Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · IELTS General Essentials · 2026-09-02

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 8.0)

Nowadays, many people believe that zoos are no longer necessary and should therefore be closed. Although I agree that keeping wild animals in captivity can be harmful, I disagree with the idea that all zoos should be shut down. In my opinion, well-managed zoos can play an important role in protecting animals and educating the public.

Firstly, modern zoos can contribute to the conservation of endangered species. Some animals are threatened because of habitat destruction, hunting and climate change. Zoos can provide safe environments where these species can be protected and bred. In some cases, animals born in captivity can eventually be returned to their natural habitats. For example, breeding programmes have helped increase the populations of several endangered species. Therefore, completely closing zoos could reduce opportunities to protect animals that are at risk of extinction.

Secondly, zoos can educate people about wildlife and environmental problems. Many children, in particular, learn more about animals when they can see them in person. This experience can encourage people to care about nature and understand the importance of protecting endangered species. Zoos can also raise money for conservation projects and scientific research.

However, I believe that keeping animals in small or unsuitable enclosures is unacceptable. Wild animals need sufficient space, appropriate food and conditions that are similar to their natural habitats. Zoos that fail to provide these basic requirements should be closed or significantly improved. Instead of closing every zoo, governments should introduce strict regulations to ensure that animals are treated properly.

In conclusion, I disagree that all zoos should be closed. While poorly managed zoos can cause suffering, modern and responsible zoos can support conservation, research and education. The focus should therefore be on improving zoos and protecting animal welfare rather than closing them completely.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

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 supporting ideas, such as the role of zoos in conservation and education. The inclusion of a counter-argument regarding animal welfare in the fourth paragraph adds depth and nuance to your argument, demonstrating a balanced perspective. The conclusion effectively summarises your main points and reinforces your stance. Overall, the response is well-structured and directly answers the prompt with logical, well-supported arguments.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'Secondly', 'However', and 'In conclusion'. The use of referencing is accurate, and the flow of information is easy to follow. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate distinct points, which enhances the overall readability. The logical sequencing of ideas ensures that the reader can easily track your argument from the introduction to the final summary.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the task. You use topic-specific terms such as 'endangered species', 'habitat destruction', 'captivity', and 'conservation projects' effectively. There is a good level of precision in your word choice, and you avoid repetitive language. While the vocabulary is accurate and fits the context well, incorporating a few more sophisticated or less common collocations could elevate the score further. Nevertheless, your lexical control is strong, and there are no errors that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional clauses and subordinate clauses (e.g., 'Although I agree that...', 'Zoos that fail to provide...'). The grammar is highly accurate, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no significant grammatical slips that distract the reader. You demonstrate a solid command of tense usage and sentence construction, which allows for clear and precise expression of your ideas.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.