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Topics on Zoos are widely debated, with some arguing they are cruel and restrict animal freedom, while others believe they aid conservation and education. This IELTS Writing Taks 2 essay explores both perspectives, analysing ethical concerns and benefits, before presenting a reasoned opinion on whether zoos should remain open.
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Sample Structure 1: Opinion Essay
| Introduction: Introduce the topic and state your opinion clearly. Argument 1: Explain why zoos harm animals (e.g., unnatural habitat, stress, health issues). Argument 2: Discuss how zoos prioritize profit over animal welfare. Counter-argument & Rebuttal: Acknowledge that zoos contribute to education and conservation but explain why sanctuaries are a better alternative. Conclusion: Summarise points and restate the opinion. |
Sample Essay 1
Zoos have long been a popular attraction, allowing people to observe wild animals up close. However, many argue that zoos are unethical and should be banned. In my opinion, zoos do more harm than good and should be replaced with wildlife sanctuaries that provide a natural environment for animals.
One of the main reasons zoos should be banned is that they deprive animals of their natural habitat. In the wild, animals roam freely, hunt, and interact with their species. However, zoo enclosures often restrict movement, causing stress and unnatural behaviors like pacing or aggression. For instance, elephants in captivity frequently suffer from foot problems due to standing on hard concrete surfaces.
Another issue with zoos is that they often prioritize profit over animal welfare. Many zoos focus on attracting visitors rather than providing proper care. Overcrowded enclosures, poor diets, and inadequate medical attention are common concerns. While some zoos claim to support conservation, many captive-bred animals struggle to adapt to the wild due to a lack of natural survival skills.
Some argue that zoos help protect endangered species and educate the public. They offer breeding programs and allow scientists to study wildlife closely. However, alternatives like wildlife sanctuaries and national parks provide better conservation methods without confining animals to artificial spaces.
In conclusion, while zoos have traditionally been used for education and entertainment, they are no longer necessary. Investing in wildlife reserves, stricter conservation laws, and virtual learning methods ensures ethical treatment of animals while preserving biodiversity.
Lexical Resources
| Word | Synonym | Antonym |
| Deprive | Withhold | Provide |
| Habitat | Environment | Artificial space |
| Confinement | Restriction | Freedom |
| Conservation | Protection | Neglect |
| Endangered | At risk | Safe |
| Sanctuary | Refuge | Captivity |
| Artificial | Man-made | Natural |
| Rehabilitation | Recovery | Harm |
| Distress | Suffering | Comfort |
| Biodiversity | Ecosystem variety | Monoculture |
Word Meaning
| Word | Meaning |
| Captivity | The state of being kept in a confined space |
| Conserve | To protect and maintain wildlife or resources |
| Stress | A state of mental or physical tension |
| Welfare | The well-being of an animal or person |
| Exploitation | The unfair treatment of animals for profit |
| Poaching | The illegal hunting of wild animals |
| Rehabilitation | The process of restoring something to a good condition |
| Enclosure | A fenced or confined area for animals |
| Artificial | Something man-made, not natural |
| Conservationist | A person who works to protect wildlife |
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Sample Structure 2: Discussion Essay
| Introduction: Briefly introduce the debate and present a neutral stance before concluding. Argument 1: Discuss benefits of zoos (conservation, education, breeding programs). Argument 2: Explain negative aspects (animal distress, confinement, ethical concerns). Your Opinion: Take a side and justify it with supporting arguments. Conclusion: Summarise both perspectives and reinforce your viewpoint. |
Sample Essay 2
The existence of zoos has sparked a long-standing debate. Some believe that zoos play an essential role in protecting endangered species and educating the public, while others argue that keeping animals in captivity is unethical. This essay will discuss both perspectives before presenting an opinion.
On one hand, zoos contribute to the conservation of endangered species. Many animals, such as pandas, tigers, and rhinos, have been saved from extinction through captive breeding programs. Zoos provide food, shelter, and medical care, ensuring the survival of species that may struggle in the wild due to habitat destruction and poaching. Moreover, they educate visitors about wildlife, creating awareness and inspiring conservation efforts. Additionally, zoos contribute to the economy by attracting tourists, generating significant revenue through entry fees, food sales, and souvenirs, which can be used to fund further conservation efforts.
