Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · IELTS Academic Practice Accelerator · 2026-10-22

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 6.0)

It is argued that zoos should be shut down since it is no longer imperative to keep animals there. I believe that zoos are should not exist because animals deserve to be free without being held against their will. However, many animals are cared for in zoos that give them a home and reduce the possibility of being preyed on by both people and fellow animals. This essay will explain both sides of the argument while maintaining my original stance.

Many animals are now endangered and extinct because they are hunted by people who have monetary use for them, or animals who eat them. Crocodiles and pythons are often hunted for their skin and making of birkin bags. Zoos keeping them, therefore, provide a home for them, feed them and allow them be appreciated by the public. They also get to be used as knowledge soue

However, it can be argued that keeping animals in zoos is also unethical and no different from business-minded capitalists and predators. No animal willingly follows them to the zoo; they have to be caught, and forced to become show monkeys -pun intended. Research has shown that gorillas and lions thrive in the wild and can die of depression when held in a cage; this would explain why many wild animals pass away in months of being in zoos. Besides, no animal that was ever releasd into the wild has ever returned and that is proof that they enjoy their freedom better.

In conclusion, animals should be able to live their lives freely on their own terms because it is healthier for them and shows that we truly care about them. However, putting them in zoos is also an attempt at preserving their lives albeit without consent.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You address the question and make your position clear: you oppose keeping animals in zoos because they should be free, while acknowledging that zoos can protect endangered species. The examples of crocodiles and pythons being hunted and of animals suffering in captivity are relevant. However, the two sides are not developed equally: the conservation argument is introduced but not fully explained, and the claim that animals die of depression is asserted without a specific source or example. The conclusion also recognises the preservation argument without resolving how it affects your position. To strengthen the response, explain the evidence behind key claims and show more clearly why freedom outweighs the conservation benefits.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a recognisable structure, with an introduction, separate paragraphs for the two sides, and a conclusion. Linking expressions such as “However,” “therefore,” and “Besides” help signal contrasts and additions. The overall progression is understandable, but some connections between ideas are abrupt. For example, “They also get to be used as knowledge soue” appears unfinished, interrupting the development of the first body paragraph. The introduction promises to explain both sides, but the conclusion does not clearly bring the discussion together or reaffirm the position in relation to the opposing argument. Use complete topic sentences, develop each paragraph around one main point, and make references such as “them” and “this” unmistakably clear.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use an adequate range of vocabulary for the topic, including “endangered,” “preyed on,” “unethical,” and “preserving,” and you attempt more expressive language in “show monkeys—pun intended.” Some choices are imprecise or unnatural, however, such as “monetary use for them,” “knowledge soue,” and “animals who eat them.” There are also spelling errors, including “releasd,” and the reference to “birkin bags” is unusually specific and would be clearer as a general example of products made from animal skins. These issues do not prevent the main argument from being understood, but they limit precision. Aim for accurate collocations and proofread spelling, especially when using less familiar vocabulary.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, including a relative clause in “animals that are cared for in zoos” and a subordinate clause beginning “since.” Most sentences communicate the intended meaning, but some grammatical errors remain. For example, “zoos are should not exist” contains an unnecessary auxiliary, and “allow them be appreciated” needs “to be appreciated.” In “Zoos keeping them,” the participle construction is awkward; a clause such as “By keeping them, zoos…” would be clearer. The sentence beginning “Research has shown” also joins claims with a semicolon in a way that would benefit from clearer punctuation. Review auxiliary verbs, infinitive patterns, and sentence boundaries to improve control.

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