Some people think that zoos are all cruel and should be closed down. Others however believe that zoos can be useful in protecting wild animals. Discuss both opinions and give your own opinion.

Zoos remain popular places for people to visit for entertainment and to learn about wild animals.
Although
some people are of the opinion that zoos can provide a sanctuary for endangered animals and so should be kept open, I believe that the cruelty that animals suffer outweighs
this
benefit, and that they should be shut down. These days, animals are under threat from humans in many ways,
seen
Accept comma addition
seen, for
for
example in
Accept comma addition
example, in
the way that their habitats are being destroyed through the cutting down of rain forests, or through poaching. Following on from
this
, the argument is that zoos can protect some of these animals that are under threat. The reason is that they are in a safe environment managed by trained staff who can ensure the animals are looked after and can produce offspring. There are examples of successes in
this
respect,
such
as with Pandas, which have been endangered for many years but have been protected.
However
, there are more convincing arguments for why zoos should be shut down.
Firstly
, even though some species are under threat, there are lots of animals which do not fall into
this
category and who are there just for the entertainment of visitors. While it may be fun and educational to see them, animals are not meant to be caged, and their distress can often be seen in the way many of them pace back and forwards all day. Not only
this
, if the prime reason of zoos is to protect animals,
this
could be done in other environments
such
as
wild life
all living things (except people) that are undomesticated
wildlife
parks where the animals have more freedom. In conclusion, animals should be
protected but
Accept comma addition
protected, but
this
does not have to be in zoos. Zoos are cruel to animals, not similar enough to their natural habitat, and they should be closed down.
Submitted by linleeyeachiu on

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Writing9 with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Use cohesive linking words accurately and appropriately

Linking words are very important in your essay.

To score effectively on your IELTS exam, you should make an effort to implement short concise sentences coupled with linking words.

Almost every sentence in your essay should have a linking word of some sort.

In fact, the only sentences that can omit linking words are your background sentence and thesis.

Linking word examples:

  • firstly
  • secondly
  • thirdly
  • in additional
  • moreover
  • also
  • for example
  • for instance
  • therefore
  • however
  • although
  • even though
  • despite

Discover more tips in The Ultimate Guide to Get a Target Band Score of 7+ »— a book that's free for 🚀 Premium users.

Topic Vocabulary:
  • animal welfare
  • conservation
  • captive breeding
  • habitat
  • ethical issues
  • zoochosis
  • endangered species
  • genetic diversity
  • reintroduction programs
  • wildlife education
  • sanctuary
  • natural living conditions
  • artificial environments
  • behavioral enrichment
  • ecosystem
What to do next:
Look at other essays: