How to structure two question essay?
The Challenge IELTS Students Face
Many of my IELTS students struggle with two key questions:
- How many ideas do I need to include?
- How should I structure my essay?
This guide will show you exactly what to do with clear examples and explanations.
Understanding the Question Type
Let’s examine this sample question:
“Nowadays governments are investing more in public transport such as buses and trains rather than in building new roads. What are the reasons for this? Is this a positive or negative development?”
Key Requirements:
- You must answer both parts of the question
- For the second part, you must choose a clear position
Why Your Position Matters
Your Task Response score depends on:
- Addressing all parts of the question
- Taking a clear position and supporting it consistently
Important: If you don’t choose a side, your maximum score for Task Achievement will be Band 5.
Your Two Options
For the opinion part (positive/negative development), you have two choices:
- Agree – It’s a positive development (support this view)
- Disagree – It’s a negative development (support this view)
Remember: The side you choose doesn’t matter – what matters is that you choose one and support it well.
Recommended Essay Structure
I strongly recommend this 4-paragraph structure:
- Introduction – Paraphrase questions + state opinion
- Body 1 – Reasons for the trend
- Body 2 – Why it’s positive/negative
- Conclusion – Restate opinion + summarize reasons
Why put your opinion in the introduction?
- Makes your position clear immediately
- Prevents you from running out of time without stating it
- Creates a stronger, more coherent essay
Sample Essay Structures
Option 1: Positive Development
Introduction
Paraphrase the topic and state clearly that you believe this is a positive trend.
Example:
“In recent years, there has been a shift in government spending from road construction to public transportation systems. This essay will discuss the reasons behind this change and argue that it represents a beneficial development for society.”
Body Paragraph 1
Explain one key reason for the trend
Example main idea:
“The primary reason for this shift is the growing awareness of environmental issues.”
Supporting points:
- Public transport reduces carbon emissions
- Helps cities meet climate change targets
- Example: London’s congestion charge led to 30% drop in private vehicles
Body Paragraph 2
Explain why this is positive
Example main idea:
“This development is positive because it leads to more efficient urban planning.”
Supporting points:
- Reduces traffic congestion
- Makes cities more livable
- Example: Bogotá’s TransMilenio system moved 2 million people/day
Conclusion
Restate your position and summarize key points
Example:
“In conclusion, the move toward public transport investment stems from environmental concerns and results in more sustainable cities. I firmly believe this represents progress in urban development.”
Option 2: Negative Development
Introduction
Paraphrase the topic and state clearly that you believe this is a negative trend.
Example:
“While many governments are prioritizing public transit over road infrastructure, this essay will argue that this approach creates more problems than it solves.”
Body Paragraph 1
Explain one key reason for the trend
Example main idea:
“Governments are making this choice due to pressure from environmental groups.”
Supporting points:
- Lobbying by climate activists
- Desire to appear “green”
- Example: Berlin’s rapid transit expansion after protests
Body Paragraph 2
Explain why this is negative
Example main idea:
“This focus on public transport neglects essential road infrastructure needs.”
Supporting points:
- Existing roads deteriorate
- Rural areas get neglected
- Example: Pothole damage costs US drivers $3 billion annually
Conclusion
Restate your position and summarize key points
Example:
“While environmental concerns drive this policy shift, the resulting neglect of road infrastructure creates significant economic costs. Therefore, I consider this development largely negative.”
Complete Sample Essay (Positive Development)
Introduction
“In recent decades, many governments have prioritized investment in public transportation infrastructure over expanding road networks. This shift stems primarily from environmental concerns and urban planning considerations. In my view, this reallocation of resources represents a decidedly positive trend that benefits both citizens and the environment.”
*(Why this works:
- Paraphrases the question using synonyms (“prioritized investment” instead of “investing more”)
- Answers both questions briefly
- States clear position in the thesis statement
- Uses academic language (“reallocation of resources”)*
Body Paragraph 1 (Reasons)
“The foremost reason for this policy shift is the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions. Public transport systems like electric trains and buses can move significantly more people while producing far fewer emissions per capita than private vehicles. For instance, Transport for London reports that their underground system emits 95% less CO2 per passenger than equivalent car journeys. Furthermore, improved transit systems help cities meet international climate commitments, such as the Paris Agreement targets that many nations have adopted.”
*(Why this works:
- Clear topic sentence about reasons
- Specific example with statistic (95% less CO2)
- Development of the idea (connects to international policy)
- Formal vocabulary (“foremost reason”, “per capita”)*
Body Paragraph 2 (Positive Development)
“Beyond environmental benefits, this development positively transforms urban living conditions. Efficient mass transit reduces traffic congestion, which a World Health Organization study links to 40% of urban stress cases. Cities like Singapore demonstrate how integrated transport systems coupled with road pricing can create more livable spaces – their public transport modal share now exceeds 75%, while average commute times have fallen by 20 minutes since 2010. This proves that strategic investment in transit yields measurable quality-of-life improvements.”
*(Why this works:
- Clear transition (“Beyond environmental benefits”)
- Two concrete examples (WHO study, Singapore case)
- Specific data (75%, 20 minutes)
- Connects to the thesis about positive development)*
Conclusion
“To conclude, the growing emphasis on public transportation over road expansion responds to pressing environmental needs while creating more sustainable cities. As evidenced by reduced emissions and improved urban living standards, this policy direction merits strong support as a progressive step in infrastructure development.”
*(Why this works:
- “To conclude” signals the ending clearly
- Restates position without copying introduction
- Summarizes both body paragraphs
- Ends with strong, opinionated statement)*
Breakdown of Band 9 Features:
- Task Achievement
- Fully addresses both questions
- Clear, consistent position throughout
- Well-developed ideas with examples
- Coherence & Cohesion
- Logical paragraph structure
- Smooth transitions between ideas
- Effective linking words (Furthermore, Beyond, As evidenced)
- Lexical Resource
- Precise vocabulary (“modal share”, “reallocation”)
- Natural collocations (“urban planning considerations”)
- Varied word choices
- Grammatical Range
- Complex sentence structures
- Accurate tense usage
- Error-free grammar
Essential Tips
- Be consistent – Don’t change your position
- One main idea per paragraph – Keep it focused
- Support with examples – Real-world cases strengthen your argument
- Use linking words – However, furthermore, consequently, etc.
- Practice both sides – Be prepared for any position
Common Mistakes to Avoid
✖ Not answering both parts of the question
✖ Changing your position mid-essay
✖ Including too many ideas (2-3 per paragraph is enough)
✖ Not supporting ideas with explanations/examples
✖ Writing an unclear position statement
Remember: A clear structure with well-developed ideas will help you achieve Band 7+ in Task Response and Coherence/Cohesion.