AVTC6_Unit 10_Two-part question Essays

TABLE OF CONTENTS
UNIT 10: Two-part Question Essays 3
I. Pre-writing 3
1. What is a two-part question essay? 3
2. Essay Structure (General Outline) 3
3. Useful language 7
4. Writing practice 8
4.1. Analyze the task Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.2. Brainstorm ideas Error! Bookmark not defined.
II. While-writing 10
III. Post-writing 13
1. Peer editing 13
2. Further practice 14
ANSWER KEY 15

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AVTC6_Unit 10_Two-part question Essays

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AVTC6_Unit 10_Two-part question Essays

UNIT 10: TWO-PART QUESTION ESSAYS

I. Pre-writing
1. What is a two-part question essay?
In IELTS writing task 2, you may see a two-part question (or sometimes "the direct question"). It
is most commonly called a two-part question because it contains two distinct questions. To
understand this idea better, let's look at an example of a two-part question prompt:
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?

2. Essay Structure (General Outline)

In this kind of essay, you need to address both questions as in the following outline.

I. Introduction
- Topic (1-2 sentences)
- Thesis Statement/ Essay outline (1 sentence)

II. Body
1. Body 1: First question
- Topic sentence
- Supporting idea 1
 Supporting details (facts, examples, and/ or explanation):
- Supporting idea 2:
 Supporting details (facts, examples, and/ or explanation)
2. Body 2: Second question
- Topic sentence:
- Supporting idea 1
 Supporting details (facts, examples, and/ or explanation):
- Supporting idea 2
 Supporting details (facts, examples, and/ or explanation)

III. Conclusion
- Rephrase the thesis statement/ Summarize the main points (1-2 sentences)
- Writer’s final opinion (a recommendation or prediction) (1-2 sentences)

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AVTC6_Unit 10_Two-part question Essays

Task 1. Read the IELTS question prompts below. Which one is the two-part
question?

A. Millions of people every year move to English-speaking countries such as Australia, Britain,
or America in order to study at school, college, or university. Why do so many people want
to study English? Why is English such an important international language?
B. The government's investment in arts, music, and theatre is a waste of money. Governments
should invest these funds in public services instead. To what extent do you agree with this
statement?
C. It is commonly believed that the main factors that affect a child's development nowadays are
media, pop culture, and friends. A different point of view is that family plays the most
significant role. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
D. Fewer young people choose to work in farming. What are the reasons? Should young
people be encouraged to do farming work?

3. Analyze a sample essay

Task 2. Read the writing task below and answer the following questions.

"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?"
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience.
Write at least 250 words.
1. What is the main topic of the task? (i.e., environment, education, career, etc.)
____________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

2. How many questions are mentioned in the task? What are they?

____________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

3. What tasks are you asked to do?

____________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

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 AVTC6_Unit 10_Two-part question Essays

Task 3. Read the sample essay and answer the following questions.

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?
Sample Essay:
It is true that several people put extra effort into study and work than others. However, working
hard all the time is not a positive thing for our lives, and it can bring negative consequences.

People are motivated to work hard for two primary reasons. To begin with, some people work
extra shifts to increase their income. They feel that by earning more money, they will be able to
provide comfort for themselves and their families. Furthermore, newly hired employees work
long hours in order to meet the employer's goals and keep their jobs. They are concerned that if
they do not meet the target, their company will replace them with more capable employees.

On the other hand, people who work hard are more likely to have significant issues at work and
at home. First of all, individuals who work long shifts may make many mistakes due to the stress
they face. As a consequence, they can cause a significant loss to their companies and lose their
jobs. Moreover, because of a heavy workload and irregular working hours, people may neglect
their families. This can lead to an increase in the arguments between partners, causing
problems in their relationship. Besides, according to researchers, a growing number of people
are suffering from psychological illnesses such as stress disorder, anxiety, or even depression
as a result of excessive working hours.

To sum up, hard work enables people to attain their professional goals and make more money.
However, working hard while disregarding one's health and family is never a risk worth taking.
(259 words)
(Adapted from Essay Samples – IELTS Practice.Org. Ielts-practice.org. (2022). Retrieved 10 May 2022, from https://www.ielts-
practice.org/essay-samples/)

1. List two reasons why people work hard in the sample essay.
_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

2. List three negative results of working hard mentioned in the sample essay.
_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

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AVTC6_Unit 10_Two-part question Essays

3. List at least one example mentioned in the sample essay.

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

4. List all transitions in the sample essay.

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

5. List at least two phrases with the same meaning as "work hard".
_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

Task 4. Reread the sample essay and put the sentences into the outline below.

INTRODUCTION
Background statement/ Paraphrase the topic:

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

Thesis statement/ Essay outline: _______________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

BODY PARAGRAPH 1 (Question 1) BODY PARAGRAPH 2 (Question 2)

Topic sentence: Topic sentence:

___________________________________ ____________________________________

Supporting idea 1: Supporting idea 1:

____________________________________ ____________________________________

Supporting details: Supporting details:

____________________________________ ___________________________________

____________________________________ ____________________________________

____________________________________ ____________________________________

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AVTC6_Unit 10_Two-part question Essays

Supporting idea 2: Supporting idea 2:

____________________________________ ____________________________________

Supporting details: Supporting details:

____________________________________ ____________________________________

____________________________________ ____________________________________

____________________________________ ____________________________________

Supporting idea 3:

____________________________________

Supporting details:

____________________________________

____________________________________

____________________________________

CONCLUSION

Restate thesis statement/ Summarize the main points + Writer’s opinion:

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

4. Useful language

I. Introduction

1. Introduce the topic/ Paraphrase the question prompt:

- It is widely accepted/ believed/ acknowledged that ...
- There is a growing concern about/ over ...
- In today's globalized world ...
- There have been significant developments in ...
- There has been a marked/ drastic change in attitudes towards ...
- It is undoubtedly true that ... may have a significant impact on ...

