Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-07-26
IELTS Writing Task 2 question
Some people believe that professionals, such as doctors and engineers, should be required to work in the country where they did their training. Others believe they should be free to work in another country if they wish.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Student answer (Band 8.0)
Some people believe that professionals such as doctors and engineers should be required to work in the country where they completed their education. Others argue that they should be free to work abroad if they choose. This essay will discuss both views before giving my opinion.
On the one hand, there are several reasons why professionals should stay in the country where they were trained. Firstly, many governments spend a large amount of public money on higher education, especially in fields such as medicine and engineering. Therefore, it is reasonable to expect graduates to contribute to their country's. Secondly, many developing countries suffer from a shortage of skilled workers. If trained professionals move abroad, hospitals, schools and construction projects may face serious problems. For example, many rural areas struggle to find enough doctors because many prefer to work in developed countries. Thus, doctors and engineers are required to work in the country where they did their training.
On the other hand, people should have the freedom to decide where they want to work. Everyone has the right to choose the career and lifestyle that suits them best. In addition, working in another country often provides better salaries, modern technology and more opportunities for professional development. As a result, individuals can improve their skills and gain valuable international experience. For instance, an engineer who works in Germany may learn advanced manufacturing techniques and later return home to share this knowledge with local companies. Therefore, they should be free to work in another country.
In conclusion, while requiring professionals to serve their home country has certain advantages, I believe giving them the freedom to work abroad is a better and more practical approach.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 8.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both perspectives and providing a clear personal opinion. The ideas are relevant and logically developed, such as the mention of public funding for education and the potential for international knowledge transfer. However, the development is somewhat concise. To reach a higher band, you could expand on the 'brain drain' concept or provide a more nuanced counter-argument regarding the ethical obligations of professionals. The position is consistent throughout, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes the arguments presented.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5
The essay is well-organized with a clear structure consisting of an introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct ideas. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'Secondly', 'In addition', and 'Therefore' are used effectively to guide the reader through the argument. The progression of ideas is logical, moving from the obligation to the state to the individual's right to professional growth. The flow is smooth and the relationship between sentences is clear throughout the text.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.5
The vocabulary is sufficient and appropriate for the task. You demonstrate a good range of topic-specific terms such as 'higher education', 'skilled workers', 'professional development', and 'advanced manufacturing techniques'. The word choices are generally precise, though there is room for more sophisticated or idiomatic expressions to elevate the tone. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. The language used is natural and fits the academic context well, showing a good level of control over the vocabulary required for this level.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use complex sentences effectively, such as 'If trained professionals move abroad, hospitals, schools and construction projects may face serious problems.' Grammar is generally accurate, with only minor slips, such as the incomplete sentence 'contribute to their country's' (which lacks a noun). Punctuation is handled well, and the majority of sentences are error-free. To improve, ensure that all sentences are complete and consider using a wider variety of advanced grammatical structures, such as passive voice or conditional forms, to demonstrate greater flexibility.
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