Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Academic Practice Accelerator · 2026-11-13

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)

It is undeniable that the animals should not kept in zoos and and the zoos system should be closed . I believe that the animals should kept in the zoos due to their various benefits , but other says that animals should left free. I disagree with this statement and share opinion in the upcoming paragraphs.

I disagree with this statement due to various reasons. Firstly, zoos are established for the animal welfare. For instance, the zoos can protect endangered species from the extinction .it is also necessary for the wildlife conservation . Secondly, the children can learn about animals through visiting in zoos if the animals kept in the zoos.

Thirdly, if the animals kept in the zoos the breeding programmes can be used to increse the population of the endangered species which become extinct. finally, injured and sick animals can receive the medical treatment in the animal house easily.

People who think the animals should be left free instead of keeping in zoos. As the natural environment is necessary for the animals . For instance, the oceans , open spaces , forests, are essential for the animals . Furthermore, the captivity can lead to the deterimental impact on the natural habitat of the animals .

To conclude , although the people think the animals should not kept in zoos and it should be closed but i agree that animals should be kept in zoos for their welfare as well as there are various other benefits which outweigh other perceptions .

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

Your position is clear in the introduction and conclusion: you disagree with closing zoos, and you give relevant reasons, including conservation, education, breeding programmes, and treatment for injured animals. You also acknowledge the opposing view that animals need natural environments, so the response addresses both sides of the question. However, the support remains general. For example, you say children can learn about animals and that zoos protect endangered species, but you do not explain how these benefits work or provide a specific example. The counterargument is also only briefly stated and is not fully weighed against your position. Develop fewer points with explanation or examples, and make the comparison between captivity and conservation clearer.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

The response has a recognisable structure, with an introduction, supporting paragraphs, a paragraph presenting the opposing view, and a conclusion. Sequencing words such as “Firstly,” “Secondly,” and “Thirdly” help readers identify your points. However, progression is somewhat mechanical, and the ideas within the main body are mostly listed rather than linked through explanation. The shift to the opposing view is abrupt, and “People who think the animals should be left free…” is an incomplete sentence, which weakens the connection between ideas. Some references, such as “this statement” and “other perceptions,” are also vague. Use topic sentences that state each paragraph’s purpose, then connect claims to their explanations and examples with clearer referencing.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant topic vocabulary, including “endangered species,” “wildlife conservation,” “breeding programmes,” “medical treatment,” and “captivity.” These terms show an attempt to discuss the issue beyond everyday language. However, the range is limited and several expressions are inaccurate or awkward, such as “zoos system,” “from the extinction,” and “deterimental impact on the natural habitat.” Repetition of “animals,” “zoos,” and “benefits” also makes the response less precise. Spelling errors such as “increse” and “deterimental” are noticeable. Build a wider set of accurate collocations for conservation and animal welfare, and check spelling and word forms. More precise vocabulary would help distinguish the different arguments rather than repeating broad terms.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt a few complex forms, including “if the animals kept in the zoos…” and the contrast introduced by “although,” but the range is limited and these structures are often faulty. Missing verbs and incorrect forms recur: “animals should not kept” needs a passive form, while “if the animals kept” also lacks “are.” There are errors with articles and agreement, as in “the zoos system,” and the sentence beginning “People who think…” is incomplete. Punctuation and capitalisation are inconsistent, including the full stop before “it” and lowercase “i.” These errors sometimes make the reader pause, although your main meaning is generally recoverable. Practise accurate passive constructions and complete sentences before adding more complex clauses.

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