Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

It is often argued that zoos are no longer necessary because people can learn about animals through other sources. Therefore, some people believe that all zoos should be closed. I partly disagree with this view because, although some zoos may not treat animals properly, well-managed zoos can help protect endangered species and educate the public.

Firstly, one important benefit of zoos is that they can protect animals that are in danger of extinction. Some species are becoming rare because of hunting, climate change and the destruction of their natural habitats. In good zoos, these animals can receive proper food, medical care and protection from predators. In some cases, breeding programmes can also increase the number of endangered animals. For example, zoos can breed rare animals and later support conservation programmes in their natural habitats. Without such protection, some species could disappear completely.

Secondly, zoos can educate people, especially children, about wildlife. Seeing an animal in real life can be more interesting and memorable than simply reading about it in a book or watching a video. Visitors can learn about animals' natural behaviour, diets and the problems they face in the wild. This may also encourage people to care more about protecting nature. For instance, a child who visits a zoo and learns about endangered animals may become more interested in environmental protection.

However, I agree that keeping animals in small cages simply for entertainment is wrong. Some zoos have poor conditions, and animals may suffer because they do not have enough space or suitable environments. In these cases, stricter laws and regular inspections should be introduced. Zoos that cannot provide proper care should be closed, while successful conservation centres should be supported.

In conclusion, I do not believe that all zoos should be closed. Although animals should not be kept in unsuitable conditions, well-managed zoos can play an important role in conservation and education. Therefore, the focus should be on improving zoos rather than closing all of them.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt by taking a clear, nuanced position ('I partly disagree with this view') and supporting it with relevant ideas. The essay explores two distinct arguments in favour of zoos—conservation and education—while acknowledging counterarguments regarding poor animal welfare and inadequate conditions. Ideas are well developed and extended with logical explanations and examples, such as breeding programmes and children learning about wildlife. The overall response is cohesive, engaging, and directly answers the task question with a well-reasoned conclusion. The writer successfully balances their arguments without drifting off-topic, meeting all requirements for Band 7.5 to Band 8, and ultimately earning a solid 7.5.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. It opens with an introduction that clearly states the writer's stance, followed by well-structured body paragraphs that each focus on a single core theme (conservation, education, and animal welfare concerns) before concluding effectively. Cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'Secondly', 'However', and 'In conclusion' are used flexibly and appropriately to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used skilfully and logically, with each paragraph serving a distinct purpose in the overall development of the essay. Referencing and substitution are clear, contributing to a smooth reading experience that aligns well with the descriptors for Band 7.5.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient and generally appropriate range of vocabulary for the task. Less common lexical items such as 'extinction', 'habitats', 'predators', and 'conservation programmes' are integrated naturally and demonstrate an awareness of style and collocation. Word choices are precise in most instances, as seen in phrases like 'well-managed zoos' and 'stricter laws'. While the vocabulary does not quite reach the sustained, sophisticated flexibility required for a Band 8, there are very few errors, and communication is completely unobstructed. The occasional slight repetition of basic terms is balanced by strong academic phrasing throughout the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay displays a good variety of complex structures alongside simpler sentence forms, with frequent error-free sentences. The writer demonstrates good control of grammar and punctuation, successfully handling conditional clauses, relative clauses, and modal verbs (e.g., 'Without such protection, some species could disappear completely' and 'Zoos that cannot provide proper care should be closed'). Grammatical accuracy is high; minor slips are virtually absent, and sentence boundaries are punctuated correctly. The structural variety and reliable control over complex syntax comfortably secure a Band 7.5 for this criterion.

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