In Two-part question
type, you will be given two questions and you will need to answer both
questions. The two questions will be different. For example, you might need to
assess the importance of an idea or action (e.g. How import is it?) and say
whether you agree or disagree (e.g. Do you agree or disagree?).
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.
Although the questions themselves are sometimes a bit
challenging, they are direct questions. This means that it is less
likely you will stay off-topic while writing.
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.
Structure
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
Topic
sentence – state your answer
Explanation
– develop the idea
Example –
give an example
4) Conclusion Summarise both questions and
answers
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?
In today’s society, some parents are becoming increasingly
permissive. They do not impose sufficient discipline on their children, and in
some cases buy them too many things. This essay will explore why this is not a
good way to raise children and why it will have negative impacts upon them in
future.
While it is understandable that parents want to give their
children expensive toys and let them run freely in the streets, this is
actually not really an appropriate method of parenting. Having too many toys
encourages children to be materialistic and does not offer them the same change
to develop social skills like sharing. Furthermore, when children have asked
for the toys, it gives them a sense of entitlement and even power over their
parents. As for giving children too much freedom, there are obviously a great
many dangers in this world from which they need to be kept safe. Children also
need rules and boundaries to encourage them to develop into mature and
responsible adults.
If parents insist on this permissive style of parenting,
their children will grow up with very different values from those of stricter
parents. Children who were never forced to study will end up with poorer grades
in school, and those who were given everything they wanted as children will
expect everything to come easily as adults. In short, they will lead difficult
and disappointing lives, in contrast with what their parents hoped.
In conclusion, although it is tempting to give children
whatever they want, parents ought to set rules and boundaries, and to be
careful with how they reward children. If parents fail to impose a basic level
of discipline, children may grow up with a poor attitude that will cause them
and others to suffer.
(294 words)
Sample 2
In
education and employment, some people work harder than others. Why do some
people work harder? Is it always a good thing to work hard?
It is true that nowadays, people tend to work hard in
education and in the company. In my perspective, I believe working hard is
really necessary for people life, however this case has some drawbacks and I
will prove it in this essay.
There are some important reasons that people have to work harder than others.
The first reason for this case is that people will achieve their job more
successful. For instance, when you have your assignment which given by your
tutor and you have to finish it in one week .Hence, in this situation if you
try to consult the reference on the internet and concentrate on this project,
you are completely get the high score. Another reason is that people will get
the high position in their career. Clearly, When you try your best and complete
your work but others do not, so the extra pay on your wage at the end of the
month absolutely higher than others. Moreover, working hard is also a kind of
activity that gain more opportunities for yourself.
Some people claim that working hard has many disadvantages. Personally, I
believe it affect to people’s health. What I mean by this is that when you take
a lot of work and it is exceeding your health allow, you will be very stressful
and desperate. And this will lead a very awful consequence. Another drawback
for this statement is that you will not have your time for family or your
friends. Obviously, the time which you spend in the company compare to the time
you spend to your family and friends is little. This problem will make you lost
your interaction with the community.
In conclusion, there are some clear reason for working harder can make your
life change but I still notice some drawbacks of this issue. ( 305 words)
Sample 3
As
most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is
an important element of individual wellbeing.
What factor contributes to job satisfaction?
How realistic is the expectation of job satisfaction for all workers?
From the past few decades, technology and globalisation have
increased the jobs opportunities. By which it is easier to expect satisfaction
in jobs for all workers. Moreover, it is an important element as most people
spend a major part of their adult life at work.
Firstly, the major factor contributing to job satisfaction is
pay-scale. As the population is proliferating day-by-day and it is affecting
whole world because the accommodations as well as food prices are increasing
regularly. However, people need to have a considerable amount of salary to
afford necessary things required for living. For instance, the survey conducted
by the WHO shows that a plethora of people die due to lack of food and shelter
every year. As a result, a better pay-scale helps individuals to have
satisfaction in their jobs.
