Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · IELTS General Essentials · 2026-08-31

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 6.5)

Some people believe that animals should not be kept in zoos and that zoos should therefore be closed. I partly disagree with this opinion because, although some zoos may not provide suitable conditions for animals, well-managed zoos can help protect wildlife and educate people.

First, zoos can play an important role in protecting endangered species. Some animals are threatened by hunting, habitat loss, and climate change. Zoos can provide a safe environment for these animals and take part in breeding programmes to increase their populations. In some cases, animals bred in captivity can eventually be returned to the wild.

Second, zoos can educate people about animals and the importance of protecting nature. When children see animals in person, they may become more interested in wildlife and learn why endangered species need protection. Zoos can also raise money for conservation projects in the wild.

However, I believe that animals should not be kept in small or unsuitable enclosures. If a zoo cannot provide enough space, proper food, medical care, and a natural environment, it should be improved or closed.

In conclusion, I do not think all zoos should be closed. Instead, zoos should be carefully controlled to ensure that animals are treated well and that their main purpose is conservation and education rather than entertainment.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses the prompt by taking a clear position and providing relevant arguments regarding conservation and education. However, the essay is significantly under the 250-word minimum requirement, containing only 214 words. This failure to meet the length constraint limits the development of ideas, as the arguments remain somewhat superficial and lack detailed examples or depth. While the position is consistent throughout, the brevity prevents the essay from reaching a higher band score, as the task requirements are not fully satisfied in terms of depth and length.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the progression of ideas is easy to follow. Cohesive devices such as 'First', 'Second', 'However', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to link ideas. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points. While the structure is sound, the limited length prevents the use of more sophisticated cohesive devices or a more complex flow of arguments, but the overall organization remains clear and effective.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task and allows for clear communication. You use some relevant topic-specific terms such as 'endangered species', 'breeding programmes', 'captivity', and 'conservation projects'. The word choice is generally accurate and natural. To improve, you could incorporate more sophisticated collocations or less common academic vocabulary to demonstrate a wider range. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors that impede meaning, but the range is somewhat limited by the brevity of the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay demonstrates a good control of grammar with a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. For example, you use conditional sentences ('If a zoo cannot provide...') and complex sentences with subordinate clauses ('...although some zoos may not provide...'). The grammar is generally accurate, with very few errors. Punctuation is handled correctly throughout. While the range of structures is sufficient, it is not particularly ambitious. The writing is clear and error-free, which is a strong point, but more variety in sentence complexity would be beneficial.

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

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