Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · IELTS Academic Practice Accelerator · 2026-08-29

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 8.0)

While concerns regarding animal welfare in captivity are valid, I strongly disagree with the idea that zoos should be closed entirely. Modern zoos serve crucial roles in wildlife conservation, scientific research, and public education that cannot easily be replaced.

First and foremost, zoos play a vital role in protecting endangered species from extinction. Due to habitat loss, poaching, and climate change, many wild populations are declining at alarming rates. Zoos operate controlled breeding programs that serve as a safety net for vulnerable fauna. For instance, species like the California condor and the Arabian oryx were saved from total extinction primarily through captive breeding programs in accredited facilities, allowing them to eventually be reintroduced into their natural habitats.

Additionally, zoos provide indispensable educational opportunities and foster public empathy toward nature. Experiencing live animals firsthand inspires curiosity and instills a sense of responsibility in visitors, particularly children, in a way that documentary films or books cannot replicate. This heightened awareness often translates into increased support for broader environmental initiatives and conservation funding worldwide.

Critics frequently argue that keeping animals in cages is cruel and unnatural. While substandard facilities must certainly be shut down or reformed, modern accredited zoos prioritize animal welfare by constructing large, naturalistic enclosures that mimic natural habitats and provide cognitive enrichment activities. Furthermore, these institutions conduct veterinary research that advances our understanding of animal health and disease management.

In conclusion, although the welfare of captive animals must remain a top priority, shutting down zoos altogether would harm global conservation efforts. Instead of closing them, society should support elevating zoo standards to ensure they fulfill their ethical and environmental duties

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the arguments regarding conservation and education. You provide specific, relevant examples, such as the California condor and the Arabian oryx, which effectively support your claims. The counter-argument regarding animal cruelty is acknowledged and addressed in a balanced manner, demonstrating a sophisticated approach to the task. The conclusion effectively synthesizes your position and provides a forward-looking suggestion, meeting all requirements for a high-band response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth. You make effective use of cohesive devices such as 'First and foremost', 'Additionally', 'Furthermore', and 'In conclusion', which guide the reader through your argument without being mechanical. The referencing is precise, and the paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between ideas is consistently clear throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision and naturalness. Phrases such as 'vulnerable fauna', 'indispensable educational opportunities', 'cognitive enrichment', and 'accredited facilities' show a high level of lexical control. The vocabulary is well-suited to the academic context of the task. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the language used is sophisticated enough to convey complex ideas clearly and effectively. The range of vocabulary is more than sufficient to meet the requirements for a high band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You successfully use complex sentences, such as 'While concerns regarding animal welfare in captivity are valid, I strongly disagree...', and 'Instead of closing them, society should support elevating zoo standards...'. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly to enhance clarity. There is a good mix of simple and complex forms, and your control over verb tenses and subject-verb agreement is excellent. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of grammatical competence.

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.