IELTS discussion essay about work and migration.
This is a model answer I wrote based on the topic of work and migration from the recent Cambridge IELTS 17 practice book. Always use authentic writing tasks from Cambridge, IDP, and the British Council when practicing for IELTS.
In a discussion essay, you must cover both sides and then give your opinion on the side you agree with. In this blog post, there is a useful structure that you can use for a discussion essay. Make sure you also use specific language for a discussion essay to write about what people think, click here to see what language to use.
Model Answer
Some people believe that professionals such as doctors and engineers should be required to work in the country where they did their training, while others believe they should be free to work in another country if they wish. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Some people argue that skilled individuals ought to work solely in the country where they received their education, whereas others say that they have the right to freely decide where to work. In my view, skilled workers should have the freedom to work in whichever nation they desire.
On the one hand, it is widely believed that the training provided to doctors and engineers is expensive and governments subsidise this with taxpayer money. Therefore, they believe that skilled personnel ought to only work in their native country and dedicate their skills to the nation. For instance, in 2019 the UK government spent a large proportion of taxpayers’ money to subsidise nurses, and many of those left the country to seek opportunities elsewhere. Thus, the government had to recruit immigrants to make up for the shortfall. Although this issue needs to be addressed, I believe skilled workers have a right to seek employment wherever they wish.
On the other hand, some would argue that professionals from developing countries emigrate due to a lack of opportunities, so it is unfair to prevent them from relocating. I agree because if people are unhappy in their job, or cannot earn enough to make ends meet, then they should have the option to move to a wealthier nation with a higher salary and better life. Moreover, many skilled workers send money back to their families in poorer nations, which boosts the economy of their native country. For example, Sri Lankan doctors in western countries send millions of dollars every year back to their families in Sri Lanka, enabling them to buy basic amenities since the country’s recent economic crisis.
To conclude, despite differing views, I believe competent workers ought to have the chance to relocate overseas and take advantage of better opportunities, which will also benefit their native country.302 words / IELTS 17 book
It is quite long at 302 words but you can see I have covered both sides and developed the essay well. I have given my opinion clearly throughout the essay also. See the model structure below.
Structure
This is a useful structure for a discussion essay but you don’t have to strictly follow this as it’s just a guide. You can also have 3 main body paragraphs, so a third main body paragraph can be dedicated to your opinion.
However, do not write more than 5 paragraphs in an IELTS essay and make sure the main body paragraphs are balanced in terms of word count, around 90 to 105 words per main body paragraph.
Make sure you write a conclusion, if you don’t you may lose a band score.
Useful link for discussion essay language below.
IELTS discussion essays: expressing others opinions
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