IELTSExpression écritetask2lesson6twopartessays

In this lesson, we will guide you on how to write the two-part essay for IELTS Writing Task 2.

First, we will go over the four steps to approaching the two-part essay in IELTS Writing Task 2. Then we will look closely at how to plan each paragraph. Finally, we will examine two example questions and model essays.

After this lesson, you will be prepared to master this portion of the exam. Let’s get started!

As we’ve learned in IELTS Writing Task 2 Lesson 1, the four steps to approaching IELTS Writing Task 2 are as follows:

1. Read and Understand – The first thing you need to do in Writing Task 2 is fully understand the question and underline key words. Additionally, think about the following:

2. Plan your Outline – Now you are ready to map out your outline. This should take only two or three minutes and will act as a reference. Because you must answer two questions, this is the best way to structure a two-part essay:

1. Introduction
2. First Question
3. Second Question
4. Conclusion

3. Make Outline Notes – Now that you’ve chosen and drafted your outline, add brief notes using keywords for the main sentences of each paragraph. This helps you “map out” the essay and see the structure at a glance. (We will examine this in detail in the example later.)

4. Start Writing – After planning your outline, begin with the introduction and continue logically. Use a formal tone (avoid contractions, write out numbers below ten, etc.) and separate paragraphs clearly.

Below, we will detail how each paragraph should be written. As a reminder, the outline for this question type is as follows:

1. Introduction
2. First Question
3. Second Question
4. Conclusion

In short, the final Paragraph Planner looks like this:

I. Introduction
A. Rewritten Questions (1–2 sentences)
B. Outline/Position Sentence (1 sentence)
II. First Question
A. Topic Sentence (1 sentence)
B. Explanation/Detail (1 sentence)
C. Result (1 sentence)
D. Example (1 sentence)
III. Second Question
A. Topic Sentence (1 sentence)
B. Explanation/Detail (1 sentence)
C. Result (1 sentence)
D. Example (1 sentence)
IV. Conclusion
A. Summary of the Main Points (1–2 sentences)
B. Recommendation or Prediction (1–2 sentences)

Now, let’s analyse the question and plan before writing.

1. Read and Understand

Let’s underline the key words in this question:

“Nowadays, the way many people interact with each other has changed because of technology. In what ways has technology affected the types of relationships people make? Has this become a positive or negative development?”

2. Plan your Outline / 3. Make Outline Notes

Here are concise notes based on the prompt and ideas.

I. Introduction –
- Technology has changed relationships.
- Overall impact likely negative.

II. First View
- Topic sentence
- More acquaintances, fewer close friends
- EX: Facebook vs real life
- Result: Weaker connections
- EX: More chatting, less face-to-face

III. Second View
- Topic sentence
- Negative – feeling lonelier
- EX: Studies on face-to-face interaction
- Losing social skills
- EX: Poor body language / expression

IV. Conclusion
- Fewer close friends / less direct contact
- People should spend less time online

Now let’s look at an example essay.

Model Essay

Topic sentences are in bold.
Explanations and details are in red.
Examples are in blue.
Results are in green.
Opinions are in orange.

Introduction:

These days, the relationships people have with one another have been reshaped by technological advances. There are several ways in which relationships have been negatively affected by technology. (29 words)

Paragraph 1:

Technology has greatly impacted relationships. One major change is that people now have more acquaintances and fewer close friends. For example, many individuals collect hundreds or thousands of contacts on social media platforms such as Facebook because it is easy to connect online. Thus, technology has reduced face-to-face interaction. Because social media use has become integral to daily life and connecting is effortless, most people spend more time chatting online than meeting in person. (105 words)

Paragraph 2:

I believe that the above changes have been negative. Firstly, people often feel lonelier when they spend more time with a computer than with other human beings. Studies indicate that regular face-to-face interaction supports emotional health, and the lack of such contact has left many people lonely and even depressed. Consequently, those who rely on technology to communicate are gradually losing important social skills. Today, it is common to “communicate” with emoticons or GIFs; however, an unfortunate consequence is that many do not know how to express themselves effectively using body language or tone. (124 words)

Conclusion:

To sum up, people have fewer close friends and maintain less direct contact because of technology. This development is negative because it makes loneliness more likely and reduces social competence. Given this situation, people should deliberately spend less time on electronic devices to improve their relationships with others. (68 words)

Total Word Count: 326 words

Note: This essay type often contains a higher word count because you must fully answer two questions.

Write your essay on paper. To see the model essay, continue to the next section.

Model Essay

People often consider salary expectations, working hours, and location before officially accepting a job. However, for some, the most important factor in the decision-making process is the likelihood of job satisfaction. While there are many reasons a job can be satisfying, it is unlikely that everyone will find one they truly enjoy.

There are many reasons why people may be satisfied with their jobs. Primarily, people enjoy work that aligns with their passions. For example, individuals who love working with animals may gain satisfaction from being veterinarians, while those who enjoy working with children may find fulfilment in teaching. Additionally, people often feel satisfied when their work contributes to society. Surgeons who work long hours in emergency rooms, for instance, may experience fatigue but also a strong sense of purpose, knowing that their efforts save lives and positively impact communities.

Although there are many ways to find job satisfaction, several factors make it difficult for some to achieve. Firstly, some individuals have limited career choices and cannot find positions that match their interests or skills due to lack of qualifications or excessive competition in their preferred field. Furthermore, people who prioritise financial stability over passion may struggle to feel satisfied. For example, single parents might accept a high-paying position purely to support their families, even if the work itself is unfulfilling.

It may not be realistic to expect every worker to achieve job satisfaction, as personal and economic circumstances vary widely. However, through persistence and dedication, individuals who aim to make a meaningful impact on society are more likely to experience fulfilment in their professional lives.

Total Word Count: 326 words