Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-07

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 5.5)

It is often argued that doctors, engineers and other professionals in complex fields should work in the country where they studied and trained, while opposite opinion claims that they should be free in their choices to work in any country that they want. This essay will explore both perspectives and explain why I maintain that these experts should be free in their location choices.

According the first viewpoint, it should be said that studies for such complicated professions are usually provided by government for free as it is in authorities' interest to improve the number of highly qualified workers in numerous spheres. In addition, the number of scholarships is often depends on current supply in employment looking forward further cooperation. Therefore, this view based on the aspects of labour market and economics.

On the other hand, despite that such difficult fields promoted by governments, future experts still complete their studies and make careers with their own hard work. Furthermore, possession of scholarship does not mean that they will be accomplished professional and they should not study hard. Simultaneously, many experts want to gain a work experience in another circumstances, which would be different from those they are used to during their training. Finally, most students choose the field for themselves and looking for the best work opportunities and better life standards. These are the reasons why from my perspective, professionals should be free about their work and living area.

In conclusion, we should understand that experts could stay in the country where they did their training, if there were fascinating work and earning opportunities.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses both sides of the argument and provides a clear personal opinion. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited. For instance, the argument regarding government funding is mentioned but not fully explored in terms of its implications for the 'brain drain' phenomenon. The conclusion is also quite abrupt and fails to adequately summarise the main points or restate the position clearly. To reach a higher band, you should expand on your supporting points with more specific examples or deeper analysis, and ensure your conclusion provides a more comprehensive summary of the arguments presented.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, and there is a clear progression of ideas. You use some cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'Therefore', and 'On the other hand' to link sentences. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical or forced. Additionally, the referencing is occasionally unclear, such as in the phrase 'despite that such difficult fields promoted by governments', which lacks a clear subject. Improving the variety of cohesive devices and ensuring that pronouns and references clearly point to their antecedents would enhance the flow and coherence of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'complex fields', 'highly qualified', and 'labour market'. However, there are several instances of awkward word choice and collocation errors, such as 'opposite opinion claims' instead of 'the opposing view argues', and 'in another circumstances' instead of 'in different circumstances'. The vocabulary is generally sufficient to convey meaning, but it lacks the precision and flexibility required for higher bands. Focusing on learning common collocations and more sophisticated academic synonyms will help improve your lexical range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The essay contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally distract the reader. Examples include 'According the first viewpoint' (missing 'to'), 'the number of scholarships is often depends' (incorrect verb form), and 'most students... looking for' (missing auxiliary verb). Punctuation is generally acceptable, but the sentence structure could be more varied. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of prepositions and auxiliary verbs to ensure your complex sentences are error-free.

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