Direct Question Essays: Structure and Strategy for Band 7+ in IELTS

Direct question essays ask you specific questions that require specific answers. Unlike opinion essays where you argue for your view, or discussion essays where you explore multiple perspectives, direct questions want you to answer what's being asked—directly.

This straightforwardness is both an advantage and a challenge. The advantage: you know exactly what to address. The challenge: you must actually answer the questions, not just discuss the topic generally.

This guide shows you how to identify direct question essays, structure your response effectively, and provide the clear, complete answers that earn high Task Response scores.

What Is a Direct Question Essay?

A direct question essay presents one or more specific questions for you to answer. These questions are more targeted than the broad prompts of opinion or discussion essays.

Example Questions

Single Direct Question:

Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

Multiple Direct Questions (Two-Part):

Why is this happening? What can be done to address it?

To What Extent Question:

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

How Direct Questions Differ from Other Types

Direct questions cut straight to the point. The question tells you exactly what to address.

Types of Direct Questions

Type 1: Cause/Effect Questions

Why is this happening?
What are the effects of this trend?

What to do: Explain causes OR effects (whichever is asked), with clear reasoning and examples.

Type 2: Problem/Solution Questions

What problems does this cause?
What solutions exist?

What to do: Identify problems OR propose solutions (whichever is asked). If both are asked, treat as two-part question.

Type 3: Evaluation Questions

Is this a positive or negative development?
Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

What to do: Take a position and defend it with clear reasoning.

Type 4: "To What Extent" Questions

To what extent do you agree with this statement?
To what extent is this true?

What to do: Indicate your degree of agreement (fully, partially, not at all) and explain why.

Type 5: Should/Would Questions

Should governments take action?
Would this solve the problem?

What to do: Give a clear yes/no position with reasoning.

The Essential Rule: Answer the Question

The most common mistake in direct question essays is discussing the topic without answering the question.

Question: Is social media harmful to young people?

Weak response (discusses but doesn't answer):

Social media has both positive and negative aspects. Young people use it to connect with friends. However, there are some concerns about privacy...

Strong response (directly answers):

Social media is primarily harmful to young people due to its negative effects on mental health and social development. While there are some benefits, the psychological damage outweighs these advantages.

See the difference? The second response takes a clear position on the question asked.

Structure for Direct Question Essays

For Single Questions: 4-Paragraph Structure

Paragraph 1: Introduction (40-50 words)

• Brief context
• Your direct answer to the question
• Preview of your main reasons

Paragraph 2: First Main Point (80-100 words)

• Topic sentence with first reason
• Explanation
• Example or evidence

Paragraph 3: Second Main Point (80-100 words)

• Topic sentence with second reason
• Explanation
• Example or evidence

Paragraph 4: Conclusion (30-40 words)

• Restate your answer
• Summarize reasoning

For Two-Part Questions: Separate Paragraph per Question

See our detailed guide on Two-Part Questions for this structure.

Answering "To What Extent" Questions

"To what extent" questions require you to indicate your degree of agreement, not just whether you agree or disagree.

Three Possible Positions

1. Fully Agree/Disagree:

I completely agree with this statement because...
This view is entirely correct in my opinion...

2. Partially Agree:

While this is true to some extent, there are limitations...
I agree with this statement in principle, but with some reservations...

3. Nuanced Position:

This depends largely on the context...
The extent to which this is true varies considerably...

Structure for "To What Extent" Essays

Option A: You Fully Agree or Disagree

• Body 1: First reason you agree/disagree
• Body 2: Second reason you agree/disagree

Option B: You Partially Agree

• Body 1: The extent to which you agree (or the valid parts of the argument)
• Body 2: The extent to which you disagree (or the limitations)

Example: "To What Extent" Response

Question: Some people believe technology has made our lives easier. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Introduction:

Technology has fundamentally transformed modern life, but whether it has made life easier is debatable. I partially agree with this view—while technology simplifies many tasks, it has also introduced new complexities that previous generations never faced.

Body Paragraph 1 (Agreement):

Technology has certainly made many aspects of daily life more convenient. Communication that once required days or weeks now happens instantaneously through smartphones and the internet. Household tasks that consumed hours—washing clothes, preparing food, cleaning—now require far less time thanks to appliances. Access to information that previously demanded library visits is now available within seconds. In these respects, life has undeniably become easier.

Body Paragraph 2 (Disagreement/Limitation):

However, technology has also created new burdens that complicate modern life. The expectation of constant availability through email and messaging creates stress that earlier generations never experienced. The sheer volume of information and choices can be overwhelming rather than liberating. Furthermore, technological dependence means that system failures—power outages, internet disruptions, device malfunctions—can paralyze daily life in ways that were impossible before. These new stresses partially offset the conveniences technology provides.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while I agree that technology has simplified many tasks, I believe this is only partially true because it has simultaneously introduced new forms of complexity and stress into our lives.

