Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · IELTS Academic Practice Accelerator · 2026-09-01

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)

While concerns regarding animal welfare in captivity have prompted calls for the permanent closure of zoos, I strongly disagree with the notion that they are entirely redundant. Although traditional, purely commercial menageries are ethically questionable, modern zoos play a vital role in wildlife conservation and public education.

Primarily, zoos serve as essential hubs for scientific research and species preservation. Habitat destruction and climate change have driven numerous species to the brink of extinction. Managed breeding programs in reputable zoos have successfully saved animals such as the golden lion tamarin and the Arabian oryx, facilitating their eventual reintroduction into the wild. Without the controlled environment, veterinary care, and genetic management provided by these institutions, many endangered species would likely face total eradication.

Furthermore, zoos foster biodiversity awareness and environmental stewardship in ways digital media cannot replicate. Observing living creatures firsthand instils a deep sense of empathy and fascination, particularly in children. This direct connection often translates into long-term commitment to environmental causes and supports fundraising efforts for global habitat protection. When ethically managed, zoos transform passive observation into active conservation efforts.

Admittedly, sub-standard enclosures that prioritize profit over animal well-being must be dismantled. However, completely shutting down all zoological facilities would compromise ongoing conservation initiatives and research.

In conclusion, zoos remain indispensable in the modern world. Rather than closing them down entirely, international efforts should focus on strictly regulating animal welfare standards, ensuring all facilities operate primarily as non-profit sanctuaries dedicated to education and biodiversity preservation.

That' all I can conclude from my pov

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

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 arguments regarding scientific research, species preservation, and public education are well-developed and supported with specific examples, such as the 'golden lion tamarin' and 'Arabian oryx'. The essay is balanced, acknowledging the counter-argument regarding sub-standard enclosures while effectively refuting it to support your main thesis. The conclusion provides a clear summary and a forward-looking suggestion, demonstrating a high level of task response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using effective cohesive devices such as 'Primarily', 'Furthermore', and 'Admittedly'. The use of referencing is precise, and the internal structure of the paragraphs is coherent. The flow of the argument is natural, and the paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different stages of your reasoning. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive linking, making the text easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary. Phrases such as 'brink of extinction', 'environmental stewardship', 'indispensable', and 'facilitating their eventual reintroduction' show a high level of lexical control and precision. The word choices are consistently appropriate for an academic context. There are no noticeable errors in collocation or word choice. The vocabulary is not only accurate but also contributes to the formal and persuasive tone of the essay, which is characteristic of a high-band response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of complex grammatical structures used with high accuracy. You effectively use conditional structures, participial phrases, and varied sentence lengths to maintain interest and clarity. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is handled correctly throughout. While there is a minor informal slip at the very end ('That' all I can conclude from my pov'), the overall control of grammar is excellent. The complexity of the sentence construction 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.

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