On the other hand, critics argue that zoos restrict animals’ freedom and cause psychological distress. Wild animals are meant to roam vast areas, hunt, and socialize naturally. However, zoos often confine them to small enclosures, leading to stress and unnatural behaviors such as pacing, self-harm, and aggression. Studies have shown that animals in captivity experience zoochosis, a condition that affects their mental well-being. Moreover, while zoos claim to help conservation, only a small percentage of zoo-bred animals are ever released into the wild, with many remaining in captivity for life, unable to survive independently.
In my opinion, while zoos offer some benefits, they are not the best way to protect animals. Ethical alternatives such as wildlife reserves and advanced technology, including virtual reality experiences, can educate people without harming animals. Governments should also enforce stricter conservation laws and focus on protecting animals in their natural habitats rather than keeping them in enclosures.
In conclusion, both sides have valid arguments, but the negative impact of zoos on animal welfare outweighs their benefits. A more humane and sustainable approach should replace traditional zoos to ensure that animals are protected without compromising their freedom and well-being.
Lexical Resources
| Word | Synonym | Antonym |
| Contribute | Assist | Harm |
| Awareness | Knowledge | Ignorance |
| Enrichment | Improvement | Deterioration |
| Extinction | Disappearance | Survival |
| Revenue | Income | Loss |
| Psychological | Mental | Physical |
| Restriction | Limitation | Freedom |
| Interaction | Communication | Isolation |
| Habitat destruction | Environmental damage | Conservation |
| Ethical | Moral | Unethical |
Word Meaning
| Word | Meaning |
| Endangered | A species at risk of extinction |
| Extinction | The process of a species disappearing forever |
| Captivity | Keeping animals in confined spaces |
| Conservation | The act of protecting nature and animals |
| Educational value | The learning benefits of something |
| Ecosystem | A natural community of living organisms |
| Revenue | Money earned from a business or service |
| Psychological effects | The mental impact of a situation |
| Artificial habitat | A man-made environment for animals |
| Poaching | The illegal hunting or capturing of animals |
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Sample Structure 3: Problem-Solution Essay
| Introduction: State that zoos cause harm and need alternatives. Problem 1: Discuss the issue of restricted movement and stress in animals. Problem 2: Explain poor living conditions, lack of space, and unethical treatment. Solution 1: Suggest wildlife sanctuaries as a humane alternative. Solution 2 & Conclusion: Propose technology-based education and stricter conservation laws. |
Sample Essay 3
Zoos have been a part of human culture for centuries, offering people a chance to see and learn about exotic animals. While some believe zoos play a crucial role in wildlife conservation and education, others argue that keeping animals in captivity is unethical. In my opinion, while zoos have certain benefits, they often fail to provide animals with the freedom and natural environment they deserve.
One major advantage of zoos is their contribution to conservation. Many endangered species face threats due to habitat destruction, climate change, and illegal hunting. Zoos provide a controlled space where these animals can be protected and bred to increase their populations. Additionally, they help educate the public, especially young children, about wildlife preservation. Seeing animals up close can inspire people to support conservation efforts, fostering a sense of responsibility toward protecting nature.
However, despite these benefits, zoos significantly restrict animals’ freedom. In the wild, animals have vast landscapes to roam, hunt, and socialize naturally. In contrast, most zoo enclosures are too small and artificial, limiting animals’ ability to behave as they would in their natural habitat. This confinement often leads to stress, anxiety, and unnatural behaviors like pacing or excessive grooming. Even in well-maintained zoos, animals experience psychological distress due to the lack of space and stimulation.
Another concern is that many zoos prioritize profit and entertainment over animal welfare. While some zoos maintain high standards, others provide inadequate living conditions, poor diets, and minimal medical care. In some cases, animals are forced to perform tricks or engage with visitors for entertainment, which adds to their distress. Moreover, only a small fraction of animals bred in zoos are ever released into the wild, raising doubts about whether zoos genuinely help conservation efforts.
In conclusion, zoos offer both advantages and ethical dilemmas. While they contribute to conservation and education, they often fail to provide animals with a natural and humane environment. In my view, zoos should either be reformed to prioritise animal welfare or replaced with more ethical alternatives like wildlife sanctuaries. Finding a balance between education, conservation, and ethical treatment of animals is crucial for their future.