Secondly, a person can be satisfied if he/she have passion
and interest in the job. By which the people working in different companies and
firms can work effectively and efficiency which will help to increase
productivity of the specific company. Furthermore, workers can develop their
skills while doing the work in which they are best. For example, the scientists
studied the individual employed by different companies and they concluded that
the efficiency of people who have interest in their the job is more than the
people who do not have.
To conclude, job satisfaction is important for people, as
they spent most for their adult life at work. In addition, with the increase in
technology and globalisation it is not difficult to have a job satisfaction.
(259 words)
Sample 4
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?
These days, the environment is being severely affected by the excessive use of nonrenewable energy resources, such as petrol, diesel, coal and natural gas. However, eco-friendly and renewable power sources like wind and solar power are being adopted in many countries mainly because they do not harm the environment, and I wholeheartedly think that it is a positive trend.
The shift towards renewable
energy sources in many countries is primarily to fight global warming and
climate change. Fossil fuels are often the reason climate change is so severe
and threatens the existence of humans on the mother planet. Many countries,
including Germany, Norway and France, have adopted the use of green energy like
solar and wind power to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels to save the
environment.
It is a positive trend as it
greatly reduces the carbon content of the environment and makes the planet more
sustainable. Without extensive use of green energy, we will soon transform our
planet into an uninhabitable one. To save our planet from destruction, we need
to produce and use more green and renewable energy. Moreover, it is cheaper to
produce such clean energy than to extract coal or natural gas which makes these
eco-friendly energies affordable to mass people. A recent study by Oxford
University reveals that the production of solar power is 30% cheaper than that
of fossil fuel. This finding again emphasizes how important it is for all
nations to opt for renewable energy sources, and how beneficial it is that many
countries have already invested in generating clean power.
In conclusion, even though we have harmed our mother planet to a great extent by indiscriminately using fossil fuels, some countries have already shown us a better way to produce and use power. It is expected that more countries will invest in alternative sources of energy to make the planet green again and make energy affordable for all. (318 words)
Sample 5
Some people say that the importance of
art has been increasing in every part of the globe. To me, it is one of the
best sources of entertainment currently; therefore, I believe that it should be
introduced in schools.
In the Modern era, art helps people to
stay rejuvenated. In general, in every part of the world, people are going
through a hectic schedule which is why they often have stress, depression and
some other health issues. To mitigate this, there are thousands of artistic
activities in terms of songs, videos and some other which helps them in such
circumstances. For example, nowadays many people entertain others by showcasing
their artistic skills on the Internet and they also earn a handsome amount of
income from it. In short, art is quite significant today because it gives
people relief from day to day stress.
Without any doubt, art classes must be
introduced in schools since these can lessen children’ burden significantly. To
explain, many students study extra hours to achieve higher marks, which is why
they sometimes have stress regarding their studies. If there are singing or
acting classes in school, they can get a break from this. Not only this, it
will also help students who want to become actors, singers, musicians etcetera.
Simply, a student attending artistic classes will have more knowledge and chances
to get success later on. Therefore, it is supported that artistic skills should
be inculcated in schools.
In the end, I restate my opinion that
art is still important and it is advisable to add it to Educational Institutes. (264 words)
Sample 6
Happiness is
often considered difficult to define. Why is this? What factors determine
happiness?
Everybody desires to be happy in life and interestingly the
requirements to be cheerful vary from person to person. This is the main reason
why defining happiness is not that easy. However, there are some common things
that are regarded important to be delighted in life.
Defining happiness is quite challenging because the
requirements to achieve it is not fixed. While someone dreams that his economic
freedom would make him happy, a very rich man dreams about having a caring
family to be happy. Similarly, a couple who do not have any child think about
having a baby all the time and would be ready to do anything for that. On the
contrary, many poor families, mostly in poor countries, find more children to
be their burden. The practical world is quite puzzling and the humankind wants
more than they have. When a person’s aim or expectation is fulfilled, he wants
more and this is a never ending process. This is why happiness is not a simple
word that we can describe with a neat and precise definition.
