Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · IELTS Academic Practice Accelerator · 2026-09-09

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 6.5)

There is a discussion about closure of zoos as the animals shouldn't be kept in them. I concur with the opinion of closing the zoos. They should be replaced with a few alternatives.

The animals show complex emotions and are able to feel. This has been supported by the extensive observational research. In zoos, animals are kept inside the cages and fences. This limits their movement and interaction with other animals. Some species like deer and markhor need vast areas to graze and perform other activities. Running and playing around is a part of their natural behaviour. Confining them to the cages that look like prison cells limits their interaction with other animals. Therefore, the concept of zoos is inhumane to the poor animals. They deserve to roam freely within their habitats too.

In addition, taking away the natural habitat of an animal has effects on it, both mentally and physically. Their bodies start to adapt to the zoo environment and when they are sent back in the forests and land, they cannot survive and become prey to their predators quite easily. Several studies have shown altered behaviour of animals kept in the zoos. So, we can conclude that keeping them in the constricted areas effects them mentally too.

Considering these issues related to the zoos, a rational alternative can be safari parks. These are the parks built over hundreds of acres of land where the animals are kept inside their natural habitats alongwith their mates. A pathway is designed that runs through the areas of different animals and proper fencing of that pathway is done. This allows the general public to observe the animals, without the animals being subjected to the brutal conditions of a zoo.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

You have clearly stated your position in the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The arguments regarding animal welfare and the psychological impact of captivity are relevant and well-supported. You also provide a constructive alternative, which adds depth to your response. To reach a higher band, ensure that your supporting points are fully developed; for instance, while you mention that animals cannot survive in the wild after being in zoos, you could briefly explain the specific 'altered behaviours' you refer to. Overall, you have addressed all parts of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central theme, such as the inhumane nature of zoos or the psychological impact on animals. You use cohesive devices like 'In addition', 'Therefore', and 'Considering these issues' to link your ideas. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical. To improve, try to vary your linking phrases and ensure that the progression between sentences is smoother. The paragraphing is appropriate and contributes to the overall clarity of your argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision, using terms like 'constricted areas', 'natural habitats', and 'brutal conditions'. There are some minor issues with word choice, such as 'effects them' (should be 'affects') and 'in the forests and land' (which is slightly unnatural). While you use some less common vocabulary, there is room to incorporate more sophisticated collocations or idiomatic expressions to elevate the tone. The vocabulary is generally accurate and does not impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'Some species like deer and markhor need vast areas to graze and perform other activities.' While your meaning is always clear, there are occasional grammatical errors, such as 'effects them' instead of 'affects them' and 'alongwith' (should be two words). Additionally, some phrasing is slightly awkward, such as 'the concept of zoos is inhumane to the poor animals.' Increasing the variety of complex structures and ensuring greater precision in verb usage will help you achieve a higher score.

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

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