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

Try your own response before reading the samples.

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

345 words · Illustrative target band

The question of whether professionals like doctors and engineers should be mandated to work in the country where they received their training or have the freedom to work internationally elicits diverse opinions. Advocates for mandatory local service argue that professionals owe a debt to the communities that supported their education. They contend that requiring individuals to contribute a limited period of local wor…

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AI-completed learning example

315 words · Illustrative target band

It is often contended that experts in various fields, including medical practitioners and those in the engineering domain, ought to be obliged to practice within their training nation. Conversely, some individuals argue that they should have the liberty to pursue career opportunities in any country they prefer. This essay will delve into both perspectives impartially, before explaining why I favour a balanced policy …

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AI-completed learning example

303 words · Illustrative target band

It is a contentious issue whether professionals, such as doctors and engineers, should be mandated to work in the country where they completed their education and training, or whether they should be granted the freedom to work in another country if they so desire. Both perspectives have valid arguments, but in my opinion, the benefits of allowing these workers to choose where they live and work outweigh those of requ…

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