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: IELTS Writing.

Bhargavee Sisodia

15 Nov 2024

The IELTS test is the internationally accepted language proficiency test that is a requirement to enter an institute or secure overseas work opportunities. Whether you take the IELTS Academic (students) or General Training (working professionals), there will be four assessment areas: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. 

Since this blog is focused on the writing part of the IELTS test, we will take you through the types of writing tests in academic and general training tests, and the differences in the content in both versions. There are two parts to the IELTS writing test, i.e. Writing Task 1, and Writing Task 2, but there are certain precepts to both. 

1. Writing Task 1

 This task needs to be completed within 20 minutes, and requires a minimum of 150 words in written form. 

1. IELTS Academic test: In the IELTS Academic Task 1, you would be required to note down a summary in a formal style based on the visual information in the form of a chart, graph, table, process, or diagram. 
2. IELTS General Training:  In General Training Writing Task 1, you will get to write a letter either as a request or in response to the situation. The tone can be formal, semi-formal, or informal.

2. Writing Task 2

The 2nd writing task is important because it allows insights into your perspectives, viewpoints, and ability to respond logically and critically. The format is the same for both versions, and the total duration allotted for this part is 40 minutes. The test-taker would need to write the essay in a formal tone with at least a word limit of 250.

The only difference between the IELTS Academic and General training format is that the topics are easier in the latter, and the topics are general. So, let’s now first look at the types of topics asked in both the versions:

• IELTS Writing Academic: In this, you are asked to write on topics like education, healthcare, society, science, etc. where you will have to maintain academic writing style. 
• IELTS Writing General Training: You will write an essay on topics related to real-life scenarios, hobbies, etc. Your vocabulary and sentence formation can be of intermediate level. 

There are a total of 6 types of essays from which you will get to attempt just one. Depending on the essay question type, the approach is shaped, and the structure is set. So, let's first understand the types of essays.

• Opinion-based: In an opinion-based essay, you will get to write your opinion, or argument on the given topic, whether by favoring or going against the statement. 
• Problem/ solution or Cause effect: In the cause/ effect or problem/ solution essay, you will have to either identify or discuss the causes of a problem and generate ideas for feasible solutions.
• Discussion: You will need to state and briefly discuss both sides of a statement or argument. But, you might also be asked to give your opinion on a side that you favor or disfavor. 
• Advantages/ Disadvantages: In this type of essay, you will be asked to write about the advantages and disadvantages of a particular issue. 
• Balanced opinion: For balanced opinion essays, you are given an argument in which you show your partial agreement with one side but also do not disapprove of the other side. Nonetheless, you are expected to round off the essay with a strong viewpoint on which side you are on. 
• Two Questions or Direct Question: Such types of essay questions might have one statement with two different questions after it to which you would need to respond to each question with accurate examples, along with reasons. 

Assessment Criteria of IELTS Writing Task 2

For the IELTS Writing Task 2, you will be assessed based on four separate criteria. To aim for a 9 band score, you must understand these thoroughly as it will help you focus on certain areas more, work on your weaknesses, and prepare answers strategically.

Task Achievement: This is the part that concerns answering the question well. You should be able to present the information accurately. It is expected that you provide a clear outline and definite opinion.

Coherence and Cohesion: It is the criteria by which you will be rated for your ability to structure the content. Depending on how you link words and cohesive devices, inculcate a main idea in each paragraph, and manage paragraphs, you will be marked. 

Lexical Resource: Based on your potential to use a good, high-level, and wide range of vocabulary, you can earn a high score in this section. Besides, making sure to not use complicated vocabulary, and avoiding spelling and word formation mistakes can ensure you score well.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: This criterion requires you to use a varied range of grammatical structures, and tenses. Also, you should be careful in writing the sentences and using appropriate punctuation. 

IELTS Writing Tips

Before you start answering, it is suggested to first understand the topic's requirements to prevent errors in your responses apart from other specifications. Below, we have listed some basic tips that you need to remember when getting ready for the IELTS writing task 2 topics:

• Outlining your ideas precisely: You must form an outline of what you are going to include, as it will help you present your writing in a well-structured way.
• Craft an engaging introduction: You must always try to make the introduction catchy so that it captures the reader’s attention, and makes him/her want to read all the way through.
• Focus on punctuation and cohesion: You should use varied sentence structures, both simple and complex. For punctuation, you must learn the rules of where and how to use the punctuation marks so that you do not mess it up in the essay.
• Showcase your critical thinking: Elucidate examples of evidence, and reflect on multiple perspectives to come up with a concise viewpoint before wrapping up with a reasoned conclusion.

IELTS writing task 2 topics

To answer the given question, we have to identify which type of essay it is. Based on the types that we know about, it comes under the category of a discussion essay. We have jotted down three sample answers that correspond to the standard of band 6, band 7, and band 9. This is to guide you through decoding the differences, and loopholes in the answers which made them fall under particular bands. But, before examining the answers, pay attention to the structure of a discussion essay.

Structure of Discussion Essay

Introduction: Here you paraphrase the background information given on the topic. 

First Body: Describe the first perspective and give relevant instances to support the argument. 

Second Body: Describe the first perspective and justify it with examples. 

Third Body (Optional): You can use a third body if you extend the topic by including both views. 

Conclusion: Recount the content. 

