• Zoo Controversy

IELTS WRITING TASK 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write at least 250 words about the following topic:

Some people argue that zoos are necessary for animal conservation and education. Others believe that keeping animals in captivity is unethical. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5

Outline:

    1. Introduction:
      • Paraphrase: The topic explores the contentious issue of zoos, with arguments surrounding their significance in animal conservation and education, as well as ethical concerns.
      • Main opinion: The essay asserts the importance of striking a balance between zoos’ roles in conservation and education while addressing ethical considerations.
    2. Body (Detail 1):
      • Personal experience: Zoos contribute significantly to animal conservation efforts through breeding programs and protection from threats.
      • Supporting sentence: Visiting a zoo where endangered species were successfully bred and reintroduced exemplifies the positive impact of zoos on conservation.
    3. Body (Detail 2):
      • Ethical concerns: Animal captivity raises questions about the well-being and natural behavior of confined animals.
      • Supporting sentence: Observing a distressed captive animal pacing back and forth in its enclosure highlights the ethical implications of confining wild animals for human amusement.
    4. Body (Detail 3):
      • Finding a balance: Zoos should transform into conservation centers that prioritize animal welfare and education.
      • Supporting sentence: Larger, naturalistic habitats and robust educational programs can promote empathy, responsibility, and awareness of wildlife conservation.
    5. Conclusion:
      • Summary: Zoos’ roles in animal conservation and education must be balanced with ethical considerations.
      • Restate main opinion: By prioritizing animal welfare and education, zoos can become powerful agents of change, fostering a deeper appreciation and sense of responsibility towards wildlife.

Essay:

Introduction: The topic revolves around the contentious issue of zoos and their dual role in animal conservation and education, juxtaposed against ethical considerations. While some advocate for zoos as vital institutions for preserving species and promoting learning, others express ethical concerns about confining animals. In my view, striking a balance between these two perspectives is essential to ensure the well-being of animals and their conservation.

Body (Detail 1): From my personal experience, I have witnessed how zoos contribute significantly to animal conservation efforts. Zoos often participate in breeding programs, safeguarding endangered species from extinction. By creating a controlled environment, zoos can offer protection from threats like habitat loss and poaching. For instance, I visited a zoo where they successfully bred and reintroduced a critically endangered species back into the wild, which exemplifies the positive impact of zoos on conservation.

Body (Detail 2): Nonetheless, ethical concerns regarding animal captivity cannot be ignored. It is disheartening to see majestic creatures confined to limited spaces, deprived of their natural habitats and behaviors. Many animals exhibit signs of distress and captivity-related issues, raising questions about the morality of keeping them confined for human amusement. I once observed a captive animal displaying signs of stress, pacing back and forth in its enclosure, which made me ponder the ethical implications of keeping wild animals in captivity solely for human observation.

Body (Detail 3): To address the conflicting views, zoos must evolve into conservation centers that prioritize animal welfare and education. Zoos can focus on providing larger, naturalistic habitats that mirror the animals’ native environments. Moreover, robust educational programs can raise awareness about wildlife conservation and the importance of preserving natural habitats. By promoting empathy and understanding, zoos can instill a sense of responsibility among visitors towards wildlife conservation.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the debate over zoos’ role in animal conservation and education is multifaceted. My own experiences have shown me that zoos can play a pivotal role in preserving endangered species, but ethical concerns about animal captivity are equally valid. Striking a balance between these two perspectives is essential, with an emphasis on creating ethical, educational, and conservation-oriented zoos. By prioritizing animal welfare and promoting education, zoos can become powerful agents of change, fostering a greater sense of appreciation and responsibility towards our planet’s diverse wildlife.

Essay: 

Zoos have long been a subject of debate, with proponents arguing their significance in animal conservation and education, while opponents raise ethical concerns about keeping animals in captivity. In my opinion, both views hold merit, and finding a balance between conservation and ethics is crucial.

From my own experiences, I have witnessed how zoos contribute to animal conservation efforts. Zoos often participate in breeding programs, safeguarding endangered species from extinction. For instance, during a visit to a local zoo, I learned about their successful efforts in breeding and reintroducing endangered birds back into the wild. Such initiatives highlight the positive impact zoos can have on preserving species that face threats in the wild.

On the other hand, the ethical concerns surrounding animal captivity cannot be ignored. Witnessing animals confined to limited spaces, pacing back and forth, has made me question the morality of keeping them in captivity for human entertainment. The deprivation of their natural habitats and behaviors raises doubts about the overall well-being of the animals.

In my view, zoos can serve as essential hubs for conservation and education, but they must prioritize ethical considerations. Zoos should aim to create habitats that closely resemble the animals’ natural environments, allowing them to exhibit more natural behaviors. Additionally, zoos should focus on education, raising awareness about wildlife conservation and the importance of preserving natural habitats. By providing information and promoting empathy, zoos can encourage visitors to support conservation efforts beyond the zoo walls.

In conclusion, zoos play a crucial role in animal conservation and education. While they contribute significantly to preserving endangered species and promoting awareness, the ethical concerns surrounding animal captivity are valid. Striking a balance between conservation and ethics is essential. Zoos should continue their conservation efforts while prioritizing the well-being of the animals and providing educational opportunities. By doing so, zoos can become vital contributors to global conservation efforts while respecting the rights and dignity of the animals they care for.

Essay:

Zoos have long been a subject of controversy, with proponents asserting their importance in animal conservation and education, while opponents raise ethical concerns about keeping animals in captivity. In my view, both perspectives hold valid points, and it is essential to strike a balance that ensures the well-being of animals while promoting conservation and education.

Through my personal experiences, I have come to appreciate the role of zoos in animal conservation. Zoos often participate in breeding programs for endangered species, contributing to the preservation of threatened animals. I once visited a zoo where I witnessed a successful breeding program for a critically endangered bird species. The knowledge that this effort could save the species from extinction left a profound impact on me, highlighting the importance of zoos in conserving biodiversity.

However, ethical concerns about animal captivity cannot be dismissed. Witnessing animals confined to limited spaces, displaying signs of distress and captivity-related issues, raises valid questions about the ethics of keeping animals for human entertainment. Observing a majestic creature pacing back and forth in its enclosure, longing for freedom, left me conflicted about the morality of zoos.

To address these issues, zoos must prioritize the well-being of animals. They should provide spacious and enriched environments that mimic their natural habitats, allowing animals to express their innate behaviors. Additionally, zoos should prioritize education, raising awareness about wildlife conservation and the importance of preserving natural ecosystems. By promoting empathy and understanding, zoos can inspire visitors to become advocates for wildlife protection.

In conclusion, zoos play a crucial role in animal conservation and education, but ethical concerns must not be ignored. Striking a balance between these perspectives is essential. Zoos should prioritize the welfare of animals and focus on conservation and education efforts that instill a sense of responsibility towards wildlife. By adopting a responsible and ethical approach, zoos can contribute significantly to global conservation efforts while ensuring the well-being and dignity of the animals they care for.