However, there are some vital factors that are commonly
regarded as the main ingredients to be happy in life. First of all, physical
and psychological soundness is very important to be happy and people can truly
realise that when they get sick. Economic freedom - ability to fulfil the needs
in life, is the second most important factor to be happy, in my opinion. It is
often said that being happy with an empty stomach is not possible. Thirdly,
having a happy family where members love each other and care for them is
considered important to be in peace in life. It is usually rare to find a happy
person who does not have a pleasant family. Individual freedom is also
considered a great influence to be happy in life. Someone without personal
freedom cannot feel the happiness. Most importantly, being contented in life is
the key to being happy. If someone can be contented with whatever little he
has, he will be happy in life.
In conclusion, though there is no easy and precise definition
of happiness, common attributes like sound health, caring family, freedom and
personal contentment are regarded to be key ingredients to be happy in life. (378 words)
Sample 7
Success is often measured by wealth and
material possessions. Do you think wealth is the best measure of success? What
makes a successful person?
According to some people, wealth and
material possessions are the best indicators of a person’s success. While I do
admit that wealth is definitely a measure of success, in my opinion, it is not
the only factor or the most important factor contributing to success. People
can be successful regardless of their financial status.
First
of all, achieving happiness is the biggest aim of all people and hence in my
opinion, the happiest people are the most successful. Some people might find
happiness in accumulating money, but for the vast majority of people just
having a fat wallet is not enough. That explains why there are more unhappy
people in the developed world than in the developing or undeveloped countries.
They are rich and by that definition successful, but their lack of contentment
makes them miserable. Thus, obviously, happiness is a better indicator of
success than material wealth.
As for the factors contributing to
happiness and success, in my opinion, family is the first. A supporting family
is the biggest wealth any person can possess. They offer us moral strength,
share our joys and sorrows and thus contribute to our sense of wellbeing and
success. Good health is another determinant of success because without health
there is not much we can achieve in life. Having a clear and realistic goal
also leads to success and contentment as people are happier and more productive
when they have a purpose a life.
In
conclusion, money and material riches certainly indicate success, but they are
not the best or the only factor contributing to success. In my opinion, a
person’s level of happiness is the best measure of their success and it depends
more on family support and good health than riches. (289 words)
or,
These days people who possess a lot of
wealth are considered as successful. While I do admit that material possessions
can be an indicator of success, in my opinion, it is not the only factor that
needs to be considered. People can be successful even if they do not have a lot
of money and the secret of success and happiness varies from person to person.
Achieving
happiness is the ultimate aim of all people and therefore I believe that happy
people are successful people. Some of the richest people in the world have all
the material comforts that money can buy and yet many of them are not happy. In
my opinion, their unhappiness makes them unsuccessful despite owning a lot of
money. At the same time, we can also find many poor people who are happy and
contented with what they have. They enjoy each and every moment of their life
and eagerly look forward to tomorrow. Obviously, money is not the best or only
measure of success.
As
for the factors contributing to success, well, there are many. For some, it
could be achieving their goals in life; for others it could be having a great
family or doing something to help others. Earning money can also be the
ultimate aim of some people and if they manage to achieve it, they will be
happy and that in my opinion will make them successful. Thus, obviously, the
definition of success varies from person to person and anyone who achieves what
they want can be considered successful.
In short, while money can be a measure of success, it is not the best or only measure. A person should be considered successful if they are happy and contented. (289 words)
Sample 8
In many countries, it
has become difficult for young people to afford to buy their own home.
Why
is this the case?
What
can be done about this problem?
Several factors are to blame
for the financial difficulty young people face when trying to buy a home.
Firstly, population growth in many countries has led to greater competition
among buyers, which drives up prices. In parallel, there is often too little
construction taking place, which makes the situation worse as supply cannot
keep up with demand. In many countries, interest rates are also much lower than
their long-term averages, which encourages people to borrow more and more money
to outbid other buyers. As prices have increased, it has become increasingly
difficult for younger buyers to save for a deposit, which effectively locks
them out of the housing market.
