The topic of role models and their influence on youth development is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on past exam trends and the relevance of this subject in contemporary society, there’s a high likelihood of encountering questions related to this topic in future tests. Let’s explore a specific question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people think 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.
This question indirectly addresses the Importance Of Role Models In Youth Development by focusing on the impact of skilled professionals on their home countries. Let’s analyze the question and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Question Analysis
The question presents two contrasting views:
- Professionals should work in their country of training
- Professionals should have the freedom to work anywhere
Key points to address:
- Reasons for requiring professionals to stay in their home country
- Benefits of allowing professionals to work abroad
- Your personal opinion on the matter
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In an increasingly globalized world, the debate over whether highly skilled professionals should be obligated to work in their country of training or have the freedom to pursue opportunities abroad has gained significant traction. While both perspectives have merit, I believe that ultimately, individuals should have the liberty to choose where they work, provided certain conditions are met.
Those who advocate for professionals to remain in their home countries argue that this practice ensures a return on the national investment in education and training. Countries, especially developing ones, often allocate substantial resources to nurture talent in critical fields such as medicine and engineering. When these professionals emigrate, it can lead to a “brain drain,” depriving the nation of essential skills and expertise. Moreover, the presence of accomplished professionals can inspire younger generations, serving as tangible role models and motivating them to pursue similar career paths, thus contributing to the country’s long-term development.
On the other hand, proponents of professional mobility contend that the freedom to work internationally fosters global knowledge exchange and innovation. When experts from diverse backgrounds collaborate, it often leads to breakthroughs in research and technology that benefit humanity as a whole. Additionally, professionals working abroad often remit money to their home countries, contributing to economic growth. They may also return later with enhanced skills and international experience, effectively reversing the brain drain into a “brain gain.”
In my opinion, while I recognize the valid concerns of countries investing in education, imposing restrictions on professional mobility could be counterproductive in our interconnected world. Instead, I propose a balanced approach where professionals are encouraged, rather than compelled, to work in their home countries for a certain period. This could be achieved through attractive incentives, improved working conditions, and opportunities for career advancement. Simultaneously, countries should foster international collaborations and exchange programs, allowing for the circulation of knowledge and expertise.
In conclusion, the global movement of skilled professionals is a complex issue with far-reaching implications for both individuals and nations. By striking a balance between national interests and personal freedom, we can harness the benefits of professional mobility while mitigating its potential drawbacks.
Role models inspiring youth development
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The question of whether professionals like doctors and engineers should be required to work in the country where they received their training or be free to work elsewhere is a complex issue. There are valid arguments on both sides, and I will discuss these before giving my own opinion.
On one hand, there are good reasons why countries might want to keep their trained professionals. Firstly, these countries have invested a lot of money in educating these people, so they naturally want to benefit from this investment. Secondly, developing countries often face a shortage of skilled workers, so losing their trained professionals to other countries can be a big problem. Lastly, when successful professionals stay in their home country, they can serve as role models for young people, inspiring them to pursue similar careers.
On the other hand, many argue that professionals should have the freedom to work wherever they choose. This freedom can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries for individuals. It also allows for the exchange of knowledge and skills between different countries, which can lead to advancements in various fields. Moreover, professionals working abroad often send money back to their home countries, which can help the economy.
In my opinion, while I understand the concerns of countries wanting to retain their skilled workers, I believe that in today’s globalized world, it’s not practical to restrict people’s movement. Instead, countries should focus on creating attractive conditions that encourage professionals to stay or return after gaining experience abroad. This could include better job opportunities, competitive salaries, and improved working conditions.
To conclude, although there are benefits to keeping professionals in their home countries, I believe that the advantages of allowing them to work internationally outweigh the drawbacks. The key is to find a balance that benefits both the individuals and their home countries.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
The topic of whether professionals like doctors and engineers should work in their home country or be allowed to work in other countries is very important. There are two different opinions about this, and I will talk about both of them.
Some people think professionals should stay in their home country. This is because the country has spent a lot of money to train them. If they leave, the country loses this investment. Also, many countries need these skilled workers. When they stay, they can help their own country grow. Young people can also look up to them as examples.
Other people believe professionals should be free to work anywhere. This gives them more chances to find good jobs and earn more money. It also helps different countries share knowledge. When professionals work in other countries, they can learn new things and bring this knowledge back home later.
In my opinion, I think professionals should be free to choose where they want to work. But I also think countries should try to make them want to stay. They can do this by offering good jobs and better pay. This way, both the professionals and their home countries can benefit.
To sum up, while there are good reasons for professionals to stay in their home country, I believe it’s better to let them choose where to work. Countries should focus on making staying at home a good choice for their professionals.
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
- Presents a clear position throughout the essay
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features
- Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy
- Coherent with smooth progression of ideas and effective use of cohesive devices
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
- Presents a relevant position, though conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary with some errors in word choice and usage
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors
- Arranges information coherently with clear overall progression
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task only partially, with limited development of ideas
- Expresses a position but development is not always clear
- Uses a limited range of vocabulary, adequate for the task but with some inaccuracies
- Uses only a limited range of structures with some errors that may impede communication
- Presents information with some organization but may lack overall progression
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Brain drain (noun) – /breɪn dreɪn/ – The emigration of highly trained or intelligent people from a particular country
Globalized (adjective) – /ˈɡləʊbəlaɪzd/ – Made worldwide in scope or application
Remit (verb) – /rɪˈmɪt/ – Send (money) in payment or as a gift
Counterproductive (adjective) – /ˌkaʊntəprəˈdʌktɪv/ – Having the opposite of the desired effect
Nurture (verb) – /ˈnɜːtʃə(r)/ – Care for and encourage the growth or development of
Tangible (adjective) – /ˈtændʒəbl/ – Clear and definite; real
Incentive (noun) – /ɪnˈsentɪv/ – A thing that motivates or encourages someone to do something
Mitigate (verb) – /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – Make (something bad) less severe, serious, or painful
Conclusion
The topic of role models in youth development, as explored through the lens of professional mobility, is a complex and relevant issue for IELTS Writing Task 2. By analyzing sample essays across different band scores, we can see how the depth of argument, vocabulary usage, and structural complexity contribute to higher scores.
For future practice, consider exploring related topics such as:
- The impact of celebrity role models on youth behavior
- The role of mentorship programs in professional development
- The balance between individual career aspirations and national interests
We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active approach to learning can significantly improve your writing skills and prepare you for success in the IELTS exam.
How to promote social entrepreneurship among young people is another relevant topic that intersects with the idea of role models and youth development. By exploring such interconnected themes, you can broaden your understanding and enhance your ability to construct compelling arguments in your IELTS Writing Task 2 responses.
