Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Academic Practice Accelerator · 2026-09-03
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 5.5)
Few individuals believe that animals should not preserved in zoos, therefore zoos should be shut. I strongly agree with the view because the animals have a freedom to move freely in large area like wildlife sanctuaries or in forest.
Firstly, focusing more on animals confined in artificial enclosures inflicts severe psychological and physical suffering on them. In the wild, animals roam vast territories, hunt and form complex social structures. When confined in limited spaces, they frequently suffer from extreme stress, boredom, and a condition known as "zoochosis"-characterized by repetitive pacing, head-swaying, and self-harm. No matter how large an artificial enclosure is, it can never replicate the natural habitat required for wild animals to live healthy, fulfilling lives.
Furthermore, the traditional arguments supporting zoos namely education and conservation are no longer convincing in the digital age. High-definition documentaries, virtual reality experien
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response is significantly under the 250-word minimum requirement, which severely limits the development of your ideas. While you clearly state your position in the introduction and begin to develop arguments regarding animal welfare and the redundancy of zoos, the essay is incomplete and cuts off mid-sentence. Because the response is unfinished, the task is only partially addressed, and the arguments lack the necessary depth and supporting evidence required for a higher band. To improve, you must ensure you complete the essay structure and provide fully developed paragraphs that explore your points in greater detail.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay shows a logical progression of ideas, with a clear introduction and a body paragraph that introduces a relevant point. You use cohesive devices such as 'Firstly' and 'Furthermore' to signal the structure of your argument. However, because the response is incomplete, the overall coherence is affected. Paragraphing is present, but the abrupt ending prevents a conclusion or a full development of the second point. To improve, focus on completing your thoughts and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence followed by supporting evidence and a concluding statement.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary, using terms like 'artificial enclosures,' 'psychological and physical suffering,' and 'zoochosis' effectively. These choices are appropriate for the topic and show an attempt to use more sophisticated language. There are minor errors, such as 'animals have a freedom' (should be 'the freedom') and 'Few individuals believe' (which contradicts your intended meaning of 'Many' or 'Some'). Despite these, the vocabulary is sufficient to convey your meaning clearly. Expanding your range of collocations and ensuring precise word choice will help you reach a higher band.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The essay contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You demonstrate control over complex sentences, such as 'No matter how large an artificial enclosure is, it can never replicate the natural habitat...' However, there are some grammatical inaccuracies, such as 'animals should not preserved' (should be 'should not be preserved') and 'in large area' (should be 'in large areas'). While these errors do not impede communication, they indicate a need for more consistent control over passive voice and pluralization. Increasing the variety of error-free complex structures will improve your score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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