Animal testing has been a controversial topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 for years. This essay question frequently appears in actual IELTS exams, making it crucial for test-takers to be well-prepared. In this article, we’ll analyze a common question on animal testing and provide sample essays for different band scores, helping you understand how to approach this topic effectively.
Analyzing the Question
Let’s examine a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question on animal testing:
Some people believe that animal testing should be banned worldwide, while others think it is necessary for scientific progress. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires you to:
- Discuss arguments for banning animal testing globally
- Discuss arguments for continuing animal testing
- Provide your own perspective on the issue
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9 Level
Animal experimentation has long been a contentious issue, with passionate arguments on both sides. While some advocate for a global ban on animal testing, others argue that it remains essential for scientific advancement. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view on this complex matter.
Those in favor of banning animal testing worldwide often cite ethical concerns as their primary motivation. They argue that subjecting animals to potentially painful or distressing experiments is morally indefensible, regardless of the potential benefits to human health. Furthermore, they contend that modern alternatives, such as computer simulations and in vitro testing, can provide equally reliable results without the need for animal subjects. Proponents of this view also point out that many cosmetic and household products are still tested on animals unnecessarily, despite the availability of existing safe ingredients.
On the other hand, supporters of animal testing argue that it remains crucial for scientific progress, particularly in medical research. They maintain that many life-saving treatments and vaccines have been developed through animal experiments, and that completely abandoning this practice could significantly slow down the discovery of new cures and therapies. Additionally, they argue that computer models and cell cultures, while useful, cannot fully replicate the complexity of a living organism, making animal testing an irreplaceable step in ensuring the safety and efficacy of new drugs before human trials.
In my opinion, while the ethical concerns surrounding animal testing are valid, a complete global ban may be too extreme and potentially detrimental to scientific advancement. Instead, I believe a more nuanced approach is necessary. Stricter regulations should be implemented to ensure that animal testing is only used when absolutely necessary, particularly in critical medical research where no viable alternatives exist. Simultaneously, increased funding and support should be directed towards developing and refining alternative testing methods, with the goal of gradually reducing our reliance on animal experiments over time.
In conclusion, the debate over animal testing is multifaceted and requires careful consideration of both ethical and scientific factors. While a complete ban may not be feasible at present, concerted efforts to minimize animal suffering and develop alternative testing methods can help strike a balance between scientific progress and ethical responsibility.
(Word count: 345)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that justify a high band score:
-
Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly presenting the writer’s own opinion.
-
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices (“While”, “On the other hand”, “In my opinion”).
-
Lexical Resource: The writer uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (“contentious issue”, “ethical concerns”, “morally indefensible”, “in vitro testing”).
-
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly (“While some advocate for…”, “They maintain that…”, “Instead, I believe…”).
-
Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7 Level
The topic of animal testing is very controversial nowadays. Some people think it should be stopped completely, but others believe it is important for science. This essay will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
People who want to ban animal testing say it is cruel to animals. They think it’s wrong to make animals suffer for human benefit. Also, they argue that there are new ways to do experiments without using animals, like computer programs and tests on cells in labs. They say these methods can be just as good and don’t hurt any animals.
However, those who support animal testing say it is necessary for medical progress. They point out that many important medicines and treatments were discovered through animal experiments. They also say that testing on animals is important to make sure new drugs are safe before they are given to humans. They believe that computer simulations are not enough to show how a real living body will react to a new medicine.
In my opinion, I think animal testing should not be completely banned, but it should be strictly controlled. I believe it is still needed for important medical research that could save many human lives. However, I also think we should try to use other methods when possible and only use animals when it’s really necessary. We should also make sure the animals are treated as well as possible and don’t suffer unnecessarily.
To conclude, animal testing is a complex issue with valid arguments on both sides. While it shouldn’t be banned completely, we should work on finding better alternatives and use animal testing only when absolutely needed for important scientific research.
(Word count: 272)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates good qualities that justify a band score in the 6-7 range:
-
Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and presenting the writer’s opinion.
-
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is organized with clear paragraphing, though the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated than in the Band 8-9 essay.
-
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is generally appropriate, though less varied and precise compared to the higher band essay (“controversial”, “important for science”, “medicines and treatments”).
-
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, with generally good control of grammar.
-
Development of Ideas: Main points are supported with relevant ideas, though the development is less thorough than in the Band 8-9 essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Controversial (adjective) /ˌkɒn.trəˈvɜː.ʃəl/ – causing disagreement or discussion
- Ethical (adjective) /ˈeθ.ɪ.kəl/ – relating to beliefs about what is morally right and wrong
- In vitro (adjective) /ˌɪn ˈviː.trəʊ/ – performed or taking place in a test tube, culture dish, or elsewhere outside a living organism
- Efficacy (noun) /ˈef.ɪ.kə.si/ – the ability to produce a desired or intended result
- Viable (adjective) /ˈvaɪ.ə.bəl/ – capable of working successfully; feasible
- Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuː.ɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
- Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌl.tiˈfæs.ɪ.tɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
- Concerted (adjective) /kənˈsɜː.tɪd/ – jointly arranged or carried out; coordinated
Conclusion
The topic of animal testing is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related topics such as:
- The use of animals in medical research
- Ethical considerations in scientific experimentation
- Balancing scientific progress with animal welfare
Remember to analyze the question carefully, plan your response, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below for feedback and further improvement.