designed to assess the language skills of non-native English speakers.  With over 3 million tests taken annually, it is accepted by more than 12,000 organisations worldwide, including universities, employers, and immigration authorities. In the IELTS Writing section, two tasks test different aspects of writing ability- Task 1 and Task 2- which we will explain in detail later .  The Direct Question Essay in IELTS is a crucial component of the IELTS Writing Task 2 , often challenging you to address specific inquiries directly. Understanding this essay type is essential for achieving a high band score, as it assesses your ability to construct well-organised arguments and provide insightful responses to given prompts. 

Table of Content

This blog delves into the definition, structure, and strategies for mastering Direct Question Essays structure, offering valuable insights and examples to guide you in your IELTS preparation.

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Before getting started, let’s take you through the key details.

Task 1 and Task 2 in IELTS 

The IELTS Writing section is a critical component of the exam, challenging candidates to demonstrate their proficiency in different types of writing. Each task has its unique requirements and focuses on distinct skills, making it essential to understand the nuances of both tasks for effective preparation. The tasks also differ in the Academic and General Training version of the IELTS test. Let’s walk you through the differences between the two tasks.

IELTS Academic Writing Tasks

Another important factor to keep in mind is that Task 1 and Task 2 under Academic Writing also differ. Now, let’s show you the differences so you can ace your exam!

Objectives and Examples of Tasks 1 and 2 Academic IELTS Task 1 (Academic) aims to assess your ability to identify key features, trends, and significant data in visual representations like graphs, charts, and tables. You are expected to describe the information accurately, highlight important trends, and compare and contrast data points where relevant.

For example, if you are given a line graph showing population growth in different countries over time, your task would be to describe the overall population growth trend, identify any significant fluctuations or patterns, and compare the growth rates between countries if applicable.

On the other hand, IELTS Task 2 (Academic) aims to evaluate your ability to present a clear and relevant argument, support it with evidence and examples, and demonstrate coherent and cohesive writing skills. You will be given a topic or statement and asked to discuss it from multiple perspectives, presenting both sides of the argument and providing your opinion or stance.

For instance, a Task 2 prompt could ask you to discuss both sides of an argument about whether governments should spend more on education. Here, you would need to present arguments supporting increased government spending on education and arguments against it, backed by evidence and examples. Additionally, you would offer your opinion while ensuring your essay is well-structured, coherent, and logically developed.

IELTS General Training Writing Tasks

Did you know that Task 1 and task 2 under General Training differ on the basis of what is supposed to be done, the word count and also the time duration? Let’s take you through the differences.

Objectives and Examples of Task 1 and 2 General Training

The IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 aims to communicate practical information, request information, or explain a situation through a letter. 

For example, you might be asked to write a letter to a friend inviting them to visit and explain the details of their stay. This involves giving clear and concise information about the visit, such as dates, accommodation, activities planned, and any other relevant details to ensure your friend has a good understanding of what to expect. It’s essential to use a polite and friendly tone and structure your letter in a coherent and organised manner.

In IELTS General Training Writing Task 2, the objective is to present and justify an opinion, compare and contrast evidence, and demonstrate coherent and cohesive writing.  

For instance, you might be asked to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of living in a big city. This task requires you to consider both sides of the argument, provide examples and evidence to support your points and organise your essay logically and clearly. You should aim to write in a balanced and objective way, showing your ability to construct a well-reasoned argument and to link your ideas effectively.

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Types of IELTS Essays for Writing Task 2 Topics

You may encounter different essay prompts in the IELTS Writing Task 2. Understanding these types is crucial for crafting well-structured responses. Most IELTS test-takers also believe that familiarising themselves with essay types significantly improves their writing scores. Understanding these types helps structure responses effectively. Here are the common types:

• Description : These essays ask you to agree or disagree with a statement or to what extent you agree/disagree.
• Example : “To what extent do you agree or disagree with the statement: ‘Technology has made our lives more complex.'”
• Description : These require you to discuss two opposing views and give your own opinion.
• Example : “Some people believe that higher education should be free for everyone, while others think students should pay for their studies. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
• Description : These ask you to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a particular issue.
• Example : “What are the advantages and disadvantages of using public transportation?”
• Description : These require you to identify problems related to a particular issue and propose solutions.
• Example : “What are the major environmental issues facing the world today, and what measures can be taken to address them?”
• Description : These essays ask a direct question and expect a specific answer.
• Example: “The use of social media has grown significantly in recent years. What impact does this have on relationships and communication?”

Now, let’s walk you step by step through the important aspects of the Direct Question Essay in IELTS.

What is Direct Question Essay in IELTS?

In the context of IELTS, a Direct Question Essay requires you to respond to one or more questions in the prompt. 

Unlike other essay types, such as opinion or discussion essays, the Direct Question Essay in IELTS demands a focused response that comprehensively addresses each part of the question. This essay type tests your ability to provide clear, coherent, and relevant answers, showcasing your language proficiency and critical thinking skills.

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Importance of direct question essay in ielts writing task 2.

Direct Question Essay in IELTS plays a significant role in IELTS Writing Task 2, often appearing in exams. 

It evaluates your ability to understand and interpret questions accurately, structure your responses logically, and support your arguments with relevant examples. 

Achieving proficiency in this essay type can significantly impact your overall writing score, making it a vital area of preparation for IELTS candidates.

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Sample Questions and Approaches

Understanding how to approach different Direct Question Essay IELTS topics can significantly enhance your preparation. This section provides sample questions and outlines model answer approaches to guide you.

Sample Question and Answer on the Importance of Practical Skills in Education

Sample Question : Some people believe that practical skills are more important than theoretical knowledge in education. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Provide examples to support your opinion.

Model Answer Outline :

• Introduction: Paraphrase the question, provide background information on practical skills vs. theoretical knowledge, and state the thesis.
• Body Paragraph 1: Discuss the importance of practical skills, providing examples from vocational training.
• Body Paragraph 2: Highlight the role of theoretical knowledge, giving examples from academic disciplines.
• Conclusion: Summarise the main points and reiterate the balanced view on the importance of both practical skills and theoretical knowledge.

SAMPLE ANSWER Practical Skills vs. Theoretical Knowledge in Education

The debate over whether practical skills or theoretical knowledge are more important in education has been a longstanding one. Some people believe that practical skills are more beneficial, while others argue that theoretical knowledge forms the backbone of education. In this essay, I will explore both perspectives and argue that a balanced approach, incorporating both practical skills and theoretical knowledge, is essential for a comprehensive education.

Importance of Practical Skills

From my experience, practical skills are crucial because they prepare individuals for real-world applications. Vocational training, for example, focuses on hands-on experience, teaching students how to apply their knowledge in practical settings. In fields such as plumbing, carpentry, and the culinary arts, practical skills are paramount. When I studied culinary arts, I found that spending time in the kitchen, learning techniques and recipes firsthand, was invaluable. This hands-on experience equipped me with the skills necessary to excel in my chosen profession.

Role of Theoretical Knowledge

On the other hand, theoretical knowledge provides the foundational understanding necessary for practical application. Academic disciplines such as medicine, engineering, and the sciences rely heavily on theoretical frameworks. When I was studying medicine, I realised that grasping complex biological and chemical principles was essential before I could effectively diagnose and treat patients. Similarly, an engineering student needs to understand physics and mathematics to design and build safe structures. Without a strong theoretical foundation, practical skills alone may be insufficient and potentially dangerous.

In conclusion, I believe that both practical skills and theoretical knowledge play vital roles in education. Practical skills provide the hands-on experience needed for real-world applications, while theoretical knowledge offers the essential foundation for understanding and innovation. A balanced approach, integrating both elements, ensures that students are well-equipped to succeed in their careers and contribute meaningfully to society.

Sample Question on Discussing the Role of the Internet and Information Reliability with Examples

Sample Question : The internet provides a vast amount of information, but the reliability of this information is often questioned. Discuss the impact of the internet on information reliability, providing examples.

• Introduction: Paraphrase the question, discuss the prevalence of internet information, and state the thesis.
• Body Paragraph 1: Examine the benefits of internet information, providing examples of accessible educational resources.
• Body Paragraph 2: Discuss the challenges of information reliability, giving examples of misinformation and fake news.
• Conclusion: Summarise main points and emphasise the need for critical evaluation of online information.

Sample Question on Addressing Happiness, Success Measurements, and Their Nuances

Sample Question : Some people think that happiness is the key to success, while others believe that success leads to happiness. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

• Introduction: Paraphrase the question, provide context on happiness and success, and state the thesis.
• Body Paragraph 1: Discuss the view that happiness leads to success, giving examples from personal well-being and productivity.
• Body Paragraph 2: Explore the perspective that success brings happiness, providing examples from career achievements and financial stability.
• Conclusion: Summarise the main points and present a balanced opinion on the interrelationship between happiness and success.

SAMPLE ANSWER

The Interrelationship Between Happiness and Success

The debate over whether happiness is the key to success or whether success leads to happiness has intrigued many. Some argue that being happy naturally leads to success, while others contend that achieving success brings about happiness. In this essay, I will discuss both viewpoints and provide my opinion on the interrelationship between happiness and success.

