Animal rights for farm animals is a topic that has gained significant attention in recent IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on an analysis of past papers and current trends, this theme is likely to appear with increasing frequency in future tests. It touches on ethical, environmental, and economic issues, making it an ideal subject for evaluating candidates’ critical thinking and writing skills. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:

Some people believe that it is cruel to keep farm animals in small spaces and that they should be allowed to roam freely. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?

Analyzing the Question

This question requires candidates to consider the ethical treatment of farm animals, specifically focusing on their living conditions. It’s a classic agree/disagree essay format, asking for your opinion on whether confining farm animals is cruel or if they should have freedom to move. Your response should clearly state your position and provide well-reasoned arguments to support it.

The importance of animal rights is a crucial aspect to consider when addressing this topic. Your essay should demonstrate an understanding of both sides of the argument, even if you ultimately choose to agree or disagree with the statement.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

In recent years, the ethical treatment of farm animals has become a topic of intense debate. While some argue that confining livestock to small spaces is necessary for efficient food production, I strongly agree with the view that it is cruel and that animals should be given more freedom to roam.

Firstly, restricting animals to cramped conditions goes against their natural instincts and behaviors. Chickens, for instance, naturally scratch the ground, dust bathe, and stretch their wings – activities impossible in battery cages. Similarly, pigs are highly intelligent creatures that thrive on social interaction and exploration, which they cannot do when confined to small pens. By denying animals these basic freedoms, we are subjecting them to unnecessary stress and suffering.

Moreover, allowing farm animals more space and freedom can actually lead to healthier livestock and, consequently, better quality food products. Free-range eggs, for example, have been shown to have higher nutritional value than those from caged hens. Animals raised in more natural environments are also less likely to require antibiotics, reducing the risk of antibiotic-resistant bacteria entering the food chain.

Critics may argue that free-range farming is less economically viable and could lead to higher food prices. However, the long-term benefits of ethical farming practices outweigh these short-term economic concerns. Consumers are increasingly willing to pay a premium for ethically sourced animal products, and governments can provide subsidies to support farmers transitioning to more humane practices.

In conclusion, while there may be challenges in implementing more spacious and natural living conditions for farm animals, it is both ethically imperative and potentially beneficial for food quality and safety. As society progresses, we must reevaluate our treatment of animals in the food industry and strive for more humane practices.

Farm animals roaming freely in a lush green pasture

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

The issue of farm animal welfare is a complex one, with valid arguments on both sides. While I partially agree that keeping animals in small spaces can be cruel, I believe a balanced approach is necessary to address both animal welfare and practical farming needs.

It’s true that confining animals to small spaces can be stressful for them. Cows, pigs, and chickens are sentient beings that naturally require space to move and express their instinctive behaviors. When denied this freedom, they may suffer from physical and psychological problems. This is not only an ethical concern but can also affect the quality of animal products.

However, we must also consider the practical aspects of farming. Modern agriculture needs to produce food efficiently to feed a growing global population. Free-range farming requires more land and resources, which may not be feasible in all situations. Additionally, allowing animals to roam freely can make it harder to monitor their health and protect them from predators or harsh weather conditions.

I believe the solution lies in finding a middle ground. Farmers can improve animal welfare by providing larger, more enriched environments that allow for some natural behaviors, even if not completely free-range. For example, using larger pens with areas for pigs to root or providing perches and dust baths for chickens can significantly improve their quality of life.

In conclusion, while completely free-roaming farm animals may not be practical in all cases, there is certainly room for improvement in current farming practices. Balancing animal welfare with the needs of efficient food production should be the goal, and this can be achieved through more humane farming methods that give animals more space and opportunities for natural behaviors.

Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)

Nowadays, many people think it’s bad to keep farm animals in small places and they should be free. I agree with this idea because animals need to be happy and healthy.

First, animals like cows and chickens need space to move around. When they are in small cages, they can’t walk or play. This makes them sad and stressed. Happy animals are healthier and can give us better food. For example, chickens that can run around lay eggs that are more healthy for us to eat.

Also, when animals are free, they can do natural things. Pigs like to dig in the dirt and chickens like to clean their feathers in dust. They can’t do these things in small cages. This is not fair to the animals.

Some people say that keeping animals in small spaces is cheaper and easier for farmers. But I think it’s more important to be kind to animals. Maybe the food will cost more, but it will be better quality.

In conclusion, I think farm animals should have more space to live. It’s better for the animals and for the people who eat the food from these animals. We should try to find ways to give animals more freedom on farms.

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay:

• Fully addresses all parts of the task with a clear position
• Presents well-developed ideas with logical progression
• Uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and flexibly
• Demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures with full flexibility and accuracy
• Cohesive with a clear overall progression
• Uses paragraphing skillfully

Band 6-7 Essay:

• Addresses all parts of the task, though some aspects may be more fully covered than others
• Presents relevant main ideas but some may be inadequately developed
• Uses an adequate range of vocabulary with some inaccuracies
• Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
• Has adequate paragraph organization, but not always logical
• Contains some errors in grammar and vocabulary, but meaning is generally clear

Band 5-6 Essay:

• Addresses the task only partially; format may be inappropriate in places
• Expresses a position but development is not always clear
• Uses limited range of vocabulary, adequate for task but may lack precision
• Uses limited range of structures with some attempt to use complex sentences
• May have inadequate paragraphing or unclear progression
• Makes noticeable errors in grammar and vocabulary that may cause some difficulty for the reader

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Ethical treatment (noun phrase) – /ˈeθɪkəl ˈtriːtmənt/ – The moral consideration given to the welfare of animals
2. Confine (verb) – /kənˈfaɪn/ – To keep or restrict someone or something within certain limits of space, scope, or time
3. Free-range (adjective) – /ˌfriː ˈreɪndʒ/ – (Of livestock) kept in natural conditions with freedom of movement
4. Sentient (adjective) – /ˈsenʃənt/ – Able to perceive or feel things
5. Welfare (noun) – /ˈwelfeər/ – The health, happiness, and fortunes of a person or group
6. Humane (adjective) – /hjuːˈmeɪn/ – Characterized by tenderness, compassion, and sympathy for people and animals
7. Battery cage (noun) – /ˈbætəri keɪdʒ/ – A small wire cage used to house multiple egg-laying hens
8. Antibiotic resistance (noun phrase) – /ˌæntɪbaɪˈɒtɪk rɪˈzɪstəns/ – The ability of bacteria to withstand the effects of antibiotics
9. Subsidies (noun) – /ˈsʌbsɪdiz/ – Money granted by the government to assist an industry or business
10. Enriched environment (noun phrase) – /ɪnˈrɪtʃt ɪnˈvaɪrənmənt/ – A living space enhanced with stimuli to improve physical and psychological well-being

In conclusion, the topic of animal rights for farm animals is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Candidates should be prepared to discuss various aspects of this issue, including ethical considerations, economic impacts, and environmental factors. To practice, try writing your own essay on this topic or related ones such as:

• The impact of vegetarianism on animal welfare and the environment
• The role of government in regulating farm animal treatment
• The balance between affordable food production and ethical farming practices

Remember to post your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.