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AVTC6_Unit 10_Two-part question Essays

2. Thesis statement/ Essay outline:

- This essay will analyze (the main problems associated with …) and give my opinion/
perspective.

II. Body paragraphs

Linking words for Body paragraphs

Adding information Providing examples Consequences & Results

Furthermore, For instance, As a result,
Additionally, For example, Therefore,
In addition, To illustrate, Consequently,
… also … … such as … For this reason,
Moreover, So,
Thus,
Listing Contrast & Concessions Causes & Reasons
Firstly Nevertheless, Due to/ Because of
Secondly However, Because
Thirdly On the other hand, As
Finally/ Lastly Although / Even though, Since
Despite/ In spite of,
In comparison,
By contrast,

III. Conclusion
1. Rephrase the thesis statement/ Summarize the main points:
- From the reasons/ arguments mentioned above, there is no doubt...
- To conclude, .../ In conclusion, ...
2. Provide your final opinion (a recommendation or prediction)

5. Writing practice

Writing task 2 question:

In many countries, people now wear Western clothes (suits, jeans) rather than traditional
clothing. Why? Is this a positive or negative development?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your knowledge and your
experience.

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AVTC6_Unit 10_Two-part question Essays

Write at least 250 words.

Task 5. Read the question prompt and identify the topic and the question.
Topic: _______________________________________________________________________

Questions: ___________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

Task 6. Now, brainstorm ideas for the writing task above. Complete the T-chart
below.
Topic: ____________________________________________________________________

Question 1: _______________________ Question 2: __________________________

- Topic sentence: _____________________ - Topic sentence: _____________________

____________________________________ ____________________________________

- Supporting sentence 1: - Supporting sentence 1:

____________________________________ ____________________________________

- Supporting details (example, reason, - Supporting details (example, reason,

consequence, fact, etc.): consequence, fact, etc.):

____________________________________ ____________________________________

____________________________________ ____________________________________

____________________________________ ____________________________________

____________________________________ ____________________________________

____________________________________ ____________________________________

____________________________________ ____________________________________

- Supporting sentence 2: - Supporting sentence 2:

____________________________________ ____________________________________

Supporting details (example, reason, Supporting details (example, reason,

consequence, fact, etc.): consequence, fact, etc.):

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AVTC6_Unit 10_Two-part question Essays

____________________________________ ____________________________________

____________________________________ ____________________________________

____________________________________ ____________________________________

____________________________________ ____________________________________

____________________________________ ____________________________________

II. While-writing

Task 7. From the T-chart in Task 6, complete the following outline for the writing
task. Remember to use the language in 4. – Useful language.

In many countries, people now wear Western clothes (suits, jeans) rather than traditional
clothing. Why? Is this a positive or negative development?
I. Introduction
1. Background statement/ Paraphrase the topic:
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
2. Thesis statement/ Essay outline:

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

II. Body paragraphs

1. Body 1: Question 1

a. Topic sentence:

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

b. Supporting sentence 1:

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

 Supporting details (examples and/or explanation):

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AVTC6_Unit 10_Two-part question Essays

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

c. Supporting sentence 2:

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

 Supporting details (examples and/or explanation):

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

2. Body 2: Question 2

a. Topic sentence:

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

b. Supporting sentence 1:

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

 Supporting details (examples and/or explanation):

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

c. Supporting sentence 2:

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

 Supporting details (examples and/or explanation):

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

III. Conclusion

1. Restate thesis statement/ Summarize the main points:

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AVTC6_Unit 10_Two-part question Essays

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

2. Provide further suggestions, warning, or predictions:

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

Task 8. Write a complete essay based on your outline in Task 7. Give reasons for
your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience. Write at least 250 words.
In many countries, people now wear Western clothes (suits, jeans) rather than traditional
clothing. Why? Is this a positive or negative development?
____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

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AVTC6_Unit 10_Two-part question Essays

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

III. Post-writing
1. Peer editing

Task 9. Work in pairs. Read your partner’s essay. Then use the Checklist below to
offer feedback that can help your partner improve his/ her writing.

Content Y/N Comments/ Suggestions

Task Response

Is the essay at least 250 words?

Is the topic identified in the introduction?

Does the thesis statement discuss both questions as
being asked?
Does the conclusion summarize the main points and
give the writer’s final opinion?
Is each paragraph related to the topic?

Coherence & Cohesion

Are there one introduction, two body paragraphs,
and one conclusion in the essay?
Is there a clear topic sentence in each paragraph?
Are relevant examples and/or other supporting
details (explanation, reasons, …) included?
Are the sentences well linked together using
appropriate cohesive devices?
Lexical Resource

Has the question been suitably paraphrased?

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AVTC6_Unit 10_Two-part question Essays

Has consistent repetition of vocabulary been

avoided?
Have spelling and word-choice errors been
checked?
Is there sufficient use of academic vocabulary?
Does the essay contain vocabulary specific to the
topic?
Grammar Range and Accuracy
Has a range of simple, compound, and complex
sentences been used?
Have the verb tenses and subject-verb agreement
been checked?
Are most sentences error-free?

Has correct punctuation been used?

2. Further practice

Task 10. Choose one of the topics below and write a complete essay. Give
reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
1. 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 negative
development?
2. 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?
3. Happiness is considered very important in life. Why is it difficult to define? What factors are
important in achieving happiness?

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