Task 2BeginnerTarget: Band 5.5–6.0

Direct Question Template

A highly structured format ensuring both parts of a two-part prompt are answered distinctly to fulfill basic Task Response requirements.

Paragraph Structure

Introduction

There are many opinions about Topic. This essay will answer two important questions about this issue.

Introduce the topic simply, then state that you will answer the questions asked in the prompt.

Body Paragraph 1 (Answer Question 1)

The first question is Question 1 rephrased. I think Answer to Q1. Because of this, Reason. For example, Example.

Directly answer the first question. Give a simple reason and one clear example.

Body Paragraph 2 (Answer Question 2)

The second question is Question 2 rephrased. In my opinion, Answer to Q2. This means that Explaining the answer.

Directly answer the second question. Make sure your answer is complete.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Topic is interesting. I have answered both questions by saying that Summary of Q1 Answer and Summary of Q2 Answer.

Summarize your two answers briefly.

Useful Phrases

There are many opinions about...
This essay will answer two important questions...
The first question is...
Because of this...
The second question is...
This means that...
In conclusion...
I have answered both questions by saying that...

Sample Answer

There are many opinions about how computers affect our daily lives. The prompt asks whether computers make life easier and if they have any negative effects. This essay will answer two important questions about this issue. The first question is if computers make life easier. I think they do make our lives much easier. Because of this, we can order food, talk to friends, and study online without leaving the house. For example, during the pandemic, students used computers to learn safely from home. The second question is if computers cause negative effects. In my opinion, they can be bad for our health. This means that if people look at screens all day, their eyes will hurt and they will not exercise. Furthermore, some people waste too much time playing games instead of working. In conclusion, computers are a very interesting invention. I have answered both questions by saying that they make life easier by helping us communicate, but they can also cause bad health and laziness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ignoring one of the questions

If a prompt asks 'Why is this happening, and what can be done?', and you only answer 'why', you will lose severe marks in Task Response.

Fix: Dedicate exactly one paragraph to the first question, and exactly one paragraph to the second question.

Giving yes or no answers

Answering 'Yes, it is good' is not enough for an academic essay.

Fix: Always expand your answer with a 'because' clause and an example.

Ready to practice this structure?

Head over to the evaluation dashboard to start writing your essay. Upon submission, the AI will evaluate your work against this structure and the selected band criteria.

Start Writing Now
Direct Question (Beginner) - IELTS Writing Template