Happiness Leads to Success

One perspective is that happiness fosters success. When individuals are happy, they tend to have better mental health and higher energy levels, which can lead to increased productivity and creativity. For instance, I have noticed that when I am in a good mood, I am more focused and motivated to work hard, which often results in better outcomes. Furthermore, happy people are generally more resilient and capable of handling stress, which can contribute to achieving long-term goals. This suggests that a positive state of mind can significantly enhance one’s chances of success.

Success Brings Happiness

On the other hand, some believe that success brings happiness. Achieving career milestones or financial stability can lead to a sense of accomplishment and security, which in turn fosters happiness. For example, when I achieved a major career goal, the recognition and rewards that followed significantly boosted my overall happiness. Similarly, financial success can alleviate stress and provide opportunities for enjoying life, such as travelling or pursuing hobbies. This viewpoint implies that success can create the conditions necessary for a happy and fulfilling life.

In conclusion, both happiness and success are closely intertwined and can influence each other. Happiness can enhance productivity and resilience, leading to success, while success can provide the security and satisfaction that contribute to happiness. I believe that fostering happiness and striving for success should go hand in hand, as both elements are essential for a well-rounded and fulfilling life.

Sample Question on Cultural Adaptation During Travel

Travelling to a new country requires adapting to its culture. Discuss the importance of cultural adaptation during travel, providing examples.

• Introduction: Paraphrase the question, discuss the necessity of cultural adaptation, and state the thesis.
• Body Paragraph 1: Analyse the benefits of cultural adaptation, giving examples from language learning and social integration.
• Body Paragraph 2: Examine the challenges of cultural adaptation, providing examples from cultural misunderstandings and adjustment difficulties.
• Conclusion: Summarise the main points and emphasise the significance of embracing cultural diversity during travel.

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Sample Question on Exploring the Significance of Art and Music in the Technological Era

In today’s technological era, what is the significance of art and music? Provide examples to support your answer.

• Introduction: Paraphrase the question, discuss the technological era’s impact on art and music, and state the thesis.
• Body Paragraph 1: Highlight the enduring relevance of art, giving examples from contemporary visual arts and digital media.
• Body Paragraph 2: Discuss the importance of music, providing examples from the music industry’s evolution and digital platforms.
• Conclusion: Summarise the main points and reaffirm the vital role of art and music in the technological age.

Understanding the Essay Structure

Did you know IELTS is available in over 4,000 test locations in 140 countries? Mastering the essay structure is crucial to writing effective direct-question essays in IELTS. This section breaks down the key components and provides tips for crafting each part effectively.

Introduction: Paraphrase the Question and Provide Background Information

Your introduction should begin by paraphrasing the question, demonstrating an understanding of the prompt. Some background information helps set the context, making it easier for readers to follow your subsequent arguments. This section should also include a thesis statement outlining the main points discussed in the essay.

Body Paragraph 1: Discuss the First Aspect of the Question with Examples

The first body paragraph should address the initial aspect of the question, offering a detailed discussion supported by relevant examples. The initial aspect refers to the first part of the question or the first issue presented. For instance, in the question, “The use of social media has grown significantly in recent years. What impact does this have on relationships and communication?” the initial aspect would be “the positive impact of social media on relationships and communication.” 

This paragraph should present a clear argument, ensuring each point is well-explained and logically connected to your essay’s overall thesis.

Body Paragraph 2: Examine the Second Aspect of the Question, Providing Explanations and Examples

The second body paragraph should focus on the other aspect of the question , providing thorough explanations and examples. The second aspect refers to the second part of the question or the secondary approach. For instance, in the question, “The use of social media has grown significantly in recent years. What impact does this have on relationships and communication?” The next aspect would be “the negative impact of social media on relationships and communication.” 

This section should build upon the points in the first body paragraph, offering additional insights and reinforcing your essay’s main arguments.

Conclusion: Summarise Main Points and Reiterate Your Opinion

Your conclusion should briefly summarise the main points discussed in the essay, reiterating the thesis statement. It should provide a clear and concise wrap-up, leaving a lasting impression on the reader. This section should not introduce new information but rather reinforce the key arguments presented earlier.

Also Read: 60+ IELTS Essay Topics 2024: IELTS Writing Task 2 Samples & Tips

Strategies for Writing Direct Question Essay in IELTS

Are you aware that around 80% of IELTS test-takers take the exam for academic purposes, such as university admission, while 20% take it for immigration and employment purposes? 

To write effective direct-question essays in IELTS, you should employ various strategies that ensure your responses are clear, coherent, and well-supported. This section outlines essential techniques for mastering this essay type.

Time Management: Dividing Time for Planning, Writing, and Reviewing

Effective time management is crucial for writing a well-structured essay. Allocate sufficient planning, writing, and reviewing time to ensure a comprehensive and polished response. Here is a table showcasing approximately how much time you should spend on each stage.

Answer Planning: Structuring Answers to Each Question for Coherence

Planning your answer involves outlining the main points and examples for each question. This helps maintain coherence and ensures that all aspects and possibilities of the question are addressed. Creating a clear outline before writing can enhance your essay’s structure and flow.

Importance of Paraphrasing the Question in the Introduction

Paraphrasing the question in the introduction demonstrates comprehension and sets the tone for the essay. It helps avoid repetition and shows the examiner that you can interpret and articulate the question in your own words.

Developing Arguments: Supporting Main Points with Examples and Explanations

Strong arguments are essential for a high-scoring essay. Each main point should be supported with relevant examples and detailed explanations. This strengthens the argument and showcases your ability to provide evidence and logical reasoning.

Example 1: Positive Impact of Social Media on Relationships  

Main Point: Social media helps maintain relationships over long distances. 

Explanation: With platforms like Facebook and Instagram, people can stay updated on their friends and family members’ lives, even if they are geographically separated. 

Example: For instance, a person living in the United States can easily keep in touch with a friend in Australia by sharing photos, sending messages, and having video calls. This continuous interaction helps maintain a strong bond despite the physical distance.

Example 2: Negative Impact of Social Media on Relationships  

Main Point: Social media can lead to superficial relationships. 

Explanation: Online interactions often lack the depth and emotional connection of face-to-face conversations, leading to more shallow relationships. 

Example: For example, a study by the Pew Research Center found that while people may have hundreds of friends on social media, they often feel lonelier and have fewer close friends with whom they can share personal issues. This indicates that social media can contribute to a sense of isolation despite an increase in the number of online connections.

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Ensuring Coherence and Clarity in the Essay

Coherence and clarity are vital for effective communication. Ensure each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next, maintaining a logical flow. Use cohesive devices such as linking words and phrases to enhance readability.

Example: Paragraph Transition: “Despite the many benefits of social media, there are also significant drawbacks that cannot be ignored.” 

Using Linking Words and Phrases: “Firstly, social media can create superficial relationships, as interactions online often lack the emotional depth of face-to-face conversations. Additionally, it can lead to misunderstandings due to the absence of non-verbal cues. Moreover, excessive use of social media can result in addiction, thereby reducing the time available for meaningful, in-person interactions.”

Before: “Social media helps maintain relationships. People can stay updated on their friends’ lives. It can lead to superficial relationships. Online interactions lack depth.”

After (with coherence and clarity): “Social media helps maintain relationships by allowing individuals to stay updated on their friends’ lives through platforms like Facebook and Instagram. However, it can also lead to superficial relationships, as online interactions often lack the depth and emotional connection of face-to-face conversations. This duality highlights the complex impact of social media on modern relationships.”

Developing strong arguments with examples and ensuring coherence and clarity will make your essay well-structured and persuasive.

Vocabulary and Grammar: Utilising a Broad Lexical Range and Accurate Grammar

A wide range of vocabulary and accurate grammar are vital components of a high-scoring essay. Use varied and sophisticated language to convey ideas clearly and effectively. Attention to grammar and punctuation to avoid errors that can detract from the essay’s overall quality.

Lexical range refers to the variety and sophistication of the words and phrases you use in your writing. A broad lexical range demonstrates your ability to use different words to express similar ideas, avoiding repetition and making your writing more engaging and precise. It involves using synonyms, advanced vocabulary, varied sentence structures, idioms and phrases.

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Check Out: IELTS Test Online: Free Sample Papers & Study Guide for 2024

Key Tips for Direct Question Essay IELTS Success

Mastering Direct Question Essays in IELTS requires careful attention to detail and strategic planning. This section offers vital tips for improving your essay writing skills and achieving higher scores. Let’s explain the points with relevant examples on the topic: Impact of Social Media on Relationships and Communication.

Understanding and Analysing the Questions Carefully

Carefully analyse questions to provide focused responses. Address all parts of the question.

• For example, if asked about the impact of social media on communication, cover both positive and negative aspects.

Staying on Topic and Avoiding Irrelevant Information

Staying on topic is essential for maintaining coherence and clarity. Avoid including irrelevant information that does not directly relate to the question or support the main arguments. 

