Two-Part Questions

What Two-Part Questions Test

Two-part questions give you two specific questions to answer, typically introduced with "Why is this the case?" and "What can be done about it?" or similar pairings. Both questions must be answered with equal depth — neglecting either question drops your Task Response score significantly.

Identifying Two-Part Questions

They typically look like: "Why has X become more common in recent years? What are the consequences of this trend?" or "Why do some people believe X? Do you think this is a positive or negative development?"

Structure

Introduction: Paraphrase the topic statement and indicate that both questions will be addressed.

Body Paragraph 1: Answer the first question fully with two to three developed points.

Body Paragraph 2: Answer the second question fully with two to three developed points.

Conclusion: Briefly address both questions in a summary statement.

The Equal Depth Rule

Many students write a strong answer to the first question and a weak one to the second. Examiners are specifically checking that both questions receive equal attention. Before you start, plan two to three points for each question separately, then write equal-length paragraphs.

Common Mistakes

Answering only one question in detail — this is the single most common error in two-part questions.

Mixing answers to both questions in the same paragraph — give each question its own body paragraph.

Treating it like an opinion essay and giving personal views when the question asks for explanations.

Practice Question

In some countries, young people are choosing to leave rural areas and move to cities. Why is this the case? What problems does this cause for both rural and urban areas?