Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · IELTS Academic Practice Accelerator · 2026-07-30

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)

People are increasingly believing that animals shouldn't be held captive in zoos anymore and all zoos should be shut down. Although I agree with this to a certain extent, I still do not think this is an entirely correct opinion since there are benefits and advantages of zoos for both animals and humans.

First of all, one of the functions of zoos is to preserve endangered species. The fact is that nowadays wild animals are losing their natural habitats due to deforestation, climate change, and pollution. As a result, some species may become extinct. Zoos can help to secure such animals by caring for their sustenance, medical treatment, and offering protection accordingly. For instance, many zoos have been successful in breeding endangered species like pandas and different types of birds to support their population.

Secondly, zoos have significant educational functions. There are many people, especially children who can hardly visit nature and wildlife. Thus, zoological parks may help them learn about animal species, their lifestyle and ecological conservation. Personally, I think that a visit to a zoo in my childhood has helped me develop my interest in fauna and realize the importance of preserving it.

At the same time it is true that some zoos do not provide suitable living conditions for animals. Keeping animals in small cages or using them only for entertainment is cruel. These zoos should improve their facilities and focus more on animal welfare.

In conclusion, I disagree that all zoos should be closed. Although some zoos have problems, many of them help protect endangered animals and educate the public. Instead of closing every zoo, governments should make stricter rules to ensure that animals are treated properly.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, maintaining a clear position throughout. You acknowledge the counter-argument regarding animal welfare while firmly arguing that zoos serve essential functions in conservation and education. The ideas are well-supported with relevant examples, such as the breeding of pandas and the educational value for children. The conclusion effectively synthesizes your position and offers a balanced recommendation for stricter regulations. To reach a higher band, you could further develop the 'conservation' argument by discussing the role of zoos in global research or reintroduction programs, which would add more depth to your analysis.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving from conservation to education, then addressing the counter-argument. You use a variety of cohesive devices such as 'First of all', 'As a result', 'Thus', and 'At the same time' to link your points effectively. The paragraphing is appropriate and contributes to the overall clarity of the argument. The flow between sentences is smooth, and the relationship between ideas is easy to follow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic task. Phrases like 'endangered species', 'ecological conservation', and 'natural habitats' are used accurately. There is an attempt to use less common items, which adds precision to your writing. While the vocabulary is sufficient and generally precise, it could be further elevated by incorporating more sophisticated collocations or academic synonyms to move beyond a standard level of expression. Overall, the word choice is natural and effectively conveys your meaning without any errors that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use subordinate clauses effectively, such as 'Although I agree with this to a certain extent, I still do not think...' and 'There are many people, especially children who can hardly visit nature...'. The grammar is generally accurate, with only minor slips that do not affect the clarity of your message. Punctuation is used correctly to separate ideas. To achieve a higher score, you could experiment with a wider variety of complex grammatical structures, such as passive voice or conditional sentences, to demonstrate greater flexibility.

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