Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-29

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 5.5)

It is widely debated whether professionals should work in the same country where they did training or they are free to work in other countries. While some people believe they should work in the same country where they did training , others argue that they should be free where they want. I believe that skill workers should have complete freedom of work.

On the one hand, some people believe that professionals should stay in the same country for the work where they completed their training because they may perform better. This is because where they started their journey, it may help them in a better way to apply their skills because they can take guidance from their instructors. For example, A person started their training abroad, after completed their training their trainer may help them to find a better opportunity for them. As a result, they can start their career instead of going to home country and find a job.

On the other hand, others believe that professionals should completely free to work in other countries because they may have a better opportunity to make their future. Many countries are paying low salaries or does not provide an appropriate environment to their workers. For instance, a doctor completed their training and start working in the same country but environment is good for them to survive over there. They can move to other country where they can find suitable working place. In my opinion, this view convincing because if workers are not satisfied with their environment or salary expectations, they can move to another country.

In conclusion, there are valid argument on both sides on this debate, I believe that skill workers should free to choose their dream country for their better career instead of staying at the same country where they are not satisfy.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The response addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views on whether professionals should work in the country of their training or be free to move, and it clearly states the writer's own opinion that skilled workers should have complete freedom. However, the ideas are somewhat repetitive and under-developed, particularly in the body paragraphs where the explanations rely on simplistic reasoning rather than deep exploration. For example, the first body paragraph argues that staying in the training country helps with guidance, but the supporting example about a trainer helping to find a job is vague. The position is clear throughout, but the depth of support is more characteristic of a Band 6 level.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The essay has a coherent overall arrangement with a clear four-paragraph structure comprising an introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Logical signposts such as "On the one hand", "On the other hand", and "In conclusion" are used to guide the reader through the structure. However, referencing and cohesion are sometimes faulty or mechanical. For instance, the transition "after completed their training" lacks proper grammatical linking, and some sentences within the body paragraphs feel disjointed. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct arguments, but overall cohesive control is moderately limited, placing it solidly in the Band 6 category.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating topic-related terms such as "professionals", "instructors", "opportunities", and "salaries". However, there are noticeable limitations and word choice errors, such as "skill workers" instead of "skilled workers", and phrasing like "does not provide an appropriate environment to their workers". Attempts to use less common vocabulary are often accompanied by minor inaccuracies or unnatural collocations. While these lexical errors do not seriously impede communication, they prevent the writing from achieving a higher band score, making Band 6 an accurate reflection of the student's lexical control.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The essay displays a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, attempting complex structures such as conditional and subordinate clauses (e.g., "While some people believe they should work in the same country where they did training, others argue that..."). However, there are frequent grammatical errors and awkward phrasings throughout the text. Examples include missing articles or prepositions ("after completed their training", "moving to other country", "there are valid argument on both sides on this debate"). Subject-verb agreement and tense consistency also slip occasionally. Although these errors do not impede overall communication, their frequency prevents the writer from attaining a Band 7.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

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