Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · IELTS Academic Practice Accelerator · 2026-08-15

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 6.0)

The idea of closing all the zoos has become popular because people believe that we should now protect animals through wild and technology While I firmly subscribe to the view that should not be shut down because they play a very important role in research and education that cannot be replaced. The most persuasive argument in the favor of this view is that zoos play an important rule in protecting endangered species. Many animals would have become extent without breeding programs in zoos. The Giant Panda was saved from the extinction breeding programs in zoos. Therefore, closing zoos would mean losing a critical safety for wildlife. A further point of worthy consideration is that zoos play an important part in studies and scientific research. Seeing animals in person creates empathy, who have never visited the wild. This is clearly exemplified by Lahore Zoo where millions of people every year and learn about biodiversity. This firsthand experience cannot be replicated by watching movies. In addition, zoos help vets study animal diseases, which helps both captive and wild animals. Accordingly, I remain fully convinced that old zoos have poor conditions that is unacceptable. However, the solution is not to close zoos but to improve standards. Many zoos focus on large, natural habitats and animal welfare. Banning them would only conservation efforts backwards. Instead of closing them, governments should regulate them to ensure high welfare standards. We still need zoos because animal welfare is also very important. They protect endangered species, educate people and support research.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response6.5
Coherence and Cohesion6.0
Lexical Resource5.5
Grammatical Range and Accuracy5.5
Overall6.0

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt and maintains a clear position throughout. You argue against closing zoos, citing conservation, education, and research as key justifications. The ideas are relevant and generally well-supported, such as the mention of the Giant Panda breeding program. However, some points are slightly under-developed; for instance, the connection between 'empathy' and 'people who have never visited the wild' is a bit vague. To reach a higher band, ensure that every claim is fully explained with a clear link back to the central argument. Overall, the response is focused and effectively communicates your stance.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. You use cohesive devices such as 'The most persuasive argument', 'A further point', and 'In addition' to guide the reader. However, some transitions are slightly mechanical, and the paragraphing could be more distinct. The sentence 'Accordingly, I remain fully convinced that old zoos have poor conditions that is unacceptable' creates a slight shift in focus that disrupts the flow, as it introduces a counter-argument that is not fully integrated into the preceding logical progression. Improving the use of referencing and smoother transitions between contrasting ideas would enhance the overall coherence.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'biodiversity', 'endangered species', and 'extinction'. There are some instances of word-choice errors or awkward phrasing, such as 'protect animals through wild and technology' (likely meant 'the wild') and 'would have become extent' (should be 'extinct'). Additionally, 'create empathy, who have never visited' is grammatically and lexically awkward. While you attempt to use less common vocabulary, these slips occasionally affect precision. Focusing on collocations and ensuring words are used in their correct context will help you achieve a higher score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While you successfully use some complex forms, there are frequent errors in grammar and punctuation that occasionally impede clarity. For example, 'While I firmly subscribe to the view that should not be shut down' is missing a subject. The sentence 'The Giant Panda was saved from the extinction breeding programs' is missing a preposition. Furthermore, 'Banning them would only conservation efforts backwards' is missing a verb. These errors are noticeable but do not prevent the reader from understanding your main points. Increasing your control over sentence construction and proofreading for missing words will improve your accuracy.

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

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