Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Academic Practice Accelerator · 2026-08-14

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)

People have no longer need to have creatures kept in zoological park, so zoos should be shut. I am on the same wavelength with them because of keeping wild animals in captivity is harmful and modern alternatives can provide education and support wildlife conversation.

One of the major reasons for my approval to this view point is the animals suffer in captivity. this is due to the fact that animal are naturally meant to live in large, open habitats. In zoos, they have limited space and cannot behave naturally.This can cause stress, boredom and psychological problems. For instance, a survey conducted by Environment protection department has approved by zoos can be unethical due to its productive outcomes. Therefore, live our life without any problem.

Another significant point in its favour is the zoos are no longer necessary for education. This means that people can learn about animals through documentaries, nature programmes and the internet. Modern technology allows student to see animals in their natural habitats without keeping them in wages. If animals are boost up in the society, it brings benefits in the form of healthy life.

To conclude, it is clear from the above mentioned points that the idea of kept animals in zoo seems practical and can bring prosperity for the society and people. Therefore, it would be wise to accept this idea and promote it.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 250 words, which negatively impacts the development of ideas. While you clearly state your position in the introduction, the supporting arguments are underdeveloped. For instance, the mention of a survey by the 'Environment protection department' is vague and lacks specific detail to support your argument. Furthermore, the conclusion contradicts your initial stance by suggesting that keeping animals in zoos is 'practical,' which creates confusion regarding your overall position. To improve, ensure you expand on your points with concrete examples and maintain a consistent argument throughout the essay.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into paragraphs, which is a positive step. However, the logical progression of ideas is hindered by awkward phrasing and some confusing transitions. For example, the sentence 'Therefore, live our life without any problem' lacks a clear connection to the preceding argument about animal stress. Additionally, the use of cohesive devices is sometimes mechanical or misused, such as the transition 'If animals are boost up in the society,' which does not clearly link to the previous point about education. Improving the flow between sentences and ensuring that each paragraph focuses on a single, well-developed idea would enhance coherence.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

Your vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision and variety expected at higher bands. You rely on some repetitive or unnatural phrasing, such as 'boost up in the society' and 'keeping them in wages.' There are also issues with word choice, such as 'productive outcomes' when discussing unethical practices. To reach a higher band, focus on using more sophisticated collocations and academic vocabulary. For example, instead of 'shut,' use 'phased out' or 'abolished.' Expanding your range of topic-specific vocabulary related to animal welfare and conservation would also be beneficial.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The essay contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Common issues include subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'animal are naturally meant') and incorrect verb forms (e.g., 'has approved by zoos'). There are also errors in sentence construction, such as 'the idea of kept animals in zoo seems practical.' While the meaning is generally understandable, these persistent errors in basic grammar and punctuation prevent the essay from reaching a higher band. Focusing on proofreading for subject-verb agreement and correct tense usage will help improve your accuracy.

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

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