Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS General Essentials · 2026-08-25

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 5.5)

People like to go out for outing to change their mood and relax their mind. Previously, people used to visit zoo with their children because zoos are popular outing spot among children. However, different kinds of places were also introduced in past years which changed people's choice to hang out. In this essay I will talk about whether we still need zoos or not.

In past, children used to visit zoo not because they wanted to go out but because they wanted to see variety of animals. Previously, zoos have enclosed cage to keep animals but in recent years enclosed cage transformed into huge open areas where animal can roam easily. Schools arrange the picnic to zoo to teach the students about animals and their behaviour.

In contrast, why we need to lock the animals in cage. God created them to live their life freely that is why we have forests and jungle. Moreover, in cage they are stuck to one place and sometime when an animal manage to escape it become harmful to people. Furthermore, the opening of different kind of parks, indoor and outdoor playing areas for children in recent years also decrease the interest to visit zoo and interact with animals. As a result, children nowadays like to do physical activities or play games in arena instead of visiting zoo. Since children can visit any time of the day to playing areas thus they stop visiting zoo.

In my opinion, I believe that we no longer need to keep the animals in the zoo. Animals also have rights. They also need free and healthy environment. Moreover, if it is not possible to close all the zoo then we must introduce safari where animals can move freely. As a result, they also feel home.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses the prompt by taking a clear position against zoos. However, the development of ideas is somewhat uneven. While you provide reasons such as animal rights and the availability of alternative entertainment, some points are under-developed. For instance, the transition from discussing children's changing interests to the ethical argument about animal rights is abrupt. To reach a higher band, ensure that each paragraph focuses on a single, well-supported argument. You have addressed all parts of the task, but the depth of analysis could be improved by providing more specific examples or a more nuanced discussion of the role of modern zoos in conservation versus entertainment.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, and there is a clear progression of ideas. You use some cohesive devices, such as 'Moreover,' 'Furthermore,' and 'In contrast,' to link your thoughts. However, some of these transitions feel mechanical or slightly repetitive. Additionally, the referencing is occasionally unclear; for example, the connection between the opening of new parks and the decline of zoos is a bit disjointed. To improve, try to vary your linking words and ensure that each sentence flows naturally from the previous one, creating a more cohesive argument throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

Your vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, allowing you to express your opinions clearly. You use some relevant topic-specific terms like 'animal rights,' 'enclosed cage,' and 'roam.' However, the range is somewhat limited, and there are instances of slightly unnatural word choices, such as 'go out for outing' or 'popular outing spot.' To achieve a higher score, aim to use a wider range of vocabulary, including less common collocations and more precise academic phrasing. Focusing on synonyms and avoiding repetitive phrasing will help demonstrate a more flexible command of the language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with articles (e.g., 'visit zoo' instead of 'visit the zoo'), subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'animal manage to escape'), and pluralization. Some sentences are also slightly awkward, such as 'In past, children used to visit zoo.' While these errors do not impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. Focus on proofreading for basic grammatical accuracy, specifically articles and verb tenses, to improve the overall quality of your writing.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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