Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-13

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 7.0)

As far as this topic is concerned, some people believe that professionals such as doctors and engineers should work in the country where they received their training. However, others argue that they should have the freedom to work in another country. In my opinion, professionals should be free to choose where they want to work, although they should also contribute to the country that supported their education.

On the one hand, requiring professionals to work in their training country can benefit the local community. Governments often spend large amounts of money on educating doctors and engineers. Therefore, these professionals can repay society by providing their skills and services locally. For example, developing countries may suffer from a shortage of doctors if many trained professionals move abroad. This can negatively affect the quality of healthcare and other important services.

On the other hand, professionals should have the freedom to work in another country if they wish. Working abroad can provide better salaries, advanced technology and valuable professional experience. Moreover, people have the right to choose better opportunities for themselves and their families. Professionals who move abroad can also send money back to their home countries and share their knowledge and experience internationally.

In conclusion, although keeping trained professionals in their own countries can support local development, I believe that doctors, engineers and other professionals should be free to work wherever they choose. Governments should focus on providing attractive salaries and better working conditions rather than forcing professionals to stay.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both views—that professionals should work where trained and that they should have freedom of movement—and clearly states a personal position in the introduction and conclusion. Ideas are relevant and extended, such as mentioning government education costs, community shortages, and personal economic benefits. However, a penalty must be applied to the Task Achievement score because the response is under-length, containing 248 words against the required 250-word minimum. Despite this minor structural shortcoming, the core task requirements are fulfilled well, resulting in a solid score of 6.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is logically organised with a clear overarching progression. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: the introduction outlines the debate and position, the second body paragraph explores the arguments for staying, the third explores the arguments for moving, and the conclusion summarises the discussion. Cohesive devices are used effectively and naturally, such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, guiding the reader smoothly through the writer's arguments. Referencing is clear throughout, contributing to an overall coherent piece of writing that meets Band 7 standards.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary for the task, allowing for some flexibility and precision. Phrases such as 'repay society', 'shortage of doctors', 'advanced technology', and 'working conditions' are used accurately. There are also successful attempts at less common vocabulary items, such as 'developing countries' and 'international experience'. Word choice and collocations are generally appropriate, with no significant errors that impede communication. While the vocabulary is not expansive enough for a Band 8, it comfortably satisfies the criteria for Band 7.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The writer uses a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including conditional or concessive clauses such as 'although keeping trained professionals in their own countries can support local development, I believe that...' and 'Governments often spend large amounts of money on educating...'. There is good control of grammar and punctuation throughout the response. The majority of sentences are error-free, and minor errors do not exist or do not impede communication. The grammatical range and control displayed easily warrant a Band 7 score.

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