• For instance: When discussing the benefits of social media, avoid tangents about unrelated technologies.

The Role of Examples in Strengthening Arguments

Examples strengthen arguments by providing evidence. Use specific, relevant examples to illustrate your points. 

• For example, mention how social media enabled remote communication during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Need for Counterarguments to Showcase Critical Thinking

Counterarguments showcase critical thinking and provide a balanced perspective. Address and refute opposing viewpoints with logical reasoning. 

• For example, while social media enhances connectivity, it can lead to addiction—suggest moderation to mitigate this.

Grammar and Vocabulary: Making the Essay Stand Out

Use a broad vocabulary and accurate grammar to make your essay stand out. Employ varied, sophisticated language and ensure correct grammar and punctuation. 

• For instance, instead of “important,” use “paramount” or “crucial” to add depth.

By following these guidelines and strategies, you can master the Direct Question Essay in IELTS, significantly improving your writing score and overall exam performance.

Also Read: IELTS Writing Samples 2024: Task 1 & Task 2 (Sample Questions & Tips)

In conclusion, mastering the Direct Question Essay in IELTS Writing Task 2 requires a strategic approach and thorough preparation. Focus on structuring your essay clearly, beginning with an introduction that paraphrases the question and sets the context. 

Develop detailed body paragraphs that address each aspect of the question with relevant examples, and conclude by summarising your main points.

Effective time management is key—plan, write, and review within the allotted time. Outlining your main points and examples will ensure coherence. You can also enhance your essay with varied vocabulary and accurate grammar. Incorporating personal examples can add authenticity, while counterarguments demonstrate critical thinking.

By following these strategies and practising consistently, you can confidently tackle Direct Question Essays and achieve a higher band score in the IELTS exam. Each essay is an opportunity to showcase your language proficiency and communication skills, so refine your approach and deliver your best performance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. what is the ielts exam.

A. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a standardised test designed to measure the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers. The British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English jointly manage it. IELTS is widely recognised by educational institutions, employers, and immigration authorities in over 140 countries.

Q. What are the different versions of the IELTS test?

A. There are two versions of the IELTS test: Academic : This version is for those applying for higher education or professional registration. General Training : This version is for those migrating to an English-speaking country or seeking secondary education, work experience, or training programmes.

Q. How is the IELTS test structured?

A. The IELTS test comprises four sections: Listening : 30 minutes Reading : 60 minutes Writing : 60 minutes Speaking : 11-14 minutes

The total test duration is 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Q. How is the IELTS speaking test conducted?

A. The IELTS speaking test is a face-to-face interview with a certified examiner. It lasts 11-14 minutes and is divided into three parts: Part 1 : Introduction and interview (4-5 minutes) Part 2 : Long turn (3-4 minutes, including preparation time) Part 3 : Discussion (4-5 minutes)

Q. How long are IELTS scores valid?

A. IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. After this period, test takers may need to retake the exam to provide up-to-date evidence of their English language proficiency.

Q. How much does the IELTS test cost?

A. The cost of the IELTS test varies by country and test centre. On average, the test fee ranges around INR 17K . It is recommended to check with your local test centre for the exact fee in your region.

Q. How soon will I receive my IELTS test results?

A. IELTS test results are typically available 13 days after the test date for paper-based tests. For computer-delivered tests, results are usually available within 5-7 days. You can access your results online, and a Test Report Form (TRF) will be sent to you by post.

Q. What is a Direct Question Essay in the IELTS Writing Task 2?

A. In the IELTS Writing Task 2, a Direct Question Essay requires you to respond to one or more questions directly related to a given topic. You need to address each question in a structured manner, typically including an introduction, body paragraphs for each question, and a conclusion. This essay type tests your ability to answer specific questions clearly and coherently.

Q. What is Direct Question Essay Structure in IELTS Writing Task 2?

A. A well-structured Direct Question Essay template should include: Introduction : Paraphrase the question and provide background information. Body Paragraph 1 : Discuss the first aspect of the question with examples. Body Paragraph 2 : Examine the second aspect of the question, providing explanations and examples. Conclusion : Summarise the main points and reiterate your opinion.

Q. What are some strategies for writing a successful Direct Question Essay IELTS?

A. To write a successful Direct Question Essay, IELTS : Time Management : Allocate time for planning, writing, and reviewing. Answer Planning : Structure your answers to ensure coherence. Paraphrasing : Paraphrase the question in the introduction to show understanding. Arguments and Examples : Develop arguments supported by relevant examples. Coherence and Clarity : Ensure your essay is coherent and easy to follow. Vocabulary and Grammar : Use a broad range of vocabulary and accurate grammar.

Q. Can you provide a sample question for a Direct Question Essay IELTS and an outline for the answer?

A. Sure! Here is a sample question: – Question : “Some people think that practical skills are more important than theoretical knowledge. To what extent do you agree or disagree?” – Outline : 1. Introduction : Paraphrase the question and state your opinion. 2. Body Paragraph 1 : Discuss the importance of practical skills with examples. 3. Body Paragraph 2 : Examine the role of theoretical knowledge, providing explanations and examples. 4. Conclusion : Summarise the main points and restate your opinion. 5. Stay on Topic : Ensure all parts of your essay address the question directly.

Q. Can I use personal examples in a Direct Question Essay IELTS?

A.  Yes, you can use personal examples in a Direct Question Essay IELTS. Personal examples can make your essay more relatable and authentic. However, ensure that the examples are relevant to the question and support your arguments effectively. Personal examples should be clear, concise, and directly related to the topic.

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Kanika Singh

Kanika took a detour from academics for the corporate world. Now she works as a senior editor specialising in content creation, marketing, and strategy.

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How to Plan & Write IELTS Double Question Essays

IELTS double question essays are also known as ‘direct question’ or ‘two questions’ essays. They are distinguished by two characteristics:

• They have one statement with two different questions after it.
• The questions may or may not be linked.

Here are 3 examples:

1) Fossil fuels are essential for producing electricity, powering industry and fueling transportation. However, one day we will reach a point when all the world’s fossil fuels have been depleted.

How can we conserve these resources?

What are some alternatives to fossil fuels?

2) Some parents buy their children whatever they ask for, and allow their children to do whatever they want.

Is this a good way to raise children?

What consequences could this style of parenting have for children as they get older?

3) The arts, including art, music and theatre are considered to be important in society.

Do you think the arts still have a place amongst our modern lifestyles?

Should the arts be included in the school curriculum?

In this lesson, I’m going to demonstrate step-by-step how to plan and write IELTS double question essays.

Here’s what we’ll be covering:

• 3 Common mistakes
• Essay structure
• How to plan
• How to write an introduction
• How to write main body paragraphs
• How to write a conclusion

Want to watch and listen to this lesson?

Click on this video.

Click the links to see lessons on each of these Task 2 essay writing topics. 

Once you understand the process, practice on past questions. Take your time at first and gradually speed up until you can plan and write an essay of at least 250 words in the 40 minutes allowed in the exam.

3 Common Mistakes

These three errors are common in IELTS double question essays.

• Not answering both questions fully.
• Not outlining both answers in the introduction.
• Mistaking it for one of the other essay types.

Many students make the mistake of only answering one of the questions, or focusing more on one question than the other which leads to an unbalanced essay. Both these errors will seriously affect your score for task achievement.

You must outline everything you are going to write about in the introduction. This is your blueprint for the whole essay. I’ll show you how to do this and get your essay off to a great start.

It’s easy to mistake IELTS double question essays for one of the other four types of Task 2 essays, especially opinion or discussion essays. Each should be answered in a slightly different way.

Analysing the question properly is essential to avoiding this error. I’ll also show you how to do this and give you a simple 4 part structure for planning your essay.

Essay Structure

Let’s look at this essay structure straight away. You can use it to write any IELTS double question essay. It’s easy to learn and will enable you to quickly plan and write a high-level essay.

1)  Introduction  

•   Paraphrase the question 
•   Outline sentence – state your answer to both questions

2)  Main body paragraph 1 – Answer question 1

• Topic sentence – state your answer
• Explanation – develop the idea
• Example – give an example

3)  Main body paragraph 2 – Answer question 2

4)  Conclusion Summarise both questions and answers

This structure will give us a well-balanced essay with 4 paragraphs.

We now need some ideas to add to the structure and we’ll have everything we need for our essay.

How To Plan IELTS Double Question Essays

Here’s the question we’re going to be answering in our model essay followed by the 3 steps of the planning process.

Fossil fuels are essential for producing electricity, powering industry and fueling transportation. However, one day we will reach a point when all the world’s fossil fuels have been depleted.

• Analyse the question
• Generate ideas
• Identify vocabulary

# 1  Analyse the question

This is an essential step in the planning process and will ensure that you answer the question fully. It’s quick and easy to do. You just need to identify 3 different types of words:

• Topic words
• Other keywords
• Instruction words

Topics words  are the ones that identify the general subject of the question and will be found in the statement part of the question.

