IELTS Double Question Essays

📘 What You’ll Learn on This Page

This page explains how to approach IELTS Double Question essays using a reliable fixed structure. You’ll learn how to clearly answer both parts of the question in separate body paragraphs, and how to avoid blending ideas or giving a balanced view. A Band 8 sample essay is included.

🧠 IELTS Double Question Essays

❓ What is a Double Question Essay?

This is a common IELTS Task 2 question type where you’re asked two separate things about the same topic. You’ll often see questions like:

Why is this happening?
Is this a positive or negative development?

These questions must be answered **clearly and separately**. One paragraph explains the cause, and the other gives your opinion. (You should not offer a mixed or balanced view.)

🛠️ Use This Fixed Structure Every Time

This structure is designed to help you stay focused and in control. Stick to the order, follow the sentence stems, and avoid unnecessary opinion phrases.

🧱 Introduction
Paraphrase the topic and clearly answer both questions.
**Sentence guide:**
It is increasingly common for [rephrased topic]. This is happening because [clear cause], and in my view, it is a [positive/negative] development.

✍️ Body Paragraph 1 – The Cause
So, why is this happening?
→ One major cause is [state reason]
→ Explain how this leads to the trend
→ Extend with a general example

**Structure:**
One major cause is [reason].
This has led to [effect].
For example, [realistic cause + situation].

✍️ Body Paragraph 2 – Positive or Negative?
So why do I believe this is a [positive/negative] development?
→ Clearly state your view
→ Explain how it creates a benefit or a problem
→ Support with a general, real-world example

🧩 Conclusion
In conclusion, this trend is happening due to [repeat cause], but it should be seen as a [positive/negative] development because of its wider effects.

🧾 Model Essay

**Task Question**
Large numbers of people are now able to travel overseas thanks to the growth of budget airlines.
Why is this happening? Is this a positive or negative development?

**Essay**
Large numbers of people are now able to travel overseas due to the rise of low-cost airlines. This is a negative development as it harms the environment and disrupts local communities.

So why is this happening? One major reason is that airfares have become more affordable due to increased competition between budget airlines. Flights that were once out of reach for most people are now financially accessible, which allows many individuals to travel internationally multiple times per year. This has made tourism a regular part of life for a much larger section of the population. For example, it is now common for people in Europe to take short overseas trips several times a year using low-cost carriers, something that was previously only available to the wealthy.

The main issue is that mass international travel places a serious burden on both the environment and on the communities receiving large numbers of tourists. The increase in flights contributes significantly to carbon emissions, and many destinations experience overcrowding, rising housing costs, and the erosion of local culture. For example, cities such as Venice and Amsterdam have struggled to cope with the number of visitors arriving each day, which has led to protests from local residents and a decline in quality of life.

In conclusion, the growth of international travel is happening because airfares have become more affordable, but this should be viewed as a negative development due to its environmental and social consequences.

🧠 Ready to Practise?

Try this real IELTS prompt:

💬 Prompt
More and more people are choosing to work from home rather than commute to an office.
Why is this happening? Is this a positive or negative development?

Follow the structure above. Answer each question in its own paragraph and avoid giving a balanced view. Keep your points realistic and your tone clear.