An apparatus and method are provided for controlling the display of a screen in an electronic device that supports multitasking. In the method, the apparatus displays first and second application execution screens on first and second areas of a screen, respectively. The first and second areas are distinct from each other. When an event for executing a third application is detected, the apparatus displays the second application execution screen on the first area and also displays a third application execution screen on the second area in response to the detected event. When execution of the third application is terminated, the apparatus displays the first application execution screen on the first area and also displays the second application execution screen on the second area.