Some people think the most important skill nurses should have is having good medical knowledge. Others believe there are other more important qualities.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
📌 Note: This question appeared in the IELTS Writing exam on 7 June, 2025 in Canada.
2025 IELTS Writing Task 2 Questions – Click to View All
Band 9 Sample Answer:
While some people are of the opinion that nurses must prioritise strong medical knowledge above all else, others believe that qualities such as empathy, communication, and emotional resilience are just as important, if not more. I side with the latter view.
On the one hand, there can be some reasons why some people support the idea that medical knowledge is the most essential skill for nurses. Nurses are often the first responders in hospitals and clinics, and without a firm understanding of medical procedures, they may struggle to provide appropriate care. Their ability to monitor vital signs, administer medications correctly, and support doctors during treatment relies on their technical training. A lack of proper medical understanding could lead to serious consequences for patients. Therefore, some believe that mastering medical knowledge should be a nurse’s top priority.
On the other hand, I feel that it is more beneficial for nurses to also have strong interpersonal and emotional skills. While technical knowledge is undoubtedly important, nursing is not just a science—it is also a deeply human profession. Patients often feel vulnerable, scared, or confused, and nurses who can communicate clearly and show compassion help ease that emotional burden. For example, a calm and caring nurse can reduce a patient’s stress levels, which in turn may improve recovery outcomes. Moreover, qualities like patience, adaptability, and empathy play a huge role in high-stress environments such as emergency rooms or intensive care units, where medical knowledge alone may not be enough to provide holistic care.
In conclusion, although some people think that nurses should focus primarily on building strong medical knowledge, I believe that interpersonal and emotional skills are equally, if not more, important in delivering truly effective patient care.
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✅ Band 9 Insights Based on IELTS Writing Band Descriptors
1. Task Response
✔ Fully addresses both sides of the argument.
✔ Writer’s opinion is clear and consistent.
✔ Examples are relevant and support the argument logically.
Example: “Patients often feel vulnerable… nurses who can communicate clearly and show compassion help ease that emotional burden.”
2. Coherence and Cohesion
✔ Paragraphs follow a clear and logical structure as per your demo.
✔ Linkers and transitions are used naturally: On the one hand, On the other hand, For example, In conclusion.
✔ No paragraph feels rushed or underdeveloped.
3. Lexical Resource
✔ Wide range of precise vocabulary: first responders, emotional resilience, holistic care, technical training, administer medications.
✔ No awkward or repetitive phrasing.
✔ Tone is professional and humane—ideal for a blog post.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy
✔ Excellent command of complex sentence structures and grammar.
✔ Accurate punctuation and variety of tenses.
Example: “A calm and caring nurse can reduce a patient’s stress levels, which in turn may improve recovery outcomes.”
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