Note: The question prompt for this topic requires giving an opinion which is why it should be stated clearly. 

IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics with answers

Band 6

There is one viewing where professionals work in their own country where they got training to be the best option. And, some believes it is good to migrate to some other area if it suits their needs. From my way of looking at it, both the views have their plus points, but I prefer the second thought. 

The country trains the aspirants to turn them into professionals by spending a huge amount of money and resources to help them learn, and gain practical exposure. It is common to expect that professionals stay in the country and serve locally because if it is a developing nation, and has few numbers of professionals serving, it would create a lack in healthcare services and facilities. Also, staying in the same nation will be beneficial to the economy and society as it will improve the quality of life of its citizens. There will be more job openings for them in specific domain. 

On the other hand, it is common thinking that there should be freedom to work in abroad countries if they are willing to migrate. This freedom has positive results as it will allow them to earn more, and access more facilities. At the same time, it helps professionals gain new skills in a different environment. On top of that, becoming a part of the international workforce would bring fresh perspectives and innovations. In a way, they could enjoy a more satisfactory life where they can support their families living at their native place. But they might face issues relating to social security or workplace racism, which is minor. 

Above all, in modern-day society, there are conflicting viewpoints but I believe that doctors or engineering professionals must have the freedom to work abroad. 

Take on this essay: The orange highlighted part suggests the inability to use the correct set of linking words and disjointed ideas, which is within coherence and cohesion. We have used blue highlights to show grammatical, and tense errors. Purple highlights indicate numerous inappropriate and repetitive word usage that come under lexical resource. There is a scope to structure the ideas in a clear flow and use examples for each of the views.

Band 7 

It is often argued that highly qualified people, including doctors and engineers, should work in the country where they receive training, while there are few that support freedom to work in any country they want. I will explain my opinion that favors these professionals to leverage their career according to their convenience and aspirations through this essay. 

To begin with, the doctors and engineers should sign up to offer service locally in their own country of training. As the government is seen to fund for education and training along with ensuring sophisticated resources, it is sort of a splurge for them when public funding is concerned, if these graduate doctors and engineers prefer serving somewhere else. For instance, India's large population has always demanded more specialists in the healthcare segment so that the medical sector is benefited, and people enjoy quality healthcare services. 

In the current condition, most people state that it is better that those into the engineering and healthcare industries should be permitted to relocate to another country. This facilitates enjoying a lucrative salary and higher standard of living while offering service to a community, thereby boosting the nation’s economy. These places which have a lack of industrial workforce hold the specialists in high regards, no matter even if they are from overseas countries. In such a case, they would be able to draw out a good income, and live a decent life. For instance, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom are countries employing many Indian doctors. 

In conclusion, although it is emphasized that talented professionals must act selflessly in saving money for the governments, I endorse that there must be freedom in working and settling in other countries if they want to, because job satisfaction is a crucial factor. 

Take on the essay: Blue highlights indicate there are missing article, grammatical, and punctuation errors. As for the orange highlight, the linking word ‘in the current condition’ can be changed to ‘on the other hand’ because this part of the speech has no relevance to the previous paragraph. Purple highlighted words may lead to lower scores in the lexical resource because of unnecessary and inappropriate word usage. However, the structure, flow, and examples are spot on. 

Band 9

In the modern era of globalization, there is an exemplification of doctors and engineers serving in their country of training, as well as those striving for work-based opportunities in overseas countries contingent upon distinct facets. This essay will reflect on both arguments and discern my outlook that they should be empowered to operate in any country, of free will.

It is expected that professionals should have a natural obligation to serve within the boundaries of the nation from where they earned their credentials because it aids in eradicating the dearth of skilled workforce in the country. An instance can be those developing countries that are encountering a shortfall of medical experts leading to poor health outcomes. In addition, it is reasonable and just to give back to the country after it has invested money for high-quality training. To instantiate, there are countries like India that have mandatory service requirements for medical professionals, and this mandates them to cater to rural and remote communities of the nation. 

Conversely, there is this progressive opinion that promulgates that freedom should be given to trained specialists who covet to work in a foreign country. It enables a better exchange of ideas and information accompanied by international exposure. With globalized technological breakthroughs and golden job opportunities in several countries, like the US, UK, and Canada, professionals emigrating can rake in well-paid income and hustle in favorable environments that suffice their needs. This guarantees them an opulent lifestyle to upkeep their families.

In conclusion, although there are biased opinions that have their own merits, I highly support that professionals should be free to work in any country so that they can aggrandize the global community and economy. 

Take on this essay: Proper presentation, flow, clarity, vocabulary usage, and grammatical accuracy have helped this essay match the standards of band score 9. There is a display of rich lexical resources with words like instantiate, promulgates, opulent, and aggrandize. 

Conclusion

If you are planning to take the IELTS writing test, D-VIVID is the right destination where our expert trainers and instructors will help materialize your dream of achieving high scores in the exam. Here our team is committed to acquainting you with a variety of IELTS essay topics and guiding you through samples that contain IELTS writing task 2 topics with answers. You will be able to dig into the writing styles of the same IELTS writing task 2 topic as the answers are classified according to the IELTS writing band score standard. With  D-VIVID personalized guidance, as you steer through the customized programs and plans of IELTS exam preparation, you will feel confident about scoring the perfect IELTS writing band score.