IELTS HUBIELTS Positive-Negative Essay on Education & Travel & World
Full IELTS Writing Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Some claim that studying abroad has great benefits for a student's home country.
To what extent Do you agree or disagree?
Write at least 250 words.
Introduction
Paraphrase topic about studying abroad benefits for home country. State opinion: negatives are more significant.
Body Paragraph 1 View 1
Present view supporting benefits: cultural exchange (diversity/acceptance), gaining advanced skills/knowledge (improving home education/research).
Body Paragraph 2 View 2
Present view opposing benefits/highlighting negatives: brain drain (loss of talent due to better opportunities abroad), financial burden (money spent abroad not invested at home).
Conclusion
Summarize benefits (cultural exchange, advanced learning) and downsides (brain drain, economic stress). Restate opinion that disadvantages outweigh benefits.
Band 9 Sample Answer:
The popularity of studying overseas has surged recently, with many believing it offers considerable benefits to the student's home country. However, I believe the negatives of this trend are more significant.
Supporters of studying abroad suggest it encourages cultural exchange, benefiting the home country. When students return, they carry with them a vast understanding of foreign cultures, promoting diversity and acceptance. Moreover, studying abroad often results in gaining advanced skills and knowledge. Students who experience innovative research and teaching techniques abroad can bring these back home, possibly improving the education and research quality in their home country.
Nevertheless, we can't ignore the negative effects of this trend. The most critical issue is brain drain. Many students who study overseas decide to stay and work in the host country, lured by superior job opportunities and living conditions. This results in a loss of valuable talent for the home country. Also, studying abroad is often expensive, which can burden the student's family and, in turn, the economy of the home country. The money spent on foreign education could have been invested in the home country, contributing to its growth.
In conclusion, while studying abroad can promote cultural exchange and advanced learning, the downsides of brain drain and economic stress make it a less appealing option. The home country risks losing more in terms of talent and economic resources, making the disadvantages of studying abroad outweigh the benefits.
Band 7 Sample Answer:
The trend of studying abroad has gained significant traction in recent years, with many asserting that it presents substantial advantages for the student's home country. While the benefits are indeed noteworthy, it is my contention that the drawbacks of this trend are more pronounced.
To begin with, proponents of studying abroad argue that it fosters cultural exchange, which can be beneficial for the home country. When students return, they bring with them a wealth of knowledge about foreign cultures, thereby promoting diversity and tolerance. Furthermore, studying abroad often leads to the acquisition of advanced skills and knowledge. Students exposed to cutting-edge research and teaching methodologies abroad can bring these back home, potentially enhancing the quality of education and research in their home country.
However, the negative implications of this trend cannot be overlooked. The most significant concern is the phenomenon of brain drain. Many students who study abroad choose to stay and work in the host country, attracted by better job prospects and living conditions. This leads to a loss of valuable human capital for the home country. Additionally, studying abroad is often a costly affair, which can put a financial strain on the student's family and, by extension, the economy of the home country. The funds spent on foreign education could have been invested in the home country, thereby contributing to its development.
In conclusion, while studying abroad can foster cultural exchange and advanced learning, the drawbacks of brain drain and economic strain make it a less favorable option. The home country stands to lose more in terms of human capital and economic resources, making the disadvantages of studying abroad outweigh the advantages.