Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-28

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 the home country and the right to professional mobility—and provided a well-supported personal opinion. The ideas are relevant and logically extended, such as the mention of 'public funds' and 'educational investment' to support the first view, and 'cutting-edge technology' to support the second. Your position is consistent throughout the essay, and the conclusion effectively synthesises the arguments presented. The development is balanced, ensuring that both sides receive adequate attention before you state your final stance.

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 paragraphs is smooth, using 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 viewpoints. The flow of the argument is natural, and the relationship between ideas is always clear, which makes the text very easy to follow. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. Phrases such as 'widely debated issue', 'substantial public funds', 'counterproductive', and 'sustainable solution' show a high level of control. You use less common lexical items with precision, and there are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation. The language is natural and sophisticated, contributing to the overall clarity and professional tone of the essay. The vocabulary is well-suited to the task and enhances the quality of your arguments.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You effectively use complex sentences, such as conditional structures ('If trained doctors migrate abroad, it can worsen...') and concessive clauses ('Although obliging professionals to work in their home country can help...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and verb tenses is excellent. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication, and the variety of sentence forms used demonstrates a strong command of English grammar.

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