There are ways that this issue could be addressed. One solution is for
governments to offer young people grants to help them afford their first home.
Governments could place conditions on any such grant. For example, they could
require that the property be a newly constructed one or that the money only be
used to purchase a property in a regional area. Another way to deal with this
issue is for governments to release more land for residential construction and
offer builders financial incentives. This would help with the supply side of
the equation. If there were more properties available, prices would inevitably
come down.
In conclusion, young people find it
difficult to afford their own home primarily due to supply and demand factors.
Unless governments take action by offering grants to young buyers or by
releasing more land for new homes, the problem is unlikely to go away. (300)
Sample 9
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 a negative situation?
Owning a home is often considered an essential
element of a dream come true. In fact, it is often viewed as a symbol of
success and stability. This essay will explore the reasons why owning a house
is so important to people and why this is a positive development.
One of the main reasons why owning a home is so
important to people is that it provides a sense of security and stability.
Renting a place of residence can often be unpredictable, as landlords may raise
rent prices or decide to sell the property. In contrast, homeowners have more
control over their living situation and are not subject to the whims of
landlords. For instance, consider a family who has been renting an apartment
for several years. They have established a comfortable life in the neighbourhood,
with their children attending nearby schools and forming friendships within the
community. However, the landlord unexpectedly informs them to vacate the house
because he himself has decided to live there. It would be a very depressing
situation for the tenant.
I believe this is a positive trend because owning a
home provides a sense of permanence and belonging. It allows people to put down
roots in a community and become more invested in their surroundings. Moreover,
owning a home can be a good investment. Over time, real estate tends to
appreciate in value, meaning that homeowners can potentially make a profit if
they sell their abodes later on. For example, during the housing market boom in
the early 2000s, many people who owned homes in desirable locations saw their
property values skyrocket.
In conclusion, owning a house provides homeowners
with a sense of security, stability, and belonging to a community, and can also
be a good investment. While there may be some minor downsides to homeownership,
ultimately, owning a home is a goal that many people, all around the world,
aspire to, and it is a worthy one. (285 words)
Sample 10
News editors decide what to broadcast on
television and what to print in newspapers. What factors do you think influence
these decisions? Do we become used to bad news, and would it be better if more
good news was reported?
It is true that editors have to make difficult
decisions about which news stories they broadcast or publish, and their choices
are no doubt influenced by a variety of factors. In my opinion, we are exposed
to too much bad news, and I would welcome a greater emphasis on good news.
Editors face a range of considerations when
deciding what news stories to focus on. Firstly, I imagine that they have to
consider whether viewers or readers will be interested enough to choose their
television channel or their newspaper over competing providers. Secondly, news
editors have a responsibility to inform the public about important events and
issues, and they should therefore prioritise stories that are in the public
interest. Finally, editors are probably under some pressure from the owners who
employ them. For example, a newspaper owner might have particular political
views that he or she wants to promote.
It seems to me that people do become
accustomed to negative news. We are exposed on a daily basis to stories about
war, crime, natural disasters and tragic human suffering around the world. I
believe that such repeated exposure gradually desensitises people, and we
become more cynical about the world and more sceptical that we can do anything
to change it. I would prefer to see more positive news stories, such as reports
of the work of medical staff after a natural disaster, or the kindness of
volunteers who help in their communities. This kind of news might inspire us
all to lead better lives.
In conclusion, it must be extremely difficult
for editors to choose which news stories to present, but I would like to see a
more positive approach to this vital public service.
(285
words)
Sample 11
Economic progress is often used
to measure a country’s success. However, some people believe that other factors
are more important. What other factors should also be considered when measuring
a country’s success? Do you think one factor is more important than others?
The relative success of different countries is
usually defined in economic terms. There are several other factors, apart from
the economy, that could be used to assess a country, and in my opinion
education is the most important of all.
Standards of education, health and individual
human rights should certainly be considered when measuring a country’s status.
