What Does “Fully Address All Parts” Actually Mean?
Answer the Whole Question — Not Just the Obvious Part
Meta Description:
Band 7+ Task Response means more than giving an opinion. Learn how to identify the three key parts of every IELTS essay question and write clear, complete answers that boost your score.
Key Insight
Many students think Task Response = “Have an opinion.”
But Band 7+ Task Response means:
Answering every part of the question — with clarity, logic, and no dodging.
If you repeat the topic, ignore a key detail, or miss the instruction, you lose marks — no matter how good your vocabulary is.
Teaching Points
1. What “All Parts” Really Means
Every IELTS question contains 3 elements you must address:
- General Topic – What the essay is about
- Specific Angle – The narrowed-down focus or issue
- Instruction – What you’re being asked to do (e.g., discuss, agree, explain, compare)
2. Band 6 vs Band 7 Task Response
Band 6 Response:
- Talks about the topic
- Misses part of the question
- Repeats ideas or dodges the angle
Band 7+ Response:
- Identifies the full question
- Answers all components clearly
- Keeps the argument tightly connected to the instruction
How to Break Down Any IELTS Question
Use this 3-part lens:
| Part | What to Look For | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1. General Topic | The big subject or theme | Education, health, technology |
| 2. Specific Angle | The narrowed focus | Online vs. traditional education |
| 3. Instruction | What you must do | To what extent do you agree? or Discuss both views |
Examples
Example 1:
Question:
Some people believe that online education can fully replace traditional classrooms. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
| Part | Answer |
|---|---|
| General Topic | Education |
| Specific Angle | Online vs. traditional classroom learning |
| Instruction | To what extent do you agree or disagree? |
Strong 1-Sentence Response:
“Although online learning offers convenience, it cannot fully replace the deeper engagement and structure of traditional education.”
Example 2:
Question:
In some countries, young people take a gap year before starting university. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this approach.
| Part | Answer |
|---|---|
| General Topic | Education/Youth |
| Specific Angle | Taking a gap year |
| Instruction | Discuss advantages and disadvantages |
Strong 1-Sentence Response:
“While a gap year can provide valuable real-world experience, it may also disrupt academic focus and delay career progression.”
Example 3:
Question:
Public transport should be free for everyone. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
| Part | Answer |
|---|---|
| General Topic | Public transportation |
| Specific Angle | Making it free for all |
| Instruction | Weigh advantages vs. disadvantages |
Strong 1-Sentence Response:
“Despite the cost to governments, free public transport brings significant social and environmental benefits that outweigh the drawbacks.”
Exercise 1: Break Down These Questions
Instructions: Identify the 3 parts for each question.
Question A:
Many people now work from home. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?
- General Topic:
- Specific Angle:
- Instruction:
Question B:
Some people think parents should teach children to be good members of society. Others believe school is the right place for this. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
- General Topic:
- Specific Angle:
- Instruction:
Question C:
Some people believe that the government should fund the arts. Others think it is a waste of money. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
- General Topic:
- Specific Angle:
- Instruction:
Exercise 2: Write 1-Sentence Responses
Using the same questions, write a one-sentence response that fully addresses all three parts.
Question A Response:
→
Question B Response:
→
Question C Response:
→
Final Reminder
Before you start writing, ask:
- What is this essay really about?
- What specific issue is being asked?
- What does the instruction want me to do?
Don’t just answer “the topic.”
Answer the full question.
Download the “Fully Address All Parts” Toolkit
Includes:
- 10 sample questions broken into parts
- Response templates for each question type
- Self-check checklist for Task Response
- Bonus: Model Band 7+ intros that clearly address all parts
Visit: TotallyFreeIELTS.com/free-lessons
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