Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Academic Practice Accelerator · 2026-08-08

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)

Nowadays, there is a growing debate about whether zoos are still necessary. Although keeping wild animals in captivity can raise ethical concerns, I disagree that all zoos should be closed because they play an important role in conservation and education.

BP1:

First and foremost, zoos can help protect endangered species. Many animals are threatened by habitat destruction, hunting and climate change. Well-managed zoos provide safe environments where these species can breed and increase their populations. In some cases, animals bred in captivity can eventually be reintroduced into their natural habitats.

BP2:

Another important benefit is that zoos educate the public about wildlife. Visitors, particularly children, can learn about different species and understand the importance of protecting nature. Moreover, zoos can support scientific research into animal behaviour, reproduction and diseases. Therefore, completely closing zoos could reduce opportunities to educate people and protect endangered species.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, I disagree that zoos should be closed. While poor-quality zoos can cause animal-welfare problems, properly managed zoos can contribute significantly to wildlife conservation, education and research.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response addresses the prompt by clearly stating a position and providing two main arguments: conservation and education. However, the response is significantly under the 250-word minimum requirement (172 words). Because the essay is too short, the ideas are not sufficiently developed or extended. To reach a higher band, you must expand on your points with specific examples, such as mentioning a particular endangered species saved by a zoo or a specific educational program. The current length limits the depth of your argument, resulting in a partial development of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. You use cohesive devices such as 'First and foremost', 'Moreover', and 'In conclusion' to guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is appropriate, with each paragraph focusing on a single clear idea. While the structure is sound, the limited length makes the overall progression feel somewhat abrupt. To improve, ensure that your supporting sentences flow more naturally into one another through a wider variety of linking phrases.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate a good command of vocabulary relevant to the topic, using terms like 'captivity', 'endangered species', 'habitat destruction', and 'reintroduced'. The word choice is generally accurate and appropriate for an academic context. However, the range is somewhat limited due to the brevity of the text. To achieve a higher band, try to incorporate more sophisticated collocations or less common synonyms to express your ideas with greater precision. For example, instead of 'help protect', you could use 'facilitate the preservation of'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The grammar is generally accurate, and you use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. For instance, the use of 'Although' in the introduction and 'While' in the conclusion shows an ability to handle subordinate clauses. There are very few grammatical errors, and the punctuation is correct. To improve, aim to incorporate a wider variety of complex structures, such as conditional sentences or passive voice constructions, to demonstrate greater grammatical flexibility. The current level of accuracy is good, but the range is restricted by the short length.

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