Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · IELTS Academic Practice Accelerator · 2026-09-22

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)

People believe that animals should not be kept in captivity and so the zoos should be closed. I do not agree with the statement.

Firstly, there are many species that are on the verge of extinction or are in the endangered range. The zoos help to, not only, conserve those species, but also, help to increase the numbers by breeding.One of the important reasons for reduction in the number of certain species is the extreme weather conditions due to global warming, this can be maintained inside the zoos. Another benefit of the zoos are, they can help educate people. Zoos can conduct the educational programs for children and youths, so they can learn about bioconservation form early age. Moreover, not every individual or children, are priviliged to get a chance to explore the forests or sanctuaries, where they can see animal habitats and learn about them, so zoos are more convenient option for ordinary people to learn more about them.

On the other hand, when people argue about clsoing of zoos, their point of view is about animal welfare and freedom. I do not deny the fact that all zoos are comfortable enough as their natural habitat. But the government should make more defined and stricter regulations on the size, physical conditions including weather, food, veterinary services etctera when approving the accepted standards for a zoo to be opened or while during inspections.This way the animal welfare can still be maintained and zoos can be operated.

Thus, zoos should not be dismantled, as they can be helpful for animal conservation, extinction of endangered species, educational purposes along with a place that people of all age groups would enjoy as a way of leisure.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response addresses the prompt directly, presenting a clear position ('I do not agree with the statement') which is maintained throughout the essay. The student puts forward several well-reasoned arguments in support of zoos, such as species conservation, breeding programs, climate control, educational benefits for youths, and accessibility for ordinary people. Counterarguments regarding animal welfare are also acknowledged and addressed through the suggestion of stricter government regulations. While some ideas could be extended further with deeper real-world examples, the task is fully addressed in line with Band 7 descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay presents a clear overall progression, moving logically from an introduction to supporting arguments, counterarguments, and a final conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct themes. Cohesive devices are employed reasonably well, including transitional markers like 'Firstly', 'Another benefit', 'On the other hand', and 'Thus'. However, referencing and cohesion are occasionally slightly mechanical or awkward, such as 'etctera when approving the accepted standards' and punctuation glitches around parenthetical elements. Overall, logical organisation and progression are clear throughout, matching the Band 7 level.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow flexibility and precision, using appropriate topic-specific terms such as 'species', 'extinction', 'endangered range', 'bioconservation', 'animal welfare', and 'veterinary services'. However, there are some noticeable lexical errors and spelling mistakes, such as 'priviliged' instead of 'privileged' and 'etctera'. Less common lexical items are attempted with varying degrees of success, placing this response comfortably at Band 6.5, rounded to 6.0 due to recurring typographical and word-choice inaccuracies.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The writer uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating a reasonable command of grammar. Examples of complex structures include 'Although people argue about closing of zoos, their point of view is...' and 'Moreover, not every individual or children are privileged to get a chance...'. However, there are several grammatical errors and punctuation awkwardness, such as comma splices, incorrect prepositions ('from early age' instead of 'from an early age'), and subject-verb agreement issues ('children, are priviliged'). These errors do not impede communication, placing the response securely in the Band 6 category.

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

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