Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-14

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)

Nowadays, some students, after completing their professional degrees and gaining practical experience, want to move to other countries because this can provide them with greater exposure to their particular fields of expertise. There is an argument that doctors and engineers should work in the country where they received their education and training, while others believe that they should have the freedom to relocate abroad if they wish to do so. This essay will discuss both views and present my opinion.

To begin with, individuals who pursue professional degrees are considered valuable assets to their countries. Some people believe that they should remain in their home countries and fulfil their responsibilities towards the societies that supported their education and training. Educational institutions and governments often invest considerable amounts of money in developing skilled professionals. Therefore, these individuals may have a responsibility to contribute to the development of their own countries. If large numbers of qualified professionals move abroad, there may be a shortage of skilled workers, and people may not receive essential services in a timely manner. For example, if a significant number of newly qualified doctors leave their home country, patients in local communities may face difficulties accessing adequate medical care.

On the other hand, others argue that professionals should be free to move to other countries if they wish to do so. Working abroad can provide them with higher salaries and better career opportunities, which may help them achieve their professional goals. In addition, foreign countries may offer access to advanced technology, modern medical equipment and better professional training. As a result, doctors and engineers can improve their skills and gain valuable international experience. They may later use this knowledge in their home countries, which could contribute to improvements in healthcare, engineering and other important sectors.

In conclusion, although there are valid reasons for encouraging professionals to remain in their home countries, I believe that they should have the freedom to move abroad and pursue better career opportunities. A reasonable solution could be for professionals to work abroad for several years, gain valuable experience and eventually return to their home countries. In this way, they can achieve their personal career goals while also contributing to the development and well-being of their own countries.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views—that professionals should remain in their home countries and that they should be free to relocate—while also presenting a clear personal opinion. The position is well-maintained throughout the essay. Ideas are extended and supported with relevant examples, such as the potential shortage of local medical care if doctors leave, and the benefits of advanced technology and training abroad. The arguments are logical and well-developed, fitting comfortably into the Band 7 level where all parts are thoroughly addressed with a clear overall position.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with a well-integrated introduction, followed by balanced body paragraphs representing each viewpoint, and a cohesive conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively and naturally, such as 'To begin with', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion', ensuring smooth transitions between ideas. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately to structure the discussion logically, maintaining strong overall coherence.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suited to an academic discussion about professional migration. Words and phrases such as 'professional degrees', 'valuable assets', 'skilled workforce', and 'international experience' demonstrate good control and an awareness of appropriate collocation. While the vocabulary is generally precise and adequate for the task, it occasionally lacks the more sophisticated, uncommon lexical items characteristic of higher bands. However, spelling and word choice are accurate, ensuring communication is completely unimpeded.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The writing exhibits a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as conditional forms ('If large numbers of qualified professionals move abroad...') and subordinate clauses, alongside simple forms. The majority of sentences are error-free, and there is good control over punctuation and grammar. Minor slips are extremely rare, and complex structures are handled with confidence. This level of grammatical control and accuracy aligns well with the descriptors for Band 7, where a variety of complex structures are used with frequent error-free sentences.

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