Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS General Essentials · 2026-09-03

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)

Many people argue about that animals should not kept in zoos, they should be free, therefore zoos should be closed. I am disagree with this view in my opinion, i believe that animals must kept in zoos, not every species.

One of the major reason is that if all animals are free. they are like to conflict with each other. how we can protect them? or how we can protect from extinction. how we must kept animals species. how will we be gain information about different species and how we learn about them. how next generation will get knowledge about them. because it will only available in books, magazines, newspapers, internet. when some children want to watch them in real how will be possible?

Another major reason is that we cant free everyone. for instance such as lion, tiger, kangaroo, bear, zebra. because they are dangerous. they will kill us. therefore government keep them in zoos. furthermore we can also preserve them through this way. In addition if someone has interest to watch them schools , families organize trips. we can keep free animals such as dogs, cats, pigs and so on. they are growing rapidly, available everywhere such as cities, towns, villages. now people also take care of them. In modern era people keep them in houses and take care of them as family member.

In conclusion some animals should be kept in zoos but government should protect them . therefore it will be beneficial for future kids. some animals should be free.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses the prompt by taking a clear position against closing all zoos. However, the development of ideas is limited. While you mention conservation and education, the arguments are presented as a series of rhetorical questions rather than fully developed points. For instance, the point about 'gaining information' is mentioned but not explained in depth. To improve, you should focus on expanding your main points with specific examples or logical explanations rather than listing questions. The distinction between wild animals and domestic animals is relevant, but the argument could be more cohesive by focusing on the specific role of zoos in modern conservation efforts.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or repetitive. For example, the frequent use of 'how' to start sentences in the second paragraph creates a repetitive rhythm that hinders flow. Additionally, some transitions are abrupt, such as the jump between the discussion of dangerous animals and the mention of domestic pets. Using a wider variety of linking words (e.g., 'consequently', 'furthermore', 'in contrast') would help to create a more natural progression of ideas between and within paragraphs.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision and range required for higher bands. You rely on basic terms like 'watch', 'keep', and 'free'. There are also some issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'they are like to conflict' (likely meant 'they are likely to conflict') and 'we will be gain information' (should be 'we will gain information'). To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more academic or topic-specific vocabulary related to animal welfare, biodiversity, and environmental education, and ensure that your word forms are used correctly in context.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text that occasionally impede clarity. Common issues include subject-verb agreement ('animals should not kept', 'animals must kept'), incorrect sentence structure ('I am disagree'), and punctuation errors, such as missing capital letters at the start of sentences and the misuse of full stops. The range of structures is limited, consisting mostly of simple sentences. To improve, you need to focus on mastering basic sentence construction, particularly the use of passive voice and modal verbs, and ensure that your punctuation is accurate to help the reader navigate your ideas.

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

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