User-written IELTS example
Writing Academic Task 2 Band 5.0 Example
Original task prompt, user essay, band score, and related examples in the same report workspace.
Illustrative target band for this original model answer.
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Ideas to explore
- Set ethical conditions for any permitted study: a significant potential benefit, no adequate alternative, and measures to minimise suffering.
- Compare alternatives such as human cell or tissue studies, computer simulations and analysis of clinical data, while noting that their usefulness depends on the research question.
- Distinguish limited, potentially valuable research from studies that cause serious suffering without a clear medical purpose.
Suggested structure
- Introduce the debate and state a qualified position.
- Explain when animal experiments might be justified and what limits should apply.
- Present alternatives and briefly discuss their current limitations.
- Conclude with a clear policy: last-resort use under strict safeguards, and a ban on cruel or unnecessary studies.
Useful vocabulary & examples
- a last resort
- An option used only when other suitable approaches are unavailable.
Animal testing should be considered only as a last resort.
- minimise suffering
- Reduce pain or distress as much as possible.
Researchers should follow procedures that minimise suffering.
- computer simulations
- Computer-based models used to represent or test processes.
Computer simulations may help researchers assess some effects of a treatment.
- a compelling purpose
- A strong and persuasive reason for doing something.
Experiments that cause harm should require a compelling purpose.
Task Prompt
User Essay Analysis
Review the public answer with report-style highlights.
Many individuals think that animal experiments are bad and should be banned. However, others argue that animal experiements are essential for scientific achievements and discoveries. In my view, both perspective are supported by compelling arguments, however, I firmly believe that animal experiments should be restricted to certain areas and in some cases also outlawed, as they can cause animals considerable pain and distress, while findings from animals do not always apply directly to humans.
Even so, some carefully controlled experiments may be justified when they address serious diseases and there is no reliable alternative. Before a new treatment is used in people, researchers need to understand whether it may be harmful and how it affects a living body. In limited cases, animal studies can provide information that cannot yet be obtained from laboratory cells or computer models. This does not mean that convenience or commercial benefit is enough reason to test on animals: the likely value of the research should be substantial and the harm should be minimised.
There are several alternatives that should be used whenever possible. Scientists can study human cells and tissues in laboratories, use computer simulations, and analyse data from clinical research. These methods can reduce the need for animal testing, although they may not yet reproduce every process that takes place in a whole living organism. Governments and research institutions should therefore require researchers to explain why an experiment is necessary, use the smallest number of animals possible, and provide suitable care. Experiments that cause severe suffering without a clear medical purpose should be outlawed.
Overall, animal experimentation is not always justifiable, but a complete ban could prevent some valuable research while alternatives remain limited. It should be permitted only as a last resort for important purposes and under strict rules, with a ban on cruel or unnecessary studies.
Targeted Improvement Tips
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