Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · IELTS Academic Practice Accelerator · 2026-08-16
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)
Some people believe that zoos are no longer needed and should be closed . I disagree with this opinion because zoos can protect animals and help people learn about wildlife.
Firstly, zoos provide a safe place for many animals . Some animals are becoming endangered because of hunting , pollution and destruction of their natural homes . In zoos , these animals can be protected from hunters and other danger . They can also receive good food and medical treatment. For example, some rare animals can be kept and bread in zoos so their numbers can increase. In this way zoo can help protect animals from extinction.
Secondly , zoos are useful for education. People , especially children , can see animals closely and learn about their lives and habits . This can help them understand why animals and nature should be protected. For example , children who visit a zoo become more interested in wildlife and learn how to care about the environment.
However , I agree that some zoos do not give animals enough space and proper care . Keeping animals in very small cage and make them unhappy and unhealthy. Such zoos should improve their conditions or be closed . Animals should have enough food , space and medical care.
In conclusion, I do not think all zoos should be closed. Good zoos can protect endangered animals and educate people. Therefore, only zoos that do not treat animals properly should be closed or banned . Government should kept eyes on every zoo .
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5
You have clearly stated your position and maintained it throughout the essay. You addressed both the protection of animals and the educational value of zoos, which are relevant arguments. The inclusion of a counter-argument regarding poor conditions in some zoos adds balance to your response. To reach a higher band, ensure that your supporting examples are more detailed; for instance, instead of mentioning 'rare animals' generally, you could specify a particular species or a successful conservation program. Your ideas are well-developed, but further elaboration on the 'educational' aspect would strengthen the overall argument.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. You use transition signals such as 'Firstly', 'Secondly', 'However', and 'In conclusion' to guide the reader through your arguments. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct ideas. To improve, try to vary your cohesive devices; currently, the structure is somewhat mechanical. Using more sophisticated linking phrases or referencing (e.g., 'This approach' or 'Such initiatives') would help the flow of ideas feel more natural and less like a list of points.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'endangered', 'extinction', and 'conservation' (implied). However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'bread' instead of 'bred' and 'kept eyes on' instead of 'monitor' or 'regulate'. While your vocabulary is sufficient to convey your meaning clearly, it lacks the precision and flexibility required for higher bands. Expanding your repertoire to include more academic collocations and precise terminology would significantly enhance your writing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While your meaning is always clear, there are recurring grammatical errors, such as 'Government should kept eyes on' (should keep) and 'in very small cage' (cages). Additionally, there are minor punctuation issues, such as spaces before commas. Your control of basic grammar is generally good, but the frequency of these small errors prevents the essay from reaching a higher band. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and pluralization will help improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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