Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · IELTS Academic Practice Accelerator · 2026-09-14

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 7.0)

There has long been an argument against maintaining zoos in which animals are kept away from their natural habitat, and there is strong evidence to suggest that technology has developed to a point where such institutions are no longer needed, as will now be argued.

Traditionally, the principal argument voiced by those who wish to retain zoos was that it allowed children and adults to see animals which they more than likely would not have had a chance to do if this had required visiting the creature's natural environment. Yet there are now online videos and websites where these animals can be seen in high definition, therefore no longer needing to go to enclosures to see the animals. This is clearly evident by the declining number of visitors in recent years.

In addition, there are many cases in which animals held in captivity are not well cared for and are used solely to exploit them for profit. In some rare cases, the animals can suffer from neglect or malnutrition, and rather than being kept healthy are simply replaced when they are no longer of any value.

Granted, there are situations in which endangered species are protected and their numbers allowed to rebuild by housing them in the security of a zoo. However, in most cases the same effect is better achieved by using more open plan wildlife parks rather than traditional caged enclosures.

In sum, the factors which first led to the creation of zoos have been reduced by the ability of technology, so unless there is some advantage for the species itself, then the use of zoos should no longer be supported.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response addresses all parts of the task by presenting a clear position (disagreeing with the continued necessity of zoos) and supporting it with relevant arguments. The introduction outlines the writer's stance, and body paragraphs explore distinct sub-themes: technological alternatives like high-definition online media, animal welfare and exploitation concerns, and a comparison with open-plan wildlife parks. Ideas are extended and supported, such as when the writer acknowledges the conservation role of zoos in protecting endangered species before offering open-plan parks as a superior alternative. This demonstrates a well-developed argument meeting the requirements for a Band 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay displays clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to arguments about technology, welfare, and finally conservation alternatives, before concluding succinctly. Cohesive devices are used appropriately, such as 'Traditionally', 'Yet there are now', 'In addition', and 'Granted'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and effectively to separate different facets of the argument. Referencing is generally clear, contributing to an overall coherent piece of writing that fits the Band 7.0 profile well.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision, such as 'natural habitat', 'high definition', 'exploitation for profit', and 'endangered species'. There are attempts to use less common items with general awareness of style and collocation, as seen in phrases like 'malnutrition' and 'open plan wildlife parks'. While the vocabulary is adequate and allows the message to be communicated clearly, occasional minor awkwardness in word choice keeps it at Band 6.5, providing a solid foundation with clear meaning.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating control over multi-clause structures such as 'There has long been an argument against maintaining zoos in which animals are kept away...'. There is good use of subordinate clauses and conditional elements. Grammar and punctuation are generally well-controlled, and while there are minor awkward phrasings like 'therefore no longer needing to go', the errors do not impede communication. The majority of sentences are clear and grammatically sound, placing this firmly in the Band 7.0 category.

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