Fossil fuels  are essential for producing electricity, powering industry and fueling transportation. However, one day we will reach a point when all the world’s  fossil fuels  have been depleted.

So, this question is about ‘ fossil fuels ’.

Many people will do this first step of the process and then write about the topic in general. This is a serious mistake and leads to low marks for task achievement.

Now that we know what the general topic is, we need to understand exactly what aspect of fossil fuels we're being asked to write about.

The  other keywords  in the question tell you the specific things you must write about. For IELTS double question essays, these will often be in the instructions, that is, the actual questions.

How can we  conserve  these resources?

What are some  alternatives  to fossil fuels?

By highlighting these words, it’s easy to identify the topics. Your essay must only include ideas relevant to these ideas.

The  instruction words  are the questions themselves. These tell you exactly what type of information is required and each will become the topic for one of the two main body paragraphs.

The first body paragraph will answer the first question (How?) and the second body paragraph will answer the second question (What?).

# 2  Generate ideas

The next task is to generate some ideas to write about.

There are several different ways to think up ideas. I cover them fully on the  IELTS Essay Planning  page.

We’re going to use the ‘friends technique’. This is the method I prefer as it allows you to take a step back from the stress of the exam situation and think more calmly.

Here’s how it works. Imagine that you are in a casual conversation with a friend over a cup of coffee and they ask you this question. What are the first thoughts to come into your head? Plan your essay around these ideas.

Doing this will help you to come up with simple answers in everyday language rather than straining your brain to think of amazing ideas using high-level language, which isn’t necessary.

You might want to try this yourself before reading on for my ideas.

Here are my ideas as I thought of them:

How can we conserve these resources? 

• Become more energy conscious & more energy efficient
• Use more renewable energy sources – solar panels
• All new homes should be built with solar panels on
• Use car less – walk, cycle, public transport, only travel when really necessary
• Energy-efficient light bulbs
• Solar power
• Wave energy
• Tidal energy
• Biomass energy
• Geothermal energy

Don’t spend long on this as you only need one or two ideas.

There is so much to write about this topic that we have to be very careful we don’t try to include too many different ideas and just end up with a list for each question rather than a well-developed essay.

Choose one main idea for each part of the question. My advice on making your selection is to choose ideas that you can quickly think of examples for.

Here are my choices:

• Use car less – walk, cycle, public transport
• Natural forces – solar & wind power, wave & tidal energy

We’re almost ready to start writing our IELTS double question essay but first, we have one other small task to do.

# 3  Vocabulary

During the planning stage, quickly jot down some vocabulary that comes to mind as you decide which ideas you are going to write about, especially synonyms of key words. This will save you having to stop and think of the right language while you’re writing.

For the ideas I’ve chosen, useful words will include:

• sustainable  
• renewable energy
• energy-efficient

With that done, we can focus on the first paragraph of the essay – the introduction.

How To Write an Introduction

The best introductions to IELTS double question essays have a simple 2 part structure:

1)   Paraphrase the question

2)   Outline sentence – state your answer to both questions

• Have 2-3 sentences
• Be 40-60 words long
• Take 5 minutes to write

1)  Paraphrase the question

Start your introduction by paraphrasing the statement part of the question.

Question statement:

Paraphrased question:  

The world is currently reliant on oil, coal and natural gas for the majority of its energy requirements but there will come a time when these run out.

We are simply saying the same thing in a different way and using different vocabulary.

2)  Outline statement

Now we need to add an  outline statement  where we outline the two main points that we’ll cover in the rest of the essay, that is, the answers to the two questions.

We need to be very specific about what we are going to write about.

Here's a reminder of the ideas I’ve chosen to answer the two questions:

• Natural forces –solar & wind power, wave & tidal energy

Outl ine statement:  

This essay will discuss how we can help to prevent our non-renewable resources from becoming depleted by using our cars less frequently and it will name some natural forces that can be harnessed to generate power.

Note my use of synonyms to replace key words in the question. You don’t have to replace every key word but do so where possible whilst ensuring that your language sounds natural.

So, let’s bring the two elements of our introduction together.

     Introduction

This introduction achieves three important functions:

• It shows the examiner that you understand the question.
• It acts as a guide to the examiner as to what your essay is about.
• It also helps to keep you focused and on track as you write.

The two ideas in your introduction will become your two main body paragraphs.

Main body paragraph 1  –  Use car less – walk, cycle, public transport

Main body paragraph 2  –  Renewable energy / natural forces – solar & wind power, wave & tidal energy

How To Write Main Body Paragraphs

Main body paragraphs in IELTS double question essays should contain 3 things:

• Explanation –  develop the idea

Main Body Paragraph 1  – Answer question 1

The  topic sentence  summarises the main idea of the paragraph. That’s all it needs to do so it doesn’t have to be complicated.

It plays an important role in ensuring that your ideas flow logically from one to another. It does this by acting as a signpost for what is to come next, that is, what the paragraph will be about.

If you maintain a clear development of ideas throughout your essay, you will get high marks for task achievement and cohesion and coherence.

We’ll now take the idea for our first main body paragraph and create our topic sentence.

Main body paragraph 1  –  Use car less – walk, cycle, public transport, only travel when really necessary

Topic sentence:  

Conserving energy is a responsibility of every individual and an important way in which we can all do our bit is to use more energy-efficient means of transport. 

Next, we must write an  explanation sentence  that develops the idea.

Explanation sentence: 

The easiest way to do this is to leave the car at home and walk or cycle to our destination if it isn’t too far away, or take public transport for longer journeys. Another way to reduce our fuel consumption is to car share.

Finally, we add an  example  to support our main point. If you can’t think of a real example, it’s fine to make one up, as long as it’s believable. The examiner isn’t going to check your facts. Alternative, you could add another piece of information to support your idea but an example is better.

Example sentence:

Whenever my friends and I get together for coffee, we agree to meet up at a café that we can each get to without having to drive our cars there. We usually go on foot or ride our bikes. If everyone made small decisions like this, it would make a real difference.

That’s the 3 parts of our first main body paragraph complete. Here’s the finished paragraph.

We now follow the same process for our second main body paragraph.

Main Body Paragraph 2  – Answer question 2

Again, we’ll now take the idea I’ve chosen for this paragraph and create our topic sentence.

Main body paragraph 2  –  Renewable energy / natural forces –   solar & wind power, wave & tidal energy

Topic sentence:

The most sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels are the generation of power from natural forces such as the sun, wind and oceans.

Now for the  explanation  where we expand on this idea.

Explanation sentence:

S olar and wind power are already widely used across the world but it is wave power and tidal energy that have the greatest untapped potential to provide for our energy needs in the future.

Finally, an  example  to support our main point.

A report recently commissioned in the United Kingdom estimates that tidal energy could meet as much as  20% of the UK’s current electricity demands once the technology being developed is operational. Wave energy converters are expected to prove equally successful in the long-term.

That’s the 3 parts of our second main body paragraph complete. Here’s the finished paragraph.

Now we need a conclusion and our IELTS double question essay is done.

How To Write a Conclusion

The conclusion is a summary of the main points in your essay and can often be done in a single sentence. It should never introduce new ideas.

If you're below the minimum 250 words after you’ve written your conclusion, you can add a prediction or recommendation statement.

Our essay is already over the minimum word limit so we don’t need this extra sentence but you can learn more about how to write a prediction or recommendation statement for IELTS double question essays on the  Task 2 Conclusions  page.

The conclusion is the easiest sentence in the essay to write but one of the most important.

A good conclusion to an IELTS double question essay will:

• Neatly end the essay
• Link all your ideas together
• Sum up your argument or opinion
• Answer the question

If you achieve this, you’ll improve your score for both task achievement and cohesion and coherence which together make up 50% of the overall marks. Without a conclusion, you’ll score below band 6 for task achievement.

You can start almost any final paragraph of an IELTS double question essay with the words:

• In conclusion

        or

• To conclude

Now all you need to do is briefly summarise the main ideas into one or two sentences.

Here’s a top tip . Go back and read the introduction to the essay because this is also a summary of the essay. It outlines what you are going to write about.

To create a great conclusion, you simply have to paraphrase the introduction.

Introduction:

Here is the same information formed into a conclusion:

That’s it. We’ve completed our essay. Here it is with the 4 paragraphs put together.

Finished IELTS double question essay.

     (351 words)

Go through this lesson as many times as you need to in order to fully understand it and put in lots of practice writing IELTS double question essays from past exam questions. Practice is the only way to improve your skills.

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More help with ielts double question essays & other task 2 essays.

IELTS Writing Task 2  – T he format, the 5 question types, the 5 step essay writing strategy & sample questions. All the key information you need to know.

The 5 Types of Task 2 Essay   – How to recognise the 5 different types of Task 2 essays. 15 sample questions to study and a simple planning structure for each essay type.

Understanding Task 2 Questions  – How to quickly and easily analyse and understand IELTS Writing Task 2 questions.

