User-written IELTS example
Writing Academic Task 2 Band 7.0 Example
Original task prompt, user essay, band score, and related examples in the same report workspace.
Illustrative target band for this original model answer.
Plan your answer
Try your own response before reading the samples.
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.
While certain individuals claim that zoos should be banned due to their harmful effects on animals, others believe that they are a perfect way to defend animals in danger. In my opinion, although zoos have some advantages such as protection of animals, they are still too dangerous for many creatures. On the one hand, these facilities can provide shelter and medical care for animals that have been injured or whose natural habitats have been destroyed. Some zoos also take part in breeding programmes for endangered species and may help researchers learn about their needs. In addition, visitors can see animals at close range, which may encourage greater interest in wildlife conservation. For species at immediate risk, a well-managed zoo could therefore offer a safe place to live and reproduce.
On the other hand, keeping wild animals in confined spaces can seriously affect their physical and mental wellbeing. Enclosures may not provide enough room or opportunities for animals to hunt, explore and socialise as they would in the wild. As a result, some animals develop stress-related behaviours. Moreover, not every zoo has the money or expertise to provide good conditions, so protection cannot be assumed simply because an animal is kept in captivity. Conservation efforts that preserve natural habitats may address the problem more effectively by allowing animals to remain in their ecosystems.
In conclusion, zoos can protect certain endangered animals and educate the public, but captivity can also cause significant harm. I believe they should not all be closed; instead, only facilities that meet high welfare and conservation standards should remain open, while resources should also be directed towards protecting wildlife in its natural environment.
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 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....
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...