The topic of zoo ethics and animal welfare has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. Based on analysis of past papers and current trends, questions about zoos and animal rights appear approximately once every 4-6 months in various forms. This frequency suggests that understanding how to approach this topic is crucial for IELTS candidates. The importance of animal rights in modern society has become a significant focus in academic writing tasks.
The ethical debate surrounding modern zoos and animal welfare in contemporary society
Task Analysis and Question Breakdown
Some people believe that zoos should be banned because keeping animals in captivity is unethical. Others argue that zoos play a crucial role in education and species conservation. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question requires candidates to:
- Examine arguments for and against zoos
- Consider ethical implications
- Evaluate conservation benefits
- Present a balanced discussion
- Provide a clear personal stance
Band 8.0 Sample Essay
Similar to should animal testing be banned worldwide, this topic requires careful consideration of ethical implications and scientific benefits.
The debate over whether zoos should be prohibited due to ethical concerns has sparked considerable controversy. While some advocate for their closure based on moral grounds, others emphasize their vital role in conservation and education. In my opinion, while zoos need significant reform, their complete prohibition would be counterproductive to wildlife preservation.
Those arguing for zoo closure primarily cite the psychological and physical suffering of captive animals. Many species, particularly large mammals like elephants and polar bears, display signs of distress in confined spaces, exhibiting repetitive behaviors and depression. Furthermore, critics argue that displaying animals for entertainment diminishes their dignity and natural behaviors.
However, modern zoos serve crucial functions in wildlife conservation and public education. Well-managed facilities contribute significantly to breeding programs for endangered species, with successful examples including the California condor and giant panda. Additionally, zoos provide invaluable opportunities for research and public awareness about biodiversity and conservation issues. Should zoos focus on species conservation, their impact could be even more significant.
Rather than complete prohibition, I believe the solution lies in strict regulation and modernization of zoo facilities. This could include establishing larger, more natural habitats, limiting human interaction, and prioritizing species conservation over entertainment. Such reforms would address ethical concerns while preserving the vital scientific and educational benefits that zoos provide.
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
Zoo banning is a topic that many people debate about today. Some people think zoos are bad for animals, but others say they help save animals from extinction. I will discuss both sides and give my thoughts.
People who want to ban zoos say that keeping animals in cages is cruel. The animals cannot run free or live naturally like they do in the wild. Many animals look sad and bored in zoos, and some get sick because of small spaces. Also, some zoos just want to make money and don’t care about animal welfare.
On the other hand, zoos help protect endangered animals. They keep some species from dying out by breeding programs. Zoos also teach children about animals and nature, which is important for future conservation. Many people cannot travel to see wild animals, so zoos give them a chance to learn about wildlife.
In my opinion, we should not ban all zoos but make them better. Good zoos should have big spaces for animals and focus on education and conservation. Bad zoos that don’t take care of animals properly should be closed. This way, we can keep the good things about zoos while stopping animal suffering.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8.0 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “counterproductive,” “prohibition,” “vital functions”
- Complex sentence structures
- Clear argument development
- Relevant examples
- Cohesive devices effectively used
- Appropriate academic tone
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Simple but clear vocabulary
- Basic sentence structures
- Some development of ideas
- Limited use of examples
- Basic cohesive devices
- Informal tone at times
Key Vocabulary
- Prohibition (n) /ˌprəʊhɪˈbɪʃn/ – the act of forbidding something
- Conservation (n) /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/ – protection of natural environment
- Counterproductive (adj) /ˌkaʊntəprəˈdʌktɪv/ – having the opposite effect to what is intended
- Biodiversity (n) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – variety of plant and animal life
- Endemic (adj) /enˈdemɪk/ – native to a particular area
- Habitat (n) /ˈhæbɪtæt/ – natural environment of an animal
In conclusion, this topic remains relevant for IELTS candidates, with similar questions likely to appear in future tests. Practice writing essays about Should zoos be banned for ethical reasons? and share your responses in the comments section for feedback and improvement.
