Task 2 · · 18 samples

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 that they should be free to work in another country if they wish. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

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Plan your answer

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Ideas to explore

  • Publicly funded professional training may create a reasonable expectation that graduates contribute to local services, especially where skilled workers are scarce.
  • Freedom to work abroad can support career development and may bring expertise back through return migration or international collaboration.
  • A choice between a defined period of service and proportionate repayment can balance public investment with individual mobility.

Suggested structure

  1. Introduce the disagreement and state a qualified position.
  2. Explain the argument for requiring local service, linking public funding to shortages and taxpayer benefit.
  3. Present the case for freedom of movement, including professional opportunity and possible benefits to the home country.
  4. Give your own balanced solution and explain why it is fair.
  5. Conclude by restating the principle that retention is better supported by good opportunities than by excessive restrictions.
Useful vocabulary & examples
public investment
Government or taxpayer spending intended to benefit the public.

A period of local service could help ensure that public investment in medical training benefits the community.

skilled-worker shortages
A lack of qualified people available to fill important jobs.

Skilled-worker shortages may worsen if many newly trained professionals leave immediately.

a proportionate share
A fair amount that reflects the size or level of something.

Graduates could repay a proportionate share of heavily subsidised training costs.

freedom of movement
The ability to choose where to live or work without unreasonable restrictions.

A balanced policy should recognise professionals’ freedom of movement.

Sample answers

AI-completed learning example

320 words · Illustrative target band

There are differing opinions regarding whether professionals, including doctors and engineers, should be obligated to work in the country where they received their training or if they should be at liberty to seek employment in another country. Proponents of the former view argue that professionals should contribute to the development of their home country, while opponents of this requirement believe that individuals …

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AI-completed learning example

314 words · Illustrative target band

A common debate is whether specialists trained domestically in vocations including medicine and engineering are obliged to take on employment in their homeland or should have the discretion to choose an overseas role. This essay will first elaborate on the merits of each assessment, before explaining why I agree with the latter. Supporters of in-demand professionals being required to remain in the country where they …

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AI-completed learning example

294 words · Illustrative target band

The topic of whether professionals, such as doctors and engineers should only be allowed to work in their original place of training or be given the freedom to pick their preferred working location has long been debated. While the arguments presented by both sides are highly sensible, I believe that these professionals should be able to work in another country if they wish, although governments can encourage them to …

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