A good education system is vital for the development of any nation, with
schools, colleges and universities bearing the responsibility for the quality
of future generations of workers. Healthcare provision is also an indicator of
the standard of living within a country, and this can be measured by looking at
average life expectancy rates or availability of medical services. Finally,
human rights and levels of equality could be taken into account. For example, a
country in which women do not have the same opportunities as men might be
considered less successful than a country with better gender equality.
In my view, a country’s education system
should be seen as the most important indicator of its success and level of
development. This is because education has a considerable effect on the other
two factors mentioned above. It affects people’s health in the sense that
doctors and nurses need to be trained, and scientists need to be educated to
the highest levels before they can carry out medical research. It also affects
the economy in the sense that a well-educated workforce will allow a variety of
companies and industries to flourish, leading to trade with other countries,
and increased wealth.
In conclusion, nations can be assessed and
compared in a variety of ways, but I would argue that the standard of a
country’s education system is the best measure of its success.
(287
words)
Sample 12
Many people prefer to watch
foreign films rather than locally produced films.
Why could this be? Should governments give more financial
support to local film
industries?
It is true that foreign films are more popular
in many countries than domestically produced films. There could be several
reasons why this is the case, and I believe that governments should promote
local film-making by subsidizing the industry.
There are various reasons why many people find
foreign films more enjoyable than the films produced in their own countries.
Firstly, the established film industries in certain countries have huge budgets
for action, special effects and to shoot scenes in spectacular locations.
Hollywood blockbusters like ‘Avatar’ or the James Bond films are examples of
such productions, and their global appeal is undeniable. Another reason why
these big-budget films are so successful is that they often star the most famous
actors and actresses, and they are made by the most accomplished producers and
directors. The poor quality, low-budget filmmaking in many countries suffers in
comparison.
In my view, governments should support local
film industries financially. In every country, there may be talented amateur
film-makers who just need to be given the opportunity to prove themselves. To
compete with big-budget productions from overseas, these people need money to
pay for film crews, actors and a host of other costs related to producing
high-quality films. If governments did help with these costs, they would see an
increase in employment in the film industry, income from film sales, and perhaps
even a rise in tourist numbers. New Zealand, for example, has seen an increase
in tourism related to the ‘Lord of the Rings’ films, which were partly funded
by government subsidies.
In conclusion, I believe that increased
financial support could help to raise the quality of locally made films and
allow them to compete with the foreign productions that currently dominate the
market. (288
words)
Sample 13
These days more fathers stay at
home and take care of their children while mothers go out to work. What could
be the reasons for this? Do you think it is a positive or a negative
development?
It is true that men are increasingly likely to
take on the role of househusband, while more women than ever are the
breadwinners in their families. There could be several reasons for this, and I
consider it to be a very positive trend.
In recent years, parents have had to adapt to
various changes in our societies. Equal rights movements have made great
progress, and it has become normal for women to gain qualifications and pursue
a career. It has also become socially acceptable for men to stay at home and
look after their children. At the same time, the rising cost of living has
meant that both marriage partners usually need to work and save money before
starting a family. Therefore, when couples have children, they may decide who
works and who stays at home depending on the personal preference of each
partner, or based on which partner earns the most money.
In my view, the changes described above should
be seen as progress. We should be happy to live in a society in which men and
women have equal opportunities, and in which women are not put under pressure
to sacrifice their careers. Equally, it seems only fair that men should be free
to leave their jobs in order to assume childcare responsibilities if this is
what they wish to do. Couples should be left to make their own decisions about
which parental role each partner takes, according to their particular circumstances
and needs.
In conclusion, the changing roles of men and
women in the family are a result of wider changes in society, and I believe
that these developments are desirable.
(274 words)
Sample
14
Many people decide on a career path early in
their lives and keep to it. This, they argue, leads to a more satisfying
working life.
To what extent do you agree with this view?
What other things can people do in order to have a
satisfying working life?