Answering Evaluation Questions

Questions like "Is this positive or negative?" require you to take a position.

The Decision Framework

Step 1: Decide your position (positive, negative, or mixed)
Step 2: Generate reasons for your position
Step 3: Consider the strongest counterargument
Step 4: Structure your essay to defend your position

Common Mistake: Refusing to Choose

Some students write essays listing positives AND negatives equally, ending with "So there are both advantages and disadvantages."

This fails to answer the question. If asked whether something is positive or negative, you must choose and defend your choice.

Structure for Evaluation Questions

Option A: Clear Position (Recommended)

• Introduction: State your position clearly
• Body 1: First reason supporting your position
• Body 2: Second reason supporting your position
• (Optional: Brief acknowledgment of other side)
• Conclusion: Reaffirm your position

Option B: Balanced but Decisive

• Introduction: Acknowledge complexity, then state your conclusion
• Body 1: Arguments on one side
• Body 2: Arguments on the other side
• Body 3: Why one side is stronger
• Conclusion: Clear final position

Example: Evaluation Response

Question: More people are shopping online rather than in physical stores. Is this a positive or negative development?

Introduction:

The shift from physical retail to online shopping represents a significant change in consumer behavior. While there are concerns about this trend, I believe it is largely a positive development due to increased convenience and access for consumers.

Body Paragraph 1:

Online shopping offers unprecedented convenience that benefits consumers enormously. Shoppers can compare prices across multiple retailers instantly, purchase goods at any time of day, and have products delivered directly to their homes. This is particularly valuable for people with mobility issues, those living in remote areas, or parents managing busy schedules. The time saved from not traveling to stores and waiting in queues represents a genuine improvement in quality of life.

Body Paragraph 2:

Critics argue that online shopping harms local businesses and reduces social interaction. However, many traditional retailers have successfully adapted by creating hybrid models with both physical and online presence. The economic activity generated by e-commerce—warehouse workers, delivery drivers, tech developers—partially offsets job losses in traditional retail. Moreover, the environmental benefits of reduced individual car trips to stores should not be overlooked.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while the rise of online shopping requires adjustment from traditional retail, the benefits of convenience, access, and choice make this a predominantly positive development for society.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistake 1: Not Answering the Specific Question

Problem: Writing a general essay about the topic without addressing what's asked.

Solution: Underline the actual question. After each paragraph, ask yourself: "Does this answer the question?"

Mistake 2: Vague Positions in Evaluation Questions

Problem: "This has both advantages and disadvantages" without clear conclusion.

Solution: Force yourself to choose. Use phrases like:

• "Overall, this is positive because..."
• "On balance, the disadvantages outweigh the advantages..."
• "While there are valid concerns, this development is primarily beneficial..."

Mistake 3: Misreading "To What Extent"

Problem: Treating "To what extent do you agree?" as a simple "Do you agree?" question.

Solution: Include degree language:

• "I largely agree..."
• "I completely disagree..."
• "This is true to a certain extent..."

Mistake 4: Forgetting to Answer in the Introduction

Problem: Opening with general background without stating your answer.

Solution: Your introduction should preview your answer. The examiner should know your position before reading the body paragraphs.

Planning Direct Question Essays

5-Minute Planning Process

Minute 1: Identify exactly what's being asked

• Underline the question(s)
• Note what type of question it is

Minute 2: Decide your answer

• What's your position?
• How strong is your position? (fully/partially/depends)

Minutes 3-4: Generate supporting points

• Two to three main reasons for your position
• One example or piece of evidence for each

Minute 5: Draft your outline sentence

• Write the sentence that will preview your answer in the introduction

Practice Questions

Try these direct question essays:

1. Some people believe children should be taught to compete, while others think they should be taught to cooperate. Is competition or cooperation more important for children?

2. In some countries, young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

3. Some people believe that social media has made people more isolated. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

4. Many governments spend large amounts of money on space exploration. Is this justifiable?

Key Takeaways

1. Identify the question type before planning your response
2. Answer directly in your introduction—don't make examiners wait
3. "To what extent" requires degree language—fully, partially, to some extent
4. Evaluation questions require a position—don't just list pros and cons
5. Every paragraph should support your answer to the question
6. Conclude by restating your answer in different words

Direct question essays reward clarity and directness. Know what you're being asked, answer it clearly, and support your answer with solid reasoning.

Want to ensure your direct question essays actually answer what's asked? BandWriteCoach analyzes your Task Response and tells you exactly where you've addressed the question well and where you need to be more direct.