Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · IELTS General Essentials · 2026-07-28

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

We no longer need to have animals kept in zoos, so zoos should be closed.

Do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 8.5)

Zoos have existed for many years and continue to attract millions of visitors. While some people believe that keeping animals in zoos is unnecessary and that all zoos should be closed, I disagree with this opinion because modern zoos play an important role in wildlife conservation, education, and scientific research.

One of the main reasons for keeping zoos open is that they help protect endangered species. Many animals are threatened by habitat destruction, climate change, and illegal hunting. Zoos provide a safe environment where these species can breed successfully, increasing their populations. In some cases, animals bred in captivity are later released into the wild to help restore endangered populations.

Another important benefit of zoos is education. Visiting a zoo allows children and adults to observe animals closely and learn about their behaviour, habitats, and the importance of protecting wildlife. These experiences often encourage people to appreciate nature and support conservation efforts. In addition, zoos contribute to scientific research by studying animal health, breeding, and behaviour, which can benefit both captive and wild animals.

However, I acknowledge that some zoos have been criticised for keeping animals in small or unsuitable enclosures. In such conditions, animals may experience stress and poor welfare. Instead of closing all zoos, governments should introduce strict regulations to ensure that animals are kept in spacious, natural environments and receive proper care.

In conclusion, I do not agree that zoos should be closed. Although poor-quality zoos should be improved or shut down, well-managed zoos make valuable contributions to conservation, education, and research. Therefore, governments should focus on improving zoo standards rather than eliminating them completely.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position in the introduction and maintain it consistently throughout the essay. Each paragraph is well-developed with relevant arguments, such as the role of zoos in conservation, education, and scientific research. You also effectively address the counter-argument regarding animal welfare by suggesting regulation rather than closure, which adds depth to your position. The ideas are extended logically, and the conclusion provides a clear summary that reinforces your initial stance. The response is well-structured and directly answers the prompt's requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'In addition', 'However', and 'Therefore', which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is logical and appropriate for the task. The relationship between ideas is clear, and there is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive linking. The overall structure is coherent and supports the development of your argument well.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for the topic. Terms like 'wildlife conservation', 'endangered species', 'habitat destruction', and 'captive' are used accurately. The language is natural and precise, allowing you to convey your ideas clearly. While the vocabulary is sufficient and effective, it stays within a standard range. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated or idiomatic collocations, but the current level is well-suited for the task and shows good control over word choice and collocation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional clauses ('If... then' implied) and subordinate clauses ('While some people believe...', 'Instead of closing...'). The grammar is accurate throughout, with very few errors. Punctuation is used correctly to support the flow of your writing. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent. The grammatical range is sufficient to express complex ideas clearly and accurately.

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