Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-08

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 7.5)

In today’s globalised world, the mobility of skilled professionals has become a widely debated issue. Some people argue that individuals such as doctors and engineers should be obligated to work in the country where they received their training, while others believe they should have the freedom to choose where they work. This essay will discuss both perspectives before presenting my own opinion. On the one hand, requiring professionals to remain in their home country can bring significant benefits. Governments often invest substantial public funds in educating doctors, engineers, and other specialists. Therefore, it is reasonable to expect these individuals to contribute to their nation’s development in return. For instance, in developing countries, there is often a shortage of qualified medical staff. If trained doctors migrate abroad, it can worsen healthcare systems and negatively affect public welfare. Thus, enforcing such a policy could help maintain essential services and ensure a return on educational investment. On the other hand, restricting professionals’ freedom to work abroad may be unfair and counterproductive. Individuals should have the right to decide their career paths and seek better opportunities, including higher salaries, improved working conditions, and advanced training. For example, many engineers move to developed countries to gain exposure to cutting-edge technology and innovation. This international experience can later benefit their home country if they choose to return. Moreover, forcing people to stay may reduce motivation and lead to dissatisfaction, ultimately affecting their performance. In my opinion, professionals should not be forced to stay in the country where they were trained. While governments have valid concerns about losing skilled workers, a more effective solution would be to create attractive working conditions and incentives to retain talent voluntarily. This approach respects individual freedom while also addressing national needs. In conclusion, although obliging professionals to work in their home country can help address skill shortages, it is more beneficial to allow them the freedom to work abroad. Encouraging rather than forcing them to stay is a more balanced and sustainable solution.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both perspectives—the obligation to serve one's home country and the right to professional mobility—and provided a clear, consistent personal opinion throughout the essay. The arguments are well-developed, particularly the point regarding the 'return on educational investment' versus the 'right to seek better opportunities.' The ideas are supported with relevant examples, such as the shortage of medical staff in developing nations and the benefit of international exposure for engineers. The position is well-maintained from the introduction through to the conclusion, demonstrating a strong grasp of the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the two viewpoints is smooth, facilitated by effective cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand,' 'On the other hand,' and 'Moreover.' The use of referencing is precise, and the paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different arguments. The conclusion effectively synthesises the main points without introducing new information. The flow of the argument is natural and easy to follow, meeting the criteria for a high band score in this category.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is well-suited to the academic context. Phrases such as 'widely debated issue,' 'public funds,' 'cutting-edge technology,' and 'sustainable solution' show a good command of topic-specific language. The vocabulary is used with precision, and there are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation. While the range is strong, it could be pushed further towards a more sophisticated level to reach the highest band, but it is certainly sufficient for a high-level performance.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'If trained doctors migrate abroad, it can worsen healthcare systems...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is accurate throughout. You have successfully used a variety of sentence forms to convey your ideas clearly. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication, and the control over tense and modal verbs is consistent. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of grammatical competence.

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