Animal rights legislation is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing with moderate frequency in past exams. Based on this trend, we can anticipate its continued presence in future tests. Let’s explore a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:

Some people believe that governments should implement stricter laws on animal rights. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Analyzing the Question

This question asks for your opinion on whether governments should enforce stricter animal rights laws. Key points to consider:

1. The topic is animal rights legislation.
2. The focus is on government action.
3. You need to state your level of agreement or disagreement.
4. You should provide reasons and examples to support your stance.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

In recent years, there has been a growing concern for animal welfare, leading to debates about the need for stricter animal rights legislation. While I acknowledge the importance of protecting animals, I partially agree that governments should implement more stringent laws in this area.

On one hand, there are compelling reasons for introducing tougher regulations on animal rights. Firstly, stronger laws can help prevent animal cruelty and exploitation in various industries, such as factory farming and cosmetic testing. By imposing harsher penalties for animal abuse and setting higher standards for animal care, governments can ensure that animals are treated more humanely. Secondly, stricter legislation can contribute to the preservation of endangered species and their habitats. For instance, more robust anti-poaching laws and increased protection of natural areas can help maintain biodiversity and ecological balance.

However, it is crucial to consider the potential drawbacks of overly strict animal rights laws. One significant concern is the impact on industries that rely on animal products or testing. Implementing extremely rigid regulations could lead to job losses and economic instability in sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and scientific research. Additionally, excessively stringent laws might infringe upon cultural practices or traditions that involve animals, potentially causing social tension and resistance to change.

In my opinion, a balanced approach is necessary when addressing animal rights legislation. Governments should focus on gradually strengthening existing laws and improving enforcement mechanisms rather than implementing drastic changes. This approach could involve setting higher standards for animal welfare in industries, increasing penalties for severe cases of animal cruelty, and promoting education on responsible pet ownership and wildlife conservation. By doing so, governments can address the most pressing animal rights concerns while minimizing negative economic and social impacts.

In conclusion, while I agree that there is a need for improved animal rights protection, I believe that governments should take a measured approach to implementing stricter laws. By balancing the interests of animals, industries, and society, we can work towards a more compassionate and sustainable relationship with the animal kingdom.

(Word count: 329)

Debate on animal rights legislation

Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)

This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with a nuanced view. It discusses both the benefits and drawbacks of stricter animal rights laws, providing a balanced perspective.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing. Ideas flow logically, and cohesive devices (e.g., “On one hand,” “However,” “Additionally”) are used effectively to connect ideas.

3. Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately. Complex phrases like “compelling reasons,” “potential drawbacks,” and “excessively stringent” demonstrate a high level of language proficiency.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex sentence structures with a high degree of accuracy. It effectively uses conditional sentences, passive voice, and various tenses.

5. Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with clear explanations and relevant examples, demonstrating in-depth analysis of the topic.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

Many people think that governments should make stricter laws about animal rights. I agree with this idea to some extent, but I also think there are some problems with it.

There are good reasons for having stronger animal rights laws. First, it can help stop animal cruelty. For example, if there are tougher punishments for hurting animals, people might be less likely to do it. Second, better laws can protect endangered animals. This is important because many animals are at risk of disappearing forever.

However, there are also some downsides to very strict animal rights laws. One problem is that it might affect businesses that use animals or animal products. If the laws are too strict, some companies might have to close, and people could lose their jobs. Also, some cultural traditions involve animals, and very strict laws might cause conflicts with these traditions.

I think the best solution is to make animal rights laws a bit stronger, but not too extreme. Governments could focus on stopping the worst kinds of animal cruelty and protecting endangered species. They could also teach people about taking care of animals properly. This way, we can help animals without causing too many problems for people and businesses.

In conclusion, I believe that some stricter animal rights laws are needed, but they should be balanced. We need to protect animals, but we also need to think about the effects on people and the economy.

(Word count: 253)

Animal welfare education program

Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)

This essay demonstrates good writing skills but has some areas for improvement:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses the main parts of the task and presents a clear position. However, the ideas could be more fully developed with more specific examples.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure with introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Simple cohesive devices are used, but more sophisticated linking could improve the flow.

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is generally appropriate but lacks the sophistication and range seen in higher band scores. There’s some repetition (e.g., “strict” and “stricter” are used frequently).

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good accuracy. However, there’s less variety in sentence structures compared to higher band essays.

5. Development of Ideas: Main points are presented clearly, but the supporting ideas and examples could be more detailed and specific.

Key Vocabulary

1. Legislation (noun) – /ˌledʒɪsˈleɪʃən/ – laws, considered collectively
2. Stringent (adjective) – /ˈstrɪndʒənt/ – strict, precise, and exacting
3. Welfare (noun) – /ˈwelfeər/ – the health, happiness, and fortunes of a person or group
4. Exploitation (noun) – /ˌeksplɔɪˈteɪʃən/ – the action of treating someone unfairly in order to benefit from their work
5. Biodiversity (noun) – /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – the variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat
6. Infringe (verb) – /ɪnˈfrɪndʒ/ – actively break the terms of (a law, agreement, etc.)
7. Gradual (adjective) – /ˈɡrædʒuəl/ – taking place or progressing slowly or by degrees
8. Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbəl/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level

In conclusion, the topic of animal rights legislation is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

• The role of zoos in animal conservation
• Vegetarianism and animal welfare
• The use of animals in scientific research
• Wildlife protection and eco-tourism

We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS exam.