Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-11

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)

Skilled professionals, such as doctors and engineers, are often expected to work in the country where they received their education, while others believe they should have the freedom to choose where they wish to work. I believe one should have the freedom to work anywhere provided that their qualifications meet the professional standards of the particular country.

Building a career in a country requires the consideration of several factors such as the ease of obtaining opportunities, adequate compensation, work-life balance and job security. With high tuition costs and the burden of educational loans it is reasonable to expect best and faster return on investment. Doctors are often underpaid and undervalued in our country. They may also experience violence from misinformed patients and their families, putting their physical safety at risk.

Similarly, engineers are often subjected to extreme work hours and poor work-life balance. They are often forced to relocate to urban areas due to lack of opportunities apart from few already concentrated areas. Given these reasons, individuals often choose to move abroad in search of better opportunities and lifestyle.

On the other hand there is a growing societal urgency to retain these skilled professionals in the country. The government is actively making efforts to prevent this brain drain form occurring by attempting to raise median salaries and by providing other incentives. The downside of professionals migrating is that it can create shortages of skilled workers and weaken essential sectors. This negatively benefits in the country in the form of lower GDP and reduced quality of healthcare. Common public believe that these professionals ought to give back to their country, this attitude is particularly more prevalent towards doctors.

I believe the government is obligated to provide jobs that motivates these hardworking individuals to remain in the country. With high population, it is necessary to take measures to ensure job opportunities continue to exist in the country. If these conditions are not fulfilled it is tenable to move abroad in search of better opportunities so as to build a rewarding and fulfilling career.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses both sides of the argument and provides a clear personal position. The ideas regarding the 'brain drain' and the economic motivations for migration are relevant and well-supported. However, the development is slightly uneven; while the reasons for migration are explored in detail, the counter-argument regarding the government's role in retention could be more thoroughly linked to the broader societal impact. The position is consistent throughout, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes the main points. To reach a higher band, ensure that the discussion of the opposing view is as robustly developed as your own perspective.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the personal stance and the societal perspective is smooth. Cohesive devices such as 'Similarly', 'On the other hand', and 'If these conditions are not fulfilled' are used effectively to guide the reader. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct arguments. While the flow is generally good, some transitions could be more sophisticated to avoid a slightly mechanical feel in the middle section. Overall, the structure is clear and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'return on investment', 'brain drain', and 'tenable' show an awareness of academic style. There are some minor inaccuracies, such as 'negatively benefits in the country' (which is awkward phrasing) and 'Common public believe' (should be 'The general public believes'). Despite these occasional slips, the vocabulary is varied enough to convey complex ideas clearly and effectively throughout the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You demonstrate good control over grammar, with many error-free sentences. However, there are a few persistent errors, such as 'brain drain form occurring' (typo) and 'jobs that motivates' (subject-verb agreement error). Punctuation is generally accurate, though some sentences could benefit from more varied clause structures to enhance the flow. The errors present do not impede communication, but they prevent the essay from reaching the higher bands where error-free complex structures are more consistent.

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