How To Plan a Task 2 Essay  – Discover why essay planning is essential & learn a simple 4 step strategy, the 4 part essay structure & 4 methods of generating ideas.

How To Write a Task 2 Introduction  – Find out why a good introduction is essential. Learn how to write one using a simple 3 part strategy & discover 4 common mistakes to avoid.

How To Write Task 2 Main Body Paragraphs  – Learn the simple 3 part structure for writing great main body paragraphs and also, 3 common mistakes to avoid. 

How To Write Task 2 Conclusions  – Learn the easy way to write the perfect conclusion for a Task 2 essay. Also discover 4 common mistakes to avoid.

Task 2 Marking Criteria  – Find out how to meet the marking criteria in Task 2. See examples of good and poor answers & learn some common mistakes to avoid.

The 5 Task 2 Essay Types:

Step-by-step instructions on how to plan & write high-level essays. Model answers & common mistakes to avoid.

   Opinion Essays

   Discussion Essays

  Problem Solution Essays

  Advantages & Disadvantages Essays

  Double Question Essays

Other Related Pages

IELTS Writing Test  – Understand the format & marking criteria, know what skills are assessed & learn the difference between the Academic & General writing tests.

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Ielts writing material, direct question essays.

Learn how to write a Direct Question essay in IELTS Writing task 2. you’ll have to write an essay of at least 250 words on a topic.

Beginning Paragraph

There should always be a paragraph at the beginning of the essay. You might begin this paragraph by briefly restating the query and introducing the subject matter of the body paragraphs.

Body Section 1

Here, you can respond to the query and discuss the scenario that it suggests. And talk about the initial query (if there are more than 1 question). Also provide examples.

Body Section 2

The following question and its specifics should be answered and discussed. Give instances.

Conclusion paragraph

Summarize the essay's main points and draw a conclusion before wrapping up the entire piece.

• Before you begin writing your response, give the question some thought and make a strategy for it.
• conform to the word count (no less than 250 words).
• Write in a respectful tone.
• Use a content structure with an introduction paragraph at the beginning and a conclusion paragraph at the end, with a main point in between.
• Answer the question, giving your response and justifications in each body paragraph.

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IELTS Writing Task 2: A Guide to Responding to Direct Question Essays  

  April 13, 2024

By   Jonathan

Some IELTS Writing Task 2 prompts present a series of direct questions rather than a general statement or issue to discuss. This essay type requires careful analysis of each question to ensure you provide a focused and comprehensive response. The ability to address direct questions effectively is essential for securing a top band score on this type of IELTS writing topic .

Understanding the Task

• Specificity Matters:  Direct questions target specific aspects of a broader topic, guiding your response.
• Multiple Questions, Unified Essay:  While each question requires attention, your overall essay should flow cohesively and avoid a disjointed list of answers.
• Word Count:  Adhere to the minimum of 250 words. Answering all questions with very short responses is unlikely to result in a high score.

Strategies for Success

• Identify Keywords:  Underline words that indicate the precise focus of each question.
• Seek Connections:  Are some questions interrelated, allowing you to address them together?
• Check for an Overall Theme:  Questions often build in sequence to culminate in a request for your opinion or prediction.
• Question-by-Question:  Dedicate one paragraph to thoroughly answering each question. Use linking words to create flow, especially if questions are connected.
• Thematic Grouping:  Analyze if any questions revolve around a common theme. Combine these into a paragraph, maintaining a clear focus on fully addressing each part within the paragraph.
• Directness is Key:  Avoid restating the question as your topic sentence. Get directly to the heart of your answer.
• Support & Elaborate:  Provide examples, explanations, or evidence for your points, just as you would in other essay types. Don’t just list brief answers.
• Transitions for Connection:  Use linking words (“Moreover,” “In contrast,” “As a consequence”) to ensure a smooth flow between your responses.

Example: Analyzing Direct Questions

• Do you agree or disagree that governments should invest more in public transportation?
• What are the benefits of a strong public transportation system for a country and its citizens?
• Do the advantages of public transportation outweigh any drawbacks?

Possible Approach:

• Paragraph 1: Focus on your opinion (agree/disagree) with supporting justifications.
• Paragraph 2: Outline various benefits of public transport, with examples.
• Conclusion: Offer your final assessment on whether advantages outweigh drawbacks (while briefly acknowledging potential minor challenges).

Additional Tips

• Manage Your Time:  Direct questions might initially seem easier, but don’t rush. Allocate adequate time to develop full responses.
• Think Critically:  Examiners look for depth of thought, not just superficial answers.
• Utilize Standard Essay Skills:  Even when answering directly, ensure strong vocabulary, a formal style, and good organization.

Vocabulary for Direct Answer Essays

• To Introduce Your Views:  “I firmly believe that…”, “It seems clear that…”
• To Support Your Points:  “For instance…”, “A notable example of this is…”, “This leads to…”
• To Conclude/Summarize:  “In conclusion…”, “Taking all factors into account…”

Remember: Direct question essays test the same core competencies as other IELTS Writing Task 2 formats: the ability to understand a prompt, address all its aspects, organize your ideas logically, and employ strong academic language. Mastering this format will boost your confidence and overall performance for this section of the test.

Practice Makes Perfect:

Seek out practice prompts with direct questions. Consider how you’d group answers, and write full essays for timed practice. Getting feedback from a qualified source is invaluable to refining your technique.

Jonathan has been teaching students to prepare for the IELTS and PTE Exams for more than 10+ years. He's taught English to students in various countries in the world including Singapore, China, Australia, Canada and Colombia.

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Direct Question Essay IELTS 2024: Tips, Structure, Sample

Looking for Direct Question Essay IELTS tips Click to learn how to plan, recognise prompts get samples for a successful IELTS essay!

9/26/2023 2 min read

In the world of standardized English language proficiency tests, the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a formidable challenge for many. One of its key components, the Direct Question Essay, is often a source of anxiety for test-takers. But fear not! In this comprehensive guide, we will unravel the intricacies of the Direct Question Essay in IELTS, offering valuable tips and insight into its structure and providing sample questions with model answers.

Understanding the Direct Question Essay

What is a direct question essay in ielts.

The Direct Question Essay, or the Opinion Essay, is an essay task in the IELTS writing section. It presents a clear and straightforward question that requires a direct response. Test-takers are expected to provide their opinion, supported by relevant arguments and examples.

Why is it Important?

The Direct Question Essay assesses a candidate's ability to express opinions coherently, develop arguments logically, and use appropriate vocabulary and grammar. It's crucial to perform well in this task to achieve a high band score in the IELTS writing module.

Tips for Success

Analyze the Question Carefully

Before diving into your response, take a moment to understand the question thoroughly. Identify keywords and phrases that define the scope of your answer.

Plan Your Response

Outline your essay with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. This structure helps organize your thoughts and ensures a coherent essay.

Provide a Clear Opinion

In the introduction, state your opinion on the given topic. Make it concise and specific, setting the tone for the rest of the essay.

Support Your Opinion

Back up your opinion with reasons and examples. Use real-life experiences or hypothetical situations to illustrate your points.

Use Formal Language

While maintaining a conversational tone, remember that IELTS essays require formal language. Avoid slang and contractions.

Vary Sentence Structure

Enhance the readability of your essay by using a variety of sentence structures. Combine simple, compound, and complex sentences for better flow.

Proofread and Edit

Allocate time for proofreading. Check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Ensure your essay is polished and error-free.

Structure of a Direct Question Essay

The structure of a Direct Question Essay typically consists of:

Introduction

Introduce the topic and provide a clear opinion.

Body Paragraphs

Each paragraph should focus on a single supporting point.

Provide examples and evidence to strengthen your arguments.

Summarize your main points and restate your opinion.

Sample Questions and Model Answers

Question 1:.

"Do you agree or disagree with the statement that technology has made people more isolated?"

Model Answer:

Technology has made people more isolated. In today's digital age, individuals are often engrossed in their smartphones and computers, limiting face-to-face interactions. For instance, while connecting people virtually, social media platforms have also contributed to a decline in genuine personal connections.

Question 2:

"Is it better to study alone or in a group?"

Studying in a group yields better results. When you study with others, you can share ideas, clarify doubts, and gain different perspectives. Moreover, group study sessions encourage discipline and time management.

Mastering the Direct Question Essay in IELTS requires practice and a clear understanding of its structure and requirements. By following these tips and reviewing sample questions and model answers, you can boost your confidence and perform exceptionally well in this challenging task.

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Academic Writing Task 2 - Direct Question Essays - Families

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IELTS Direct Question Essay Model Answer: Family and Children

For example, you could write essays to answer questions about education or the environment, which benefits you because you learn vocabulary associated with those topics and develop ideas that can help you in your writing test.

If you would like to purchase a 29  page PDF download that is easy to read and print out please take a look at the bookshop >

Family and Children:

Parents put a lot of pressure on children to succeed. do you think this is a good or bad thing.

