Level: CEFR B2–B2+ | Question Type: Two-Part Question Essay
1. IELTS Writing Task 2 — Question（题目）
In many countries, people are spending less time reading books and more time watching videos or using social media.
Why is this happening? What effects might this have on individuals and society?
2. Sample Essay（参考范文）
Paragraph 1 — Introduction（引言段）
In many countries, people now spend less time reading books and more time watching videos or browsing social media. This change is mainly caused by the convenience and entertainment offered by digital platforms. However, it may also have negative effects on people’s concentration, reading habits and ability to understand complex information.
Paragraph 2 — Body Paragraph 1（主体段一）
One major reason for this change is that digital entertainment is easily accessible and often requires less effort than reading. With smartphones and internet access, people can watch videos or check social media almost anywhere. For example, someone travelling to work may prefer watching short videos because they are entertaining and easy to follow. Another reason is that social media platforms constantly offer new content, encouraging users to spend more time online. Unlike books, which usually require sustained attention, short videos provide information and entertainment in small amounts. As a result, people may gradually develop a preference for quick entertainment rather than spending long periods reading.
Paragraph 3 — Body Paragraph 2（主体段二）
This trend may have several negative effects on individuals and society. One possible consequence is a reduced ability to concentrate on lengthy or challenging material. People who become accustomed to short videos may find it harder to remain focused when reading books or studying difficult subjects. For instance, students who frequently switch between social media applications may struggle to complete reading assignments without checking their phones. Another concern is that people may become less willing to examine information carefully. Because short online posts often provide limited explanations, relying heavily on them may lead to a less complete understanding of important social issues. Over time, this could affect people’s ability to evaluate information and participate in informed public discussions.
Paragraph 4 — Conclusion（结论段）
In conclusion, the growing popularity of videos and social media is largely due to their convenience and entertaining content. Although these platforms offer useful information and enjoyable experiences, spending less time reading books may weaken concentration and make it harder for people to understand complex issues.
Word Count: 336 words（全文约336词）
3. Essay Structure（文章结构）
| Paragraph 段落 | Main Idea 主要内容 |
| Introduction 引言段 | Introduce the trend, briefly explain its causes and mention its possible effects. 介绍这一趋势，简要说明其原因和可能产生的影响。 |
| Body Paragraph 1 主体段一 | Explain why people spend more time on digital entertainment, including convenience and easy access to content. 解释人们为什么花更多时间使用数字娱乐平台，包括便利性及获取内容的容易程度。 |
| Body Paragraph 2 主体段二 | Discuss the possible effects on concentration, reading habits and the ability to understand information. 讨论这一趋势对注意力、阅读习惯以及信息理解能力可能产生的影响。 |
| Conclusion 结论段 | Summarise the main causes and possible effects without introducing new ideas. 总结主要原因和可能产生的影响，不引入新的论点。 |
4. Useful Writing Expressions（实用写作表达）
| spend less time doing something | 花更少时间做某事 |
| spend more time doing something | 花更多时间做某事 |
| browse social media | 浏览社交媒体 |
| be mainly caused by something | 主要由某事引起 |
| have negative effects on something | 对某事产生负面影响 |
| One major reason for… is that… | ……的一个主要原因是…… |
| be easily accessible | 容易获取或使用 |
| require less effort | 需要较少的精力 |
| prefer doing A to doing B | 比起做B更喜欢做A |
| encourage someone to do something | 鼓励或促使某人做某事 |
| require sustained attention | 需要持续的注意力 |
| develop a preference for something | 逐渐形成对某事物的偏好 |
| One possible consequence is… | 一个可能的后果是…… |
| become accustomed to something | 习惯于某事物 |
| struggle to do something | 难以做某事 |
| remain focused | 保持专注 |
| rely heavily on something | 过度依赖某事物 |
| lead to something | 导致某种结果 |
| evaluate information | 评估信息 |
| participate in discussions | 参与讨论 |
5. What Students Should Learn（学习重点）
A Two-Part Question Essay requires students to answer two questions about the same topic. The questions may focus on different aspects of an issue, such as its causes, effects, solutions or whether a development is positive or negative.
This essay follows a four-paragraph structure. The introduction presents the trend and briefly identifies its causes and possible effects. The first body paragraph answers Why is this happening? by explaining why digital entertainment has become more attractive than reading books. The second body paragraph answers What effects might this have on individuals and society? by discussing possible effects on concentration and the ability to understand complex information. The conclusion summarises both answers.
中文：
Two-Part Question Essay（双问题类议论文）要求学生围绕同一个话题回答两个问题。这两个问题可能涉及不同方面，例如某种现象产生的原因、造成的影响、解决方案，或者某种发展趋势是积极还是消极。
这篇范文采用四段式结构。引言段介绍人们阅读时间减少的趋势，并简要指出原因和可能产生的影响。第一个主体段回答 Why is this happening?，解释为什么数字娱乐比阅读书籍更容易吸引人们。第二个主体段回答 What effects might this have on individuals and society?，讨论这一趋势对注意力以及理解复杂信息能力的潜在影响。结论段总结对两个问题的回答。
Teaching Focus（教学重点）：
Students should learn to identify the two questions before writing and organise their ideas accordingly. Each body paragraph should answer one question directly, with clear explanations and relevant examples.
They should also understand the difference between causes and effects. Causes explain why something happens, while effects explain what happens as a result.
教学重点：
学生需要学会在动笔之前先识别题目中的两个问题，再根据问题组织文章内容。每个主体段应直接回答其中一个问题，并通过清晰的解释和相关例子支持论点。
同时，学生需要理解 Causes（原因）和 Effects（影响）之间的区别。Causes 解释某种现象为什么发生，而 Effects 解释这种现象发生以后可能带来什么结果。
Important Difference（重要区别）：
Opinion Essay: The main task is to express agreement or disagreement with a particular statement.
观点类议论文：主要任务是说明自己是否同意某个观点，并解释原因。
Discussion Essay: The main task is to explain both views and give your own opinion.
双方观点讨论类议论文：主要任务是讨论双方观点，并表达自己的看法。
Advantages and Disadvantages Essay: The main task is to examine the positive and negative aspects of a situation.
优缺点类议论文：主要任务是分析某种情况的优点和缺点。
Problems and Solutions Essay: The main task is to explain the problems caused by an issue and suggest possible solutions.
问题解决类议论文：主要任务是解释某个问题造成的负面影响，并提出解决方案。
Two-Part Question Essay: The main task is to answer two separate questions about the same topic.
双问题类议论文：主要任务是围绕同一个话题回答两个不同的问题。
Remember（记住）： Not all Two-Part Question Essays require students to express a personal opinion. If a question asks about causes and effects, students should explain these directly rather than forcing an Agree or Disagree position into the essay.
需要特别注意，并非所有双问题类议论文都要求考生表达个人立场。如果题目询问原因和影响，学生应直接分析原因及可能产生的结果，而不是强行加入同意或不同意的观点。
The most important rule is to answer both questions fully.
最重要的原则是：必须充分回答题目中的两个问题，不能遗漏其中任何一个。