IELTS Band 9 Essay About Compared to the past more people are now studying abroad
Here we take a look at a band 9 ielts writing task 2 sample about “Compared to the past more people are now studying abroad”. This sample then will be further analyzed for its vocabulary, grammar and format, so we see how it has qualified for such band score. We also suggest over 200 band 9 IELTS samples released in 2025.
Sample Essay (Band 9)
Compared to the past, more people are now studying abroad because it is more convenient and cheaper than before.
Do you think this is beneficial to the foreign student’s home country?
Will this trend change much in the future?
In recent years, studying abroad has become increasingly accessible and affordable, leading to a surge in the number of students pursuing education overseas. While this trend offers numerous benefits to the students themselves, its impact on their home countries is a subject of debate. This essay will discuss whether this phenomenon is advantageous for the students’ home nations and whether the trend is likely to change in the future.
On the one hand, studying abroad can be highly beneficial for the home country. When students return after completing their education, they bring back cutting-edge knowledge and innovative ideas, which can contribute to the development of their home country’s economy, technology, and culture. For instance, many countries in Asia have seen significant advancements in science and technology due to the expertise of returning graduates. Additionally, these students often establish international networks, fostering global collaborations that can benefit their home country in areas such as trade and diplomacy.
On the other hand, there are potential drawbacks. One major concern is brain drain, where talented individuals choose to stay abroad after completing their studies, depriving their home country of skilled professionals. This can hinder economic growth and development, particularly in developing nations. Furthermore, the cost of studying abroad, even if reduced, still represents a significant financial outflow from the home country, which could otherwise be invested in local education systems.
As for the future, it is unlikely that this trend will diminish significantly. The globalization of education and the increasing availability of scholarships and online resources will likely make studying abroad even more accessible. However, governments can take steps to mitigate the negative effects by creating incentives for students to return, such as offering competitive job opportunities and research grants.
In conclusion, while studying abroad can bring substantial benefits to the home country, it also poses challenges such as brain drain. With proper policies and incentives, however, nations can maximize the advantages of this trend. The future will likely see a continuation of this phenomenon, but its impact will depend on how effectively countries adapt to it.
Academic Vocabulary in the sample for Compared to the past more people are now studying abroad
- Accessible (/əkˈsɛsəbl/)
- Sentence: Online education has made learning more accessible to people in remote areas.
- Meaning: Easy to reach, approach, or use.
- Affordable (/əˈfɔːrdəbl/)
- Sentence: The government has introduced affordable housing schemes for low-income families.
- Meaning: Inexpensive; reasonably priced.
- Cutting-edge knowledge (/ˈkʌtɪŋ ɛdʒ ˈnɒlɪdʒ/)
- Sentence: Researchers at the university are known for their cutting-edge knowledge in biotechnology.
- Meaning: The most advanced or innovative information in a field.
- Innovative ideas (/ˈɪnəˌveɪtɪv aɪˈdɪəz/)
- Sentence: The company’s success is driven by its innovative ideas and creative solutions.
- Meaning: New and original thoughts or concepts.
- Brain drain (/breɪn dreɪn/)
- Sentence: Many developing countries suffer from brain drain due to the migration of skilled professionals.
- Meaning: The emigration of highly trained or intelligent people from a particular country.
Advanced Grammar Structures:
- Conditional Sentences (Type 1)
- Example: “If governments create incentives, more students will return to their home countries.”
- Explanation: This structure is used to discuss real possibilities, making arguments more persuasive.
- Passive Voice
- Example: “The cost of studying abroad is often seen as a financial burden.”
- Explanation: The passive voice shifts focus to the action rather than the subject, adding formality and objectivity.
- Relative Clauses
- Example: “Students who study abroad often gain valuable international experience.”
- Explanation: Relative clauses provide additional information without starting a new sentence, improving coherence.
- Comparative Structures
- Example: “Studying abroad is now more affordable than it was a decade ago.”
- Explanation: Comparatives help to highlight changes and trends, which is essential for Task 2 essays.
- Cleft Sentences
- Example: “It is the return of skilled graduates that can drive economic growth.”
- Explanation: Cleft sentences emphasize specific parts of a sentence, making arguments more impactful.
How These Structures Help Achieve a Higher Band Score:
- Conditional Sentences: Demonstrate the ability to discuss real possibilities, showing a range of grammatical structures.
- Passive Voice: Adds formality and objectivity, which are key to academic writing.
- Relative Clauses: Improve sentence variety and coherence, making the essay easier to follow.
- Comparative Structures: Help to highlight trends and changes, a requirement for Task 2 essays.
- Cleft Sentences: Emphasize key points, making the essay more persuasive and engaging.
By incorporating these advanced grammar structures and academic vocabulary, the essay achieves a high level of sophistication, clarity, and coherence, essential for a Band 9 score.
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