(Word count – 382 / Band score 8)

Instructor Feedback on IELTS Direct Question Essay: Family and Children

Coherence and Cohesion  – The answer has been divided into clear logical paragraphs and each main body paragraph only has one main idea. There are cohesive links between the main body paragraphs .

Grammatical Range and Accuracy  – The answer has no grammatical errors. The sentences have a wide range of structures. 

We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test . If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.

The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook , then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest . If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.

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IELTS Model Essay -Two Questions Essay Type

IELTS Writing Task 2 Two Questions Essay is basically a Direct Questions Essay where you are given one, two or three direct questions to answer. Instead of being given task, such as “Discuss both sides.”, you are given specific questions to answer about a given topic.

IELTS Two Question Essay Task Sample

Below you see a two question essay for IELTS Writing Task 2.

More and more adults are playing computer games. Why is this happening? Is it a positive or negative trend?

As you see, there are two tasks:

• to explain what the causes are for this topic
• to decide whether you think this is a positive trend or negative trend

These two tasks are of equal importance. This means that for your body paragraphs, you must address each question equally and explain each with equal length. This is actually part of the Task Response marking criterion, which counts for 25% of your writing task 2 marks. Click here: WRITING T2 MARKING CRITERIA WITH TIPS

Useful Tips: IELTS Two Direct Questions Essay

The main topic in the essay question is Technology and the specific topic is Computer Games and Adults.  I’ve provided a list of tips to help you tackle this type of essay question.

• There is only one issue to tackle : computer games. This is lucky. It is an easy essay question. Some essay questions are more complex and have two separate issues to tackle.
• The issue is specific: This means it is specifically relating to adults and your essay should not discuss why children play computer based. All IELTS essays must be very focused to the precise task you are given.
• There are two questions to answer . I call this type of question a “Direct Question Essay”. The first question is about causes of the trend. You might have one main cause or two causes. The second question is about evaluating whether this trend is good or bad. Whenever you are asked to choose, it means you must give your opinion.
• Think of some examples of computer games that adults play. You need to spend time on this aspect of the question. The deeper you think about this, the more relevant your main ideas will become. For example, are there any computer games that require intelligence? How have computer games changed over the years? Is this a reason why so many adults now play games? The more you think, the better your ideas for tackling this essay will be.
• Think about what attracts adults to these computers games. What do they get out of it?
• Then think about whether you, personally, think this is good or bad. Do adults gain anything from playing computer games or are computer games a complete waste of time for them? Are there any negative consequences of adults doing this?
• After you brainstorm , choose the ideas that are the most relevant and the easiest to explain well. You don’t get a high score because you have lots of ideas. You get a higher score for presenting specific ideas which are well developed and highly relevant.
• Body Paragraphs: f you have two questions to cover. It is logical to have two body paragraphs . Being logical in your choice of paragraphing is important.
• Provide a clear position in your introduction as to whether you think this is a positive or negative point. Being clear in the introduction helps the examiner follow your body paragraphs more easily and this will increase your score. If you think it is positive – make it clear. If you think it is negative – say so. If you think “it depends” – make sure you word it clearly and explain it clearly in the body paragraphs – never sit on the fence when you are asked to choose. The easiest approach is a positive or negative one (a one-sided approach). The “it depends” approach is harder and requires stronger language skills.

Model Essay for IELTS  Two Direct Questions

It seems that the current trend is for an increasing number of adults to enjoy playing computer games in their free time. With the development of game technology, it is hardly surprising that adults are playing games, but whether it is positive or negative depends on the games played and the time spent on them.

In terms of why so many adults are choosing to spend time playing computer games, it is mainly because the technology behind the games is becoming more sophisticated. Initially, when games first came out, they were very simplistic and appealed mainly to children. However, things have moved on since then and games have become visually appealing, very absorbing, require great dexterity and some also have a strategic challenge to them which adults particularly like. Such games can attract professional adults looking to hone tactics and skills to other adults wishing just to relax and switch off.

However, whether this trend in adults towards computer games is beneficial or not can be challenged. Some adults use complex, challenging games as a form of escapism which keeps their mind sharp and helps them relax at the same time. As long as the time spent on such games is balanced with other healthier pursuits, it can be constructive. Unfortunately, adults who ignore their physical health and spend too much time on mindless, repetitive games develop a sedentary lifestyle which can be detrimental to their wellbeing.

In conclusion, computer games have become more fascinating and tempting to adults. While games that help develop tactics and knowledge might be advantageous, no game, particularly senseless games, should be played to excess and certainly should not replace healthier leisure activities.

Word count = 276

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I was impressed by your work. It’s really beneficial! Thanks.

I’m glad it’s helpful 🙂

This is awesome, there are so much new vocabulary that I can learn from. Thank you Liz! And I wanna ask if all model essays are in the “model essay” category? I’m a new comer and I’m looking for as many well-written writings as possible, like yours!

There are a lot of model essays online. I do not know their quality or how safe they are to use a models. Not all websites are written by professional, experienced teachers who have completed the IELTS examiner training. The models on my essay are safe to use as a guide.

I received my IELTS result today and I scored 7.5 overall band score. I can’t thank you enough for your valuable help and guidance.

More than IELTS, I’m more confident than ever and look forward to continuing this learning further.

Thanks again and take care.

Best Regards, Kamlesh

I’m so pleased for you, Kamlesh! Very well done to you!! I do hope you continue learning. One day I plan to start an English Liz Youtube channel so that people can keep learning beyond their IELTS test 🙂

That would be perfect <3

Thank you so much, Liz. I really appreciate your fantastic work.

You’re welcome 🙂

Good evening Liz. I’m grateful for your guidance and tutelage as I scored 7.5 in my writing, 7.5 in speaking, 7.0 in listening and 6.0 in reading after just a short time with you. I’m optimistic in my next attempt I should get the desired scores. You’re a great teacher ma’am.

I wish you lots of luck in your next test 🙂

Rituparna Saha says April 5, 2024 Thank you Liz for all your support and guidance on Writing Task 2. I greatly appreciate your efforts.

I took my IELTS test a few days ago. The results are out and I got a band 7 in writing with an overall band 7.5 in just a week. For writing I only watched your videos and took notes of all the points you taught. I did not even practice writing much, just referred to your videos and read all the materials on the website. Your content is pure gold and you are an amazing teacher. Ilysm

Very well done with your results!! Many people struggle to hit band 7 in writing. Congrats!

this is Soo nice Liz I have been following you and your materials are helpful kindly would like to know where I can download the Cambridge book or if you can share any regards Hellen

The IELTS Cambridge Test Books are copyrighted so I can’t share them. However, you can find new as well as second hand copies on Amazon or possibly in a local educational store.

I don’t feel the introduction is clear, and there is no clear opinion.

“it depends” indicates the opinion. It shows that the writer intends to be specific about when it is positive and when it is negative because their opinion covers both. This can often be the case with IELTS essays that require an opinion. You do not have to choose positive or negative and be 100% on one side. It is 100% acceptable in IELTS but it is a more difficult opinion to create if one’s English language isn’t strong.

Hello Liz, is it okay to write a contrast (one point) before the conclusion paragraph in agree or disagree essay? Thank you.

This is not an agree/disagree essay. The Opinion Essay is an agree disagree essay which requires you to agree, disagree or have a partial agreement with an opinion given by IELTS. That essay is not an Opinion Essay because you aren’t being asked to respond to an opinion given by IELTS. This essay is a Direct Questions Essay which may or may not require an opinion depending on the questions you are given. In an Opinion Essay, you introduce your opinion in the introduction and the whole essay explains your opinion. You can’t suddenly put a different opinion further down the essay. Your opinion must be consistent throughout the whole essay. I recommend you get my advanced lessons because they explain in detail how to tackle an Opinion Essay. You can find them in my online store: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/

Thanks a lot liz.

Hi dear Liz. Hope you are fast recuperating. I have written the following intro. ” There is a growing propensity among the youth to play computer games. This is due to indulgence of parents and can have possible detrimental effects.” I know you don’t comment on write ups, but this is with a hope, in case…

I’ll just make one comment. I made a list of points to consider. Point 3 was important. This isn’t about youths. It’s about adults, which means people in their early 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s etc. And because it is about adults, it cannot be related to “indulgence from parents”. If you make this mistake, most of your essay will be off topic. That is the reason I wrote point 3. Take a look again because it’s an important lesson to learn.

This writing test sample answer makes a whole lots of sense to me. Well appreciated 👍👍👍.

I’m glad it made sense. IELTS isn’t difficult once you understand more about the test and the aims you should have.

Hi, Due to the financial crisis, I lacked many things like IELTS practice/preparation classes and missed many classes from a good teacher like you.

therefore, if you have any better offer like a full free studentship & give me the opportunity. Thank you in advance for your kind coope

This website has hundreds of page of free practice lessons, tips, topics, videos, advice, information, model answers etc. Use them well. Learn from each page and take your time. Then use the IELTS Cambridge test books for full test practice at home.

