Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-30
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 6.5)
Some people argue that professionals such as doctors and engineers should work in the country where they received their education. Others believe that they should have the freedom to work in any country they choose. This essay will discuss both views before giving my opinion.
On the one hand, many people think that professionals should stay and work in their home country after completing their training. In many cases, governments spend a large amount of money on education, especially for doctors and engineers. Therefore, it is reasonable to expect these professionals to contribute to their country's development. To cite an example, if a doctor leaves for another country, local hospitals may face a shortage of medical staff, particularly in rural areas. As a result, public services may suffer.
On the other hand, others believe that people should be free to work wherever they want. Professionals often move abroad to find better salaries, working conditions, or career opportunities. This freedom can help individuals improve their quality of life and gain valuable international experience. Furthermore, professionals who work overseas may later return home with new skills and knowledge that can benefit their country.
In my opinion, professional should have the right to choose where they work. Although countries invest in their education, forcing people to remain in one country may be unfair and could limit their personal and professional growth.
To sum up, while some people believe trained professionals should serve the country where they studied, I believe they should be free to work in any country according to their goals and preferences.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.5 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5
The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both viewpoints and providing a clear personal opinion. The ideas are relevant and logically extended, such as the discussion on government investment versus individual freedom. However, the development is somewhat concise. To reach a higher band, you could expand on the 'brain drain' concept or provide more nuanced examples of how international experience specifically benefits a home country. The position is consistent throughout the essay, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes the arguments presented.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0
The essay is well-organized with a clear structure: introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a clear central topic. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand,' 'Furthermore,' and 'To sum up' 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 rights of the individual. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the flow between sentences is generally smooth, making the text easy to follow.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'contribute to their country's development,' 'medical staff,' and 'professional growth' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is functional and appropriate for the task, it lacks a high degree of sophistication or idiomatic usage that would characterize a higher band. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors, and the language used is natural and fits the academic tone required for this task.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5
The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use complex sentences effectively, such as 'Although countries invest in their education, forcing people to remain in one country may be unfair.' The grammar is generally accurate, with only minor slips, such as the missing plural in 'professional should have the right' (should be 'professionals'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout, which supports clear communication of your ideas.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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