User-written IELTS example
Writing Academic Task 2 Band 6.0 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
- Zoos may support conservation through breeding programmes and care for animals that cannot safely return to the wild.
- Captivity can limit animals’ movement and natural behaviour, while noise and visitor contact may cause stress.
- A balanced position can distinguish entertainment-focused zoos from rescue centres or carefully managed conservation programmes.
Suggested structure
- Introduce the disagreement and state your own position clearly.
- Explain the strongest argument for zoos, using conservation or education as a reason.
- Explain the opposing welfare argument and its consequences for animals.
- Give your judgement, clarify any exception you accept, and conclude with a practical alternative.
Useful vocabulary & examples
- breeding programme
- An organised effort to help animals reproduce, often to support a threatened population.
A carefully managed breeding programme may help maintain the population of an endangered species.
- animal welfare
- The health, comfort and quality of life of animals.
Animal welfare should be central to any decision about keeping wild animals in captivity.
- natural habitat
- The place and environment where an animal normally lives in the wild.
Protecting a natural habitat can allow wild animals to live and reproduce with greater freedom.
- return to the wild
- To release an animal back into its natural environment when it can survive there.
Some rescued animals may be able to return to the wild after treatment.
Task Prompt
User Essay Analysis
Review the public answer with report-style highlights.
Some people believe that zoos play paramount importance in protecting wild animals, whilst others feel that keeping animals locked up in such places is ruthless and unnecessary. This essay will delve into discussing the two perspectives as well as stating my support for the latter one. On the one hand, there are some reasons why zoos can be valuable for wildlife conservation. They can provide food, shelter and veterinary treatment for animals that have been injured or cannot survive in the wild. Some zoos also run breeding programmes for endangered species, which may help maintain their populations. In addition, visitors can learn about animals and the threats they face, such as habitat loss. This education could encourage people to care more about protecting wildlife. On the other hand, these benefits do not remove the problems caused by keeping animals in captivity. Even when enclosures are designed to look natural, they are usually much smaller than an animal’s natural habitat. As a result, animals may have little space to move or behave as they would in the wild. Some species need to travel long distances or live in large groups, and a zoo may not be able to meet these needs. Furthermore, animals may experience stress because of noise and frequent contact with visitors. In my view, zoos should not keep wild animals simply for public entertainment. Rescue centres and sanctuaries that prioritise animal welfare are a better option, although well-managed conservation programmes may still be useful. Governments should support the protection of habitats so that animals can live safely in the wild. In conclusion, zoos can support conservation and education, but I believe their limitations and effects on animal welfare are more important. Most zoos should therefore be replaced by suitable sanctuaries and efforts to protect natural habitats.
Targeted Improvement Tips
Related examples for this topic
Compare different bands on the same IELTS prompt.
The debate surrounding the ethical implications of zoos has garnered considerable attention, with opinions sharply divided between those who advocate for their preservation and...
Band 8.0Some people believe in the indispensable significance of zoos in preserving wild creatures, while others disagree with this and argue that its benefit is incomparable with the s...
Band 7.0There is a debate surrounding the ethicality of maintaining zoos, with some individuals advocating for their closure due to the perceived cruelty towards animals, while others a...
Band 6.0Some people argue that zoos are requisite to preserve wildlife, while others say that they are inhumane and should not be operated. While various wildlife programmes, functionin...
Band 5.0It is believed that zoos can be severe for animals and must be shut down. On the other hand, it could have a positive development thanks to the fact that they tend to preserve t...
Band 4.0The existence of zoos has mentioned as a hot topic when people talking about animals and several environment issues nowadays. A group of people believe we should close zoos sinc...