The topic of whether zoos should be banned for ethical reasons is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on historical data from past exams, this subject has appeared multiple times and is likely to continue being a popular choice for future tests. The frequency of this topic underscores its relevance to contemporary ethical debates and environmental concerns.
One of the most common variations of this question in recent IELTS exams is:
Some people think that zoos are cruel and should be closed down. Others, however, believe that zoos can be useful in protecting wild animals. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Let’s analyze this question and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Question Analysis
This question is asking you to discuss two opposing views on zoos:
- Zoos are cruel and should be closed.
- Zoos are useful for protecting wild animals.
You need to:
- Discuss both perspectives
- Provide your own opinion
- Support your arguments with relevant examples and explanations
Remember to maintain a balanced approach while clearly stating your position.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Zoos have long been a subject of debate, with some arguing for their closure on ethical grounds, while others defend their role in animal conservation. This essay will examine both viewpoints before presenting my own perspective on the matter.
Those who advocate for the closure of zoos often cite the unnatural and confined living conditions imposed on animals. They argue that keeping wild animals in captivity, regardless of the quality of care, deprives them of their natural habitats and behaviors. This confinement can lead to stress, abnormal behaviors, and shortened lifespans for many species. Moreover, critics point out that some zoos prioritize entertainment over animal welfare, subjecting animals to noisy crowds and unnatural routines for the sake of visitor satisfaction.
On the other hand, proponents of zoos emphasize their crucial role in conservation efforts. Many zoos participate in breeding programs for endangered species, helping to maintain genetic diversity and even reintroduce animals to the wild. They also serve as educational centers, raising awareness about wildlife conservation and environmental issues among the public, especially children. Furthermore, zoos provide a safe haven for animals that have been injured or orphaned in the wild and may not survive if released.
In my opinion, while the ethical concerns surrounding zoos are valid, their potential for conservation and education outweighs the drawbacks. However, I believe that strict regulations should be enforced to ensure that all zoos prioritize animal welfare over entertainment. This could include mandating larger, more natural enclosures, limiting visitor interaction, and requiring participation in conservation programs. By implementing these measures, we can harness the benefits of zoos while minimizing their negative aspects.
In conclusion, rather than banning zoos entirely, we should focus on reforming them to better serve both animals and humans. By striking a balance between conservation efforts and ethical treatment, zoos can continue to play a vital role in protecting endangered species and educating the public about the importance of wildlife preservation.
(Word count: 309)
Zoos balancing conservation, education, and animal welfare
Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and meets all the criteria for a high band score:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and clearly presenting the writer’s own opinion. It provides a well-developed response with relevant, extended examples and explanations.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. It uses a range of cohesive devices effectively, and each paragraph has a clear central topic.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Key terms are used appropriately and accurately.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures used flexibly and accurately. There are no noticeable errors, and the writing demonstrates a high level of grammatical control.
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Development and Support: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations, showing a deep understanding of the topic.
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Clarity of Argument: The writer’s position is clear throughout the essay, and the conclusion effectively summarizes the main points while reinforcing the writer’s opinion.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Zoos are places where people can see wild animals, but some people think they are bad for animals and should be closed. Others say zoos help protect animals. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
People who want to close zoos say that it’s not fair to keep animals in small spaces. Wild animals need a lot of space to run and play, but in zoos, they don’t have enough room. This can make the animals sad and unhealthy. Also, some zoos don’t take good care of their animals, which is very bad.
On the other hand, people who support zoos say they help save animals from dying out. Zoos can breed rare animals and sometimes put them back in the wild. They also teach people about animals and nature, which is important for children to learn. Some animals in zoos were hurt in the wild, and the zoo gives them a safe place to live.
I think that zoos can be good if they are run well. They should make sure the animals have big, nice places to live that are like their natural homes. Zoos should focus more on helping animals and teaching people, not just making money from visitors. If zoos do these things, they can be helpful for both animals and people.
In conclusion, I believe we shouldn’t close all zoos, but we should make them better for animals. Good zoos can help save animals and teach people about nature, which is very important for our world.
(Word count: 263)
Children learning about wildlife at an educational zoo exhibit
Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates good writing skills and meets the criteria for a Band 6-7 score:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, presenting both viewpoints and the writer’s opinion. However, the ideas could be more fully developed with more specific examples.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear overall progression. Basic cohesive devices are used, but more sophisticated linking of ideas could improve the flow.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, with some attempt at using less common words. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there’s some repetition.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control. There are some minor errors, but they do not impede communication.
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Development and Support: Main points are supported with relevant ideas, but the examples and explanations could be more detailed and specific.
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Clarity of Argument: The writer’s position is clear, but the argument could be strengthened with more precise language and more developed reasoning.
Key Vocabulary
- Ethical (adjective) – /ˈeθɪkl/ – relating to moral principles or standards of behavior
- Conservation (noun) – /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/ – the protection of plants, animals, and natural resources
- Habitat (noun) – /ˈhæbɪtæt/ – the natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism
- Endangered (adjective) – /ɪnˈdeɪndʒəd/ – (of a species) seriously at risk of extinction
- Breeding program (noun phrase) – /ˈbriːdɪŋ ˌprəʊɡræm/ – a planned system for producing offspring of a particular species
- Genetic diversity (noun phrase) – /dʒəˈnetɪk daɪˈvɜːsɪti/ – the variety of genes within a species or population
- Reintroduce (verb) – /ˌriːɪntrəˈdjuːs/ – to bring something back into use or existence
- Enclosure (noun) – /ɪnˈkləʊʒə/ – an area that is surrounded by walls or fences
These vocabulary items are crucial for discussing the topic of zoos and animal conservation. Understanding and using them correctly can significantly enhance your essay’s lexical resource score.
Conclusion
The debate over whether zoos should be banned for ethical reasons is a complex and nuanced topic that is likely to continue appearing in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare for this and similar questions, practice writing balanced essays that consider multiple perspectives while clearly stating your own opinion.
Some potential variations of this topic that you might encounter in future IELTS exams include:
- Discuss the pros and cons of keeping animals in captivity for educational purposes.
- Some people believe that zoos play a crucial role in protecting endangered species, while others argue that conservation efforts should focus on preserving natural habitats. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
- To what extent do you agree or disagree that zoos are no longer necessary in the age of digital technology and virtual experiences?
To further improve your writing skills, try composing your own essay on one of these topics or the original question discussed in this article. Feel free to share your practice essay in the comments section for feedback and discussion with other learners. Remember, consistent practice is key to achieving a high band score in IELTS Writing Task 2.
