Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-10

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)

It is widely debated whether highly skilled professionals, such as medical doctors and engineers, should be obligated to practice in the nation where they received their education, or if they should have the freedom to seek employment abroad. In my opinion, while requiring professionals to stay helps governments recover their investment and address local service shortages, individuals should ultimately have the freedom to choose where they live and work.

On the one hand, those who argue that trained professionals should remain in their home country point to the significant public resources spent on higher education. In many nations, state universities heavily subsidize medical and engineering degrees using taxpayers' money. When these graduates migrate abroad immediately after finishing their studies—a phenomenon known as "brain drain"—the country loses both its financial investment and the essential services these professionals provide. For example, many developing countries suffer from a shortage of qualified doctors in rural hospitals because local medical graduates move to developed nations for higher salaries and better living standards. Therefore, enforcing a period of mandatory local service seems fair to support public welfare.

On the other hand, supporters of free movement argue that restricting career choices violates personal freedom and fundamental human rights. Individuals should have the liberty to seek better career opportunities, advanced research facilities, and higher living standards anywhere in the world. Furthermore, international experience allows professionals to gain modern skills and global exposure, which can indirectly benefit their home nations if they decide to return later or collaborate on international projects. For instance, many engineers working in global technology hubs like Silicon Valley contribute to their native countries through investments, mentorship, and sending remittances back home.

In conclusion, although requiring state-funded professionals to work locally helps protect public investments and fill vital shortages, restricting individual mobility restricts personal growth and career potential. In my view, governments should focus on creating attractive working conditions, competitive salaries, and career growth opportunities at home to encourage talented professionals to stay voluntarily, rather than enforcing strict legal restrictions.

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 argument for mandatory local service based on public investment and the argument for personal freedom—while maintaining a consistent and well-supported personal opinion throughout. The ideas are extended with relevant examples, such as the mention of 'brain drain' and the specific reference to Silicon Valley, which adds depth to your argument. The conclusion effectively synthesizes the points and provides a nuanced final stance. The response is well-balanced and demonstrates a clear understanding of the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using effective cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand,' 'On the other hand,' and 'In conclusion.' The use of referencing is precise, and the flow of information is natural. There is a sophisticated use of linking words that never feels mechanical or forced. The structure is highly effective, guiding the reader through your argument without any confusion.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision. Phrases such as 'heavily subsidize,' 'fundamental human rights,' and 'competitive salaries' show a strong command of academic English. You also use topic-specific terminology like 'brain drain' and 'remittances' appropriately. The word choices are natural and contribute to the overall clarity and sophistication of the essay. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is well-suited to the formal tone of an IELTS Academic task.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of complex grammatical structures, including conditional sentences, relative clauses, and passive constructions, all used with high accuracy. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is handled correctly throughout. You demonstrate excellent control over sentence variety, which keeps the writing engaging and professional. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication, and the few minor slips that might occur are rare and do not detract from the overall quality of the writing.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.