Thank you so much Liz for your valuable tips and techniques 🙏❤️

I’m glad it was helpful 🙂

Thank you for this it’s very helpful Liz. I greatly appreciate your efforts

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How to Ace the IELTS Speaking Task: Describing a Difficult Choice

The IELTS Speaking test often includes topics that require candidates to reflect on personal experiences. One such topic that frequently appears is “ Describe A Time When You Made A Difficult Choice .” This article will guide you through answering this question effectively, helping you achieve a high band score in your IELTS Speaking test.

Table of Contents

• 1 Understanding the Topic
• 2 Part 1: Introduction and Interview
• 3.1 Cue Card
• 3.2 Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
• 3.3 Follow-up Questions
• 4 Part 3: Two-way Discussion
• 5 Key Vocabulary and Phrases
• 6 Examiner’s Advice

Understanding the Topic

The topic “Describe a time when you made a difficult choice” is a common one in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to articulate personal experiences, express emotions, and use appropriate vocabulary and grammar structures. This topic is likely to appear in Part 2 of the Speaking test, where you’re given a cue card and asked to speak for 1-2 minutes on a specific subject.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask some general questions related to decision-making. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:

Question: Do you find it easy or difficult to make decisions?

Band 6-7 Answer: “Well, it depends on the situation. For small decisions, like what to eat for dinner, I find it quite easy. But when it comes to big life choices , like choosing a career path, I sometimes struggle. I tend to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.”

Band 8-9 Answer: “I’d say my ease in decision-making varies considerably depending on the gravity of the situation. For trivial matters , such as daily meal choices, I’m quite decisive. However, when faced with life-altering decisions , like career moves or significant investments, I find myself more cautious. I typically employ a systematic approach , carefully analyzing the potential outcomes and seeking advice from trusted sources before committing to a course of action.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Describe a time when you made a difficult choice You should say:

• What the choice was
• When you had to make this choice
• Why it was difficult
• What the result of your choice was

Sample Answer (Band 8-9)

“I’d like to share an experience about a particularly challenging decision I had to make a couple of years ago. The choice I faced was whether to accept a lucrative job offer in a different city or stay in my current position closer to my family.

This decision came about when I was approached by a prestigious company offering me a position with significant career advancement opportunities and a substantial salary increase. However, accepting this offer meant relocating to a city about 500 kilometers away from my hometown, where my parents and younger siblings reside.

The difficulty of this choice stemmed from the conflicting priorities in my life. On one hand, the job offer aligned perfectly with my career aspirations and would have provided financial stability. On the other hand, I’ve always been very close to my family, and the thought of not being able to see them regularly or be there for important moments was heart-wrenching .

I spent weeks deliberating over this decision, making pros and cons lists , and seeking advice from mentors and loved ones. Ultimately, I chose to decline the offer and remain in my current job. The result of this choice was a mix of emotions . While I occasionally wonder about the ‘what ifs’, I feel a deep sense of contentment knowing I can be present for my family. This decision also motivated me to seek growth opportunities within my current company, which has led to unexpected advancements in my career.

In retrospect, this difficult choice taught me a lot about my values and the importance of work-life balance . It reinforced the idea that sometimes, the most rewarding decisions aren’t always the most obvious ones.”

Follow-up Questions

Question: How do you usually make important decisions?

Band 6-7 Answer: “When I have to make important decisions, I usually take my time. I like to think things through carefully and consider all the options. I often make a list of pros and cons to help me see things more clearly. Sometimes, I also ask for advice from people I trust, like my parents or close friends.”

Band 8-9 Answer: “My approach to critical decision-making is multi-faceted. I begin by gathering all relevant information and assessing the potential outcomes of each option. I’m a firm believer in the power of data-driven decisions , so I often create detailed spreadsheets or mind maps to visualize the pros and cons. Additionally, I value the insights of others, so I frequently consult with mentors or experts in the field related to the decision. I also try to factor in both short-term and long-term implications, considering how the decision aligns with my overall life goals and values. Ultimately, I aim to strike a balance between logical analysis and trusting my intuition.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: Do you think people make better decisions as they get older? Why or why not?

Band 6-7 Answer: “Yes, I believe people generally make better decisions as they get older. This is mainly because they have more life experience to draw from. They’ve seen the consequences of different choices and have learned from their mistakes. Also, older people tend to be more patient and less impulsive, which can lead to more thoughtful decision-making.”

Band 8-9 Answer: “I’m inclined to believe that age does indeed contribute to enhanced decision-making capabilities, albeit with some caveats. As individuals accumulate life experiences , they develop a more nuanced understanding of cause-and-effect relationships, which can inform their choices. Moreover, the neurological maturation of the prefrontal cortex, which continues into one’s mid-20s, enhances cognitive functions like impulse control and long-term planning.

However, it’s crucial to note that age alone doesn’t guarantee better decisions. The quality of one’s choices is also influenced by factors such as emotional intelligence , adaptability , and a willingness to learn from past experiences. Additionally, in rapidly changing fields like technology, younger individuals might have an edge due to their up-to-date knowledge and fresh perspectives.

Ultimately, I believe the best decision-makers combine the wisdom that comes with age with a commitment to lifelong learning and openness to new ideas, regardless of their age.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

Deliberate (verb) /dɪˈlɪbəreɪt/ – to think about or discuss something very carefully Example: “I need to deliberate on this job offer before making a decision.”

Weigh the pros and cons (phrase) – to consider the advantages and disadvantages of something Example: “Before deciding, I always weigh the pros and cons of each option.”

Life-altering decision (phrase) – a choice that can significantly change one’s life Example: “Choosing to move to another country was a life-altering decision for me.”

Conflicting priorities (phrase) – different goals or needs that are incompatible or compete for resources Example: “I often struggle with conflicting priorities between my career and personal life.”

Work-life balance (noun) /wɜːrk laɪf ˈbæləns/ – the division of one’s time and focus between working and family or leisure activities Example: “Maintaining a good work-life balance is crucial for my overall well-being.”

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, especially when describing a difficult choice:

• Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and coherently.
• Use a variety of vocabulary and complex sentence structures.
• Provide specific examples to support your points.
• Show your ability to analyze situations from different perspectives.
• Be honest and authentic in your responses while maintaining a formal tone.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to express complex ideas clearly are all crucial factors in achieving a high band score.

For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, check out our article on how to describe a person who has had a positive impact on your mental health . This can provide additional insights into structuring your responses effectively.

• speaking topics
• Vocabulary List

How to Describe a Place Where You Feel at Peace in IELTS Speaking: Expert Tips and Sample Answers

How to Excel in IELTS Speaking: Describing a Group Activity Experience

How to Ace IELTS Speaking: Describing a Person with Special Talent

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Giải đề IELTS Writing Task 2: Average working time

Trong chuyên mục giải đề IELTS Writing kỳ này, cùng tham khảo bài mẫu của  cô Ngọc Hà  của  The IELTS Workshop  với bài mẫu chủ đề  Average working time IELTS Writing Task 2 . Cùng tham khảo từ vựng và cách diễn đạt ghi điểm nhé.

1. Phân tích đề bài: Average working time IELTS Writing Task 2

1.1. đề bài.

Countries with long average working time are more economically successful, but they are also likely to suffer from negative social consequences. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

(Các quốc gia có thời gian làm việc trung bình dài thường thành công hơn về mặt kinh tế, nhưng họ cũng có khả năng phải chịu những hậu quả xã hội tiêu cực. Bạn đồng ý hay không đồng ý?)

1.2. Phân tích đề bài

Dạng bài: Dạng bài opinion 

Từ khóa: long average working time, economically successful, negative social consequences 

Từ đồng nghĩa, trái nghĩa:  

• long average working time = work longer hours = putting in more hours at work = extended working hours = prolonged working time ~ overworking 
• economically successful = economic prosperity = economic growth = economic success = adverse social effects  
• negative social consequences = social problems = adverse social effects = negative impacts on the society 

Phân tích yêu cầu đề bài: Dạng bài yêu cầu đưa ra ý kiến với mệnh đề cho sẵn -> chúng ta sẽ đồng ý một phần rằng thời gian làm việc trung bình dài hơn sẽ dẫn đến năng suất cao hơn -> phát triển kinh tế. Tuy nhiên, không phải lúc nào năng suất cao cũng là hiệu quả công việc cao, và kết quả còn có thể bị chi phối bởi sức khỏe của nhân viên. Chúng ta cũng sẽ đồng ý với quan điểm rằng làm việc quá nhiều giờ có thể có tác động xấu về mặt xã hội 

2. Dàn bài chi tiết

Mở bài:  

– Diễn đạt lại ý của đề bài, trả lời câu hỏi: đồng ý 1 phần với quan điểm được đưa ra  

Đoạn thân bài 1:  

Đồng ý 1 phần với ý kiến “Thời gian làm việc trung bình tăng sẽ dẫn đến tăng trưởng kinh tế” 

– Làm việc lâu hơn thường được liên hệ với năng suất cao hơn 

– Sản xuất được nhiều sản phẩm và dịch vụ hơn -> tăng trưởng GDP 

– Ví dụ: Nhật Bản – nơi văn hóa cuồng công việc được bình thường hóa – có năng lực sản xuất cao -> GDP cao, vượt nhiều quốc gia để trở thành cường quốc kinh tế thế giới. 

