Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · IELTS Academic Practice Accelerator · 2026-08-28

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 7.5)

The idea that zoos are no longer necessary and should therefore be closed has become a controversial issue. While I agree that keeping animals in poor conditions is unethical, I do not believe that all zoos should be shut down because well-managed zoos can contribute to conservation and education.

On the one hand, there are strong arguments for closing zoos. Wild animals are naturally supposed to live in large and open habitats, where they can move freely and behave naturally. However, cages and small enclosures may restrict their movement and prevent them from following their normal habits. Furthermore, some zoos focus mainly on attracting visitors and generating profits rather than protecting animals. In such cases, animals may suffer from unsuitable living conditions and a lack of proper care. Therefore, zoos that cannot meet high animal-welfare standards should be closed.

On the other hand, responsible zoos can provide important benefits. Firstly, they can help protect endangered species through breeding programmes and professional veterinary care. This is particularly important when animals are threatened by habitat destruction or illegal hunting in the wild. Secondly, zoos can educate the public about wildlife conservation. For example, children who visit zoos can learn about endangered animals and understand the importance of protecting their natural habitats. This knowledge may encourage them to become more environmentally responsible in the future.

In conclusion, I partly disagree that all zoos should be closed. Although poorly managed zoos can harm animals and should be shut down, modern facilities that prioritise animal welfare, conservation and education can still have a valuable role in society.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses the prompt by presenting a clear position from the introduction and maintaining it throughout. The arguments are well-developed, with a balanced approach that acknowledges the drawbacks of zoos while highlighting their benefits in conservation and education. Each paragraph is supported by relevant reasoning, such as the mention of breeding programmes and the role of zoos in public awareness. The ideas are extended logically, and the conclusion effectively synthesises the main points, confirming the student's stance. The response is well-structured and directly answers the question posed, meeting all requirements for a high band score in this criterion.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between the arguments for and against is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'Furthermore', and 'In conclusion'. The use of referencing is accurate, and the paragraphing is logical and functional. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between sentences is clearly established, which makes the text easy to follow. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, indicating a high level of control over the structure of the argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The vocabulary is precise and appropriate for an academic context. The student uses a range of topic-specific terminology effectively, such as 'conservation', 'endangered species', 'breeding programmes', and 'habitat destruction'. The word choices are natural and demonstrate a good level of sophistication, such as 'unethical', 'prioritise', and 'environmentally responsible'. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the range is sufficient to convey complex ideas clearly. The language is consistently accurate and contributes to the overall clarity and professional tone of the essay.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'While I agree that...', 'This is particularly important when...'). The control over grammar is excellent, with a high frequency of error-free sentences. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication. The use of modal verbs and conditional structures is accurate, reflecting a high level of proficiency. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a strong command of English syntax, which is consistent with the requirements for a high band score.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.