As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I often encounter students struggling with the IELTS Reading section, particularly when encountering topics like the role of zoos. Understanding why zoos are considered “good” can be tricky, especially within the context of an exam. This article will delve into the reasons behind those positive perspectives, providing you with the knowledge and strategies to effectively tackle “why zoo are good” IELTS reading passages.

Understanding the “Why Zoo Are Good” Theme in IELTS Reading

The IELTS exam assesses your ability to comprehend and analyze complex texts. When a passage focuses on the benefits of zoos, it aims to test your understanding of arguments related to:

• Conservation: Zoos play a crucial role in protecting endangered species through breeding programs, habitat preservation, and research.
• Education: Zoos offer educational opportunities for people of all ages to learn about animal behavior, habitats, and conservation efforts.
• Research: Zoos provide environments for scientific research, contributing to advancements in animal care, veterinary medicine, and conservation efforts.
• Economic Benefits: Zoos contribute to local economies through tourism and job creation.

Deciphering the Passage and Finding the Answers

Here’s a breakdown of how to effectively approach an IELTS reading passage about the benefits of zoos:

1. Skim for Keywords:

Quickly scan the passage for keywords related to the benefits mentioned above, such as “conservation,” “education,” “research,” “economic,” “endangered,” “breeding programs,” “habitat,” etc.

2. Identify the Different Arguments:

The passage might present these benefits as separate arguments or intertwine them. Pay close attention to how each paragraph contributes to the overall positive portrayal of zoos.

3. Look for Evidence:

Each argument will be supported by evidence. This could be in the form of statistics, examples, expert opinions, or research findings. Highlight this evidence as it will be crucial for answering questions accurately.

4. Understand Different Question Types:

Be prepared for various question types, including:

• True/False/Not Given: These questions require you to determine if the information in the passage matches, contradicts, or is not mentioned in relation to the question statement.
• Matching Features: You might need to match specific benefits of zoos with the evidence provided in the passage.
• Sentence Completion: These questions assess your understanding of specific details by requiring you to complete a sentence using words from the passage.

zoo-education-program|zoo education program|A group of children watching a zookeeper feed a giraffe and talk about giraffe conservation efforts.

Example:

Let’s say the passage states: “Modern zoos are actively involved in global breeding programs, ensuring the survival of critically endangered species like the Amur leopard.”

A potential question could be:

Do zoos contribute to protecting endangered species?

Answer: Yes (The passage states that zoos participate in breeding programs to ensure the survival of endangered animals, like the Amur leopard.)

Tips for Success:

• Practice Skimming and Scanning: Regularly practice reading passages quickly to identify key information.
• Improve Your Vocabulary: Expand your vocabulary related to animals, conservation, and research to better understand the passage.
• Time Management: Allocate your time wisely for each passage and its corresponding questions.
• Don’t Panic: If you encounter unfamiliar vocabulary, try to infer the meaning from the context.

Conclusion

Successfully tackling “why zoo are good” IELTS reading passages requires understanding the core arguments in favor of zoos and their connection to conservation, education, research, and economic benefits. By applying effective reading strategies and understanding question types, you can confidently approach this topic and achieve your desired IELTS score.