Đoạn thân bài 2:  

Đồng ý với ý kiến “Thời gian làm việc tăng gây ảnh hưởng tiêu cực lên xã hội” 

–  Dành nhiều thời gian cho công việc, nhân viên không có thời gian chăm lo cho bản thân, ảnh hưởng đến sức khỏe về mặt lâu dài 

– Ví dụ: Thiếu ngủ mãn tính -> các bệnh về thần kinh như mất trí nhớ, đột quỵ 

– Quá bận bịu với công việc, mọi người khó dành thời gian cho gia đình, dẫn đến tỷ lệ ly hôn cao hơn ở các cặp đôi, còn con cái thì bị thiếu sự quan tâm chăm sóc của bố mẹ -> ảnh hưởng đến sự phát triển lành mạnh 

Kết bài:  

Khẳng định lại việc làm nhiều giờ hơn sẽ giúp phát triển kinh tế ở một số nước nhất định, thừa nhận rằng việc này sẽ đem đến những ảnh hưởng tiêu cực lên xã hội ở một số mặt, cụ thể là sức khỏe cộng đồng và liên kết gia đình.  

3. Bài mẫu (Sample Answer)

4. Từ vựng (Vocabulary Highlight)

• Economic powerhouse : trung tâm kinh tế 
• Work culture : văn hóa làm việc 
• Work ethic : đạo đức nghề nghiệp 
• To overwork : làm việc quá sức 
• Public health deterioration : suy giảm sức khỏe cộng đồng 
• To strike a work-life balance : đạt được sự cân bằng giữa công việc và cuộc sống 
• Sleep deprivation : Sự thiếu ngủ 
• Predispose somebody to something : Khiến cho ai có nguy cơ bị  
• To be burdened by : bị đè nén bởi 
• Dementia : bệnh mất trí nhớ 
• Stroke : đột quỵ 
• Migraine : bệnh đau nửa đầu 
• Family bond : sự gắn kết gia đình 
• Parental care : sự quan tâm của phụ huynh 
• Deprive someone of something : tước đoạt của ai cái gì 

Trên đây là sample cho  Topic: Average working time IELTS Writing Task 2 . Các bạn có thể tham khảo các  bài mẫu IELTS Writing Task 2  khác của  The IELTS Workshop !

Để có thể biết thêm nhiều chiến lược làm bài khác cũng như cải thiện kỹ năng Writing, tham khảo ngay khoá  Bổ trợ chuyên sâu  của  The IELTS Workshop  nhé.

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IELTS Speaking Part 1: Types, Commonly Asked Topics & Tips

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Bonus IELTS Speaking part questions with Answers

“Prepare to impress in IELTS Speaking Part 1 with this 2024 edition guide. Explore the structure, common questions, and detailed expert strategies. “

In this blog, we'll dive deep into the nuances of IELTS Speaking Part 1, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of what to expect and how to prepare effectively, from exploring the types of questions to sharing valuable tips and addressing the crucial parts of the IELTS Speaking test.

What is IELTS Speaking Part 1?

IELTS Speaking Part 1, also known as the "Interview" section, is the first part of the IELTS Speaking test. In this section, the examiner will ask you a series of questions about familiar topics related to your personal life, interests, and experiences. The format is relatively straightforward: you will engage in a short conversation with the examiner, who will ask you questions and expect you to provide comprehensive yet concise responses.

Know about the ‘ Introduction to IELTS Speaking. ’

Types of Questions in IELTS Speaking Part 1

Before we jump right into the topics and questions, it's essential to understand the different types of part 1 speaking questions. The questions can be broadly categorized into the following:

Open-ended questions

These questions require you to provide detailed responses, allowing you to showcase your ability to express yourself fluently and coherently.

Follow-up questions

Based on your initial response, the examiner may ask follow-up questions to probe further or clarify certain points.

Situational questions

These questions may present hypothetical scenarios or situations, requiring you to express your thoughts and opinions.

Here are two helpful interview videos that provide an overview of the IELTS Speaking Part 1:

• IELTS Speaking Practice Test 2024 | BAND 7.0 | FULL IELTS Speaking Interview 2024
• IELTS Speaking Practice Test 2024 | BAND 6.0 | FULL IELTS Speaking Interview

Commonly Asked IELTS Speaking Topics Part 1

In IELTS Speaking Part 1, the questions typically revolve around familiar topics related to your personal life, hobbies, and interests.

Below listed are some of the commonly asked IELTS speaking topics of part 1:

Work and Study

• Your job or studies
• Your typical day
• Your future plans
• Skills and qualifications

Home and Family

• Your family members
• Your living situation
• Household chores and responsibilities
• Childhood memories

Hobbies and Interests

• Sports and activities you enjoy
• Books, movies, or TV shows you like
• Music preferences
• Travel experiences

Daily Life and Routines

• Your morning routine
• Eating habits and food preferences
• Weekend activities
• Transportation and commuting

Remember, these topics serve as a general guide, and the actual questions may vary depending on your specific context and the examiner's approach.

Explore the numerous topics in Speaking Part 1. First impressions count. Don’t miss out on creating your best impression. Do practice these questions -  Speaking Part 1 Topics

Do you panic when you introduce yourself or when someone asks you a question about your habits and lifestyle? Do take a look at them and boost your confidence -  Band 8 Sample Answers

Tips for Nailing IELTS Speaking Part 1 in 2024

To excel in part 1 speaking questions, it's essential to be well-prepared and adopt effective strategies. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

• Practice speaking fluently

Example: Engage in regular conversations with friends or join an English-speaking club to build confidence and fluency.

• Expand your vocabulary

Example: Read extensively, listen to English audio/video materials, and learn new words in context to enhance your lexical range.

• Provide detailed responses

Example: When asked about your hobbies, don't just say "I like reading." Instead, elaborate on the types of books you enjoy, your favorite authors, and why you find reading fulfilling.

• Stay relevant

Example: While it's essential to provide comprehensive responses, ensure that your answers remain relevant to the question asked.

• Maintain a positive attitude

Example: Approach the test with confidence and a friendly demeanor. Remember, the examiner is evaluating your English proficiency, not your personality.

• Use appropriate body language and eye contact

Example: Maintain eye contact with the examiner, nod to show understanding, and use natural gestures to enhance your communication.

• Clarify if needed

Example: If you don't understand a question, politely ask the examiner to repeat or rephrase it.

• Manage your time effectively

Example: Be mindful of the time and avoid prolonged pauses or rambling, as this may negatively impact your fluency score.

• Practice with sample questions

Example: Familiarize yourself with sample questions and practice responding to them within the time constraints.

• Stay calm and focused

Example: If you stumble or make a mistake, don't dwell on it. Maintain your composure and move on to the next question.

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Questions and Answers - Topics

So here is the list of topics for IELTS speaking part 1 questions and answers:

• Topic: advertisements
• Topic: bags
• Topic: Celebrities
• Topic: Chocolate
• Topic: cooking food
• Topic: dream
• Topic: flowers
• Topic: hats
• Topic: holidays
• Topic: hometown
• Topic: House
• Topic: jobs
• Topic: mirrors
• Topic: noise
• Topic: politeness
• Topic: public transport
• Topic: Study
• Topic: Walking
• Topic: sports
• Topic: rain with
• Topic: teachers
• Topic: Birds
• Topic: bringing things
• Topic: dreams
• Topic: drinking water with
• Topic: Fashion
• Topic: food
• Topic: handwriting
• Topic: holiday
• Topic: jewellery
• Topic: leisure time
• Topic: names
• Topic: patience
• Topic: Photography
• Topic: rain
• Topic: robots
• Topic: Television
• Topic: toys
• Topic: weather
• Topic: reading

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Questions with Band 9 Sample Answers

Below are the links to score Band 9 in Speaking Part 1 with sample answers.

• Topic: Music
• Topic: travel festival
• Topic: accommodation
• Topic: travel
• Topic: running
• Topic: makeup
• Topic: street markets
• Topic: alone
• Topic: efficiency
• Topic: Morning
• Topic: physical exercise
• Topic: Dance
• Topic: shoes
• Topic: Sleep
• Topic: parks and public gardens
• Topic: animals pets
• Topic: City
• Topic: crowded places
• Topic: neighbors
• Topic: Pollution
• Topic: sharing
• Topic: sunglasses
• Topic: Swimming
• Topic: tea coffee
• Topic: housework
• Topic: film movie
• Topic: social network
• Topic: rubbish garbage

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Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking Part 1 is to be well-prepared, confident, and able to communicate effectively in English. With dedicated practice and the right strategies, you can ace this section and increase your chances of achieving your desired IELTS score.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose my questions in part 1?

Is Speaking Part 1 important?

Are the questions personal or general?

Should I use American or British English?

What kind of topics will be asked in Speaking Part 1?

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