It is true that some people know from an early
age what career they want to pursue, and they are happy to spend the rest of
their lives in the same profession. While I accept that this may suit many
people, I believe that others enjoy changing careers or seeking job
satisfaction in different ways.
On the one hand, having a defined career path
can certainly lead to a satisfying working life. Many people decide as young
children what they want to do as adults, and it gives them a great sense of
satisfaction to work towards their goals and gradually achieve them. For
example, many children dream of becoming doctors, but to realise this ambition
they need to gain the relevant qualifications and undertake years of training.
In my experience, very few people who have qualified as doctors choose to change
career because they find their work so rewarding, and because they have
invested so much time and effort to reach their goal.
On the other hand, people find happiness in
their working lives in different ways. Firstly, not everyone dreams of doing a
particular job, and it can be equally rewarding to try a variety of
professions; starting out on a completely new career path can be a
reinvigorating experience. Secondly, some people see their jobs as simply a
means of earning money, and they are happy if their salary is high enough to
allow them to enjoy life outside work. Finally, job satisfaction is often the
result of working conditions, rather than the career itself. For example, a
positive working atmosphere, enthusiastic colleagues, and an inspirational boss
can make working life much more satisfying, regardless of the profession.
In conclusion, it can certainly be satisfying
to pursue a particular career for the whole of one’s life, but this is by no
means the only route to fulfilment.
(310
words)
Sample
15
There
are many different types of music in the world today. Why do we need music? Is
the traditional music of a country more important than the international music
that is heard everywhere nowadays?
It is true that a rich variety of musical
styles can be found around the world. Music is a vital part of all human
cultures for a range of reasons, and I would argue that traditional music is
more important than modern, international music.
Music is something that accompanies all of us
throughout our lives. As children, we are taught songs by our parents and
teachers as a means of learning language, or simply as a form of enjoyment.
Children delight in singing with others, and it would appear that the act of
singing in a group creates a connection between participants, regardless of
their age. Later in life, people’s musical preferences develop, and we come to
see our favourite songs as part of our life stories. Music both expresses and
arouses emotions in a way that words alone cannot. In short, it is difficult to
imagine life without it.
In my opinion, traditional music should be
valued over the international music that has become so popular. International
pop music is often catchy and fun, but it is essentially a commercial product
that is marketed and sold by business people. Traditional music, by contrast,
expresses the culture, customs and history of a country. Traditional styles,
such as …(example)…, connect us to the past and form part of our cultural
identity. It would be a real pity if pop music became so predominant that these
national styles disappeared.
In conclusion, music is a necessary part of
human existence, and I believe that traditional music should be given more
importance than international music.
(261
words)
Sample 16
Nowadays
the way many people interact with each other has changed because of technology.
In what ways has technology affected the types of
relationships that people make?
Has this been a positive or negative development?
It is true that new technologies have had an
influence on communication between people. Technology has affected
relationships in various ways, and in my opinion there are both positive and
negative effects.
Technology has had an impact on relationships
in business, education and social life. Firstly, telephones and the Internet
allow business people in different countries to interact without ever meeting
each other. Secondly, services like Skype create new possibilities for relationships
between students and teachers. For example, a student can now take video
lessons with a teacher in a different city or country. Finally, many people use
social networks, like Facebook, to make new friends and find people who share
common interests, and they interact through their computers rather than face to
face.
On the one hand, these developments can be
extremely positive. Cooperation between people in different countries was much
more difficult when communication was limited to written letters or telegrams.
Nowadays, interactions by email, phone or video are almost as good as
face-to-face meetings, and many of us benefit from these interactions, either
in work or social contexts. On the other hand, the availability of new
communication technologies can also have the result of isolating people and
discouraging real interaction. For example, many young people choose to make
friends online rather than mixing with their peers in the real world, and these
‘virtual’ relationships are a poor substitute for real friendships.
In conclusion, technology has
certainly revolutionized communication between people, but not all of the
outcomes of this revolution have been positive.
(257
words)
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