Lexical Resources
| Word | Synonym | Antonym |
| Harm | Damage | Benefit |
| Instincts | Natural behavior | Learned behavior |
| Artificial | Man-made | Natural |
| Rehabilitation | Recovery | Decline |
| Unethical | Immoral | Ethical |
| Exploitation | Abuse | Protection |
| Wildlife reserve | Natural habitat | Zoo |
| Mental distress | Anxiety | Comfort |
| Domestication | Taming | Wildness |
| Restriction | Limitation | Freedom |
Word Meaning
| Word | Meaning |
| Instinct | A natural behavior that animals are born with |
| Confinement | Being kept in a small space with limited freedom |
| Exploitation | Using something unfairly for personal gain |
| Domestication | Training an animal to live with humans |
| Rehabilitation | Helping an animal recover from harm |
| Enclosure | A closed space where animals are kept |
| Unethical | Morally wrong or unfair |
| Biodiversity | The variety of plant and animal life in an area |
| Wildlife sanctuary | A safe place where animals live freely |
| Artificial habitat | A human-made environment for animals |
FAQs
Ans. Zoos have long been a topic of debate, with some arguing that they provide a safe environment for endangered species, while others believe they are cruel and unethical. In my opinion, animals should not be kept in zoos, as they limit their natural instincts and freedom.
One of the main concerns with zoos is that animals are confined to small enclosures, which restricts their ability to roam freely as they would in the wild. This can lead to stress, boredom, and even health problems. Additionally, many zoos prioritize entertainment over conservation, with some animals being forced to perform tricks for visitors.
Another issue is that zoos cannot replicate the complexity of a natural habitat. Wild animals rely on their environment for survival, learning hunting and social skills that are essential for their species. By keeping them in captivity, we disrupt their natural behaviors and instincts.
However, some argue that zoos play a role in conservation and education. They help protect endangered species and educate the public about wildlife. While this is true, better alternatives like wildlife sanctuaries and national parks provide similar benefits without restricting an animal’s freedom.
In conclusion, while zoos may claim to protect animals, they often fail to meet their basic needs. Instead of keeping animals in artificial environments, conservation efforts should focus on protecting their natural habitats and allowing them to live freely.
Ans. Some people argue that closing zoos could have negative consequences. Here are a few arguments against closing zoos:
a. Zoos play a role in protecting endangered species through breeding programs and research.
b. Zoos provide a learning experience for children and adults, helping them understand wildlife and conservation.
c. Some animals in the wild face threats like poaching and habitat destruction. Zoos offer a protected space.
d. Many zoos provide medical care for injured or sick animals that might not survive in the wild.
e. Zoos generate revenue and create jobs, contributing to the economy.
While these arguments support keeping zoos open, it is important to improve conditions to ensure ethical treatment of animals.
Ans. . For this IELTS Speaking topic, you can structure your response like this:
Introduction: State your opinion (agree/disagree) and give a brief reason.
Arguments in favor of zoos: Mention conservation, education, and protection.
Arguments against zoos: Talk about animal cruelty, lack of freedom, and artificial environments.
Your final opinion: Suggest alternatives like wildlife sanctuaries or reserves.
Conclusion: Summarise key points and emphasize the importance of ethical treatment of animals.
For example, you can say:
I believe animals should not be kept in zoos because they deserve to live in their natural habitats. While zoos help with conservation, the confinement of animals causes stress and unnatural behaviors. Instead, sanctuaries and national parks should be promoted for protecting wildlife.
Ans. Zoos aid conservation and education but restrict animals’ freedom, causing stress and unnatural behavior. Ethical concerns arise due to limited space and forced captivity. Wildlife sanctuaries offer a better alternative for protecting animals naturally.
Ans. Zoos confine animals, limiting space, natural instincts, and social structures. Many suffer stress, obesity, and behavioral issues. Some zoos prioritize profit over welfare. Sanctuaries and reserves provide better protection without compromising animals’ natural way of life.
Successfully preparing for the IELTS Writing Section, requires consistent practice, a clear strategy, and the right resources. By linking your responses between IELTS Writing Part 1 and IELTS Writing Task 2 , you can showcase your ability to elaborate on topics and provide insightful answers.
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