It is no longer necessary to use animals for food, clothing or medical research. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Sample Response
The idea that animals are no longer necessary for food, clothing, or medical research is increasingly commonpopular. However, I disagree with this view, as the use of animalsanimal use remains essential in several critical areas, particularly where practical, economic, and scientific limitations persist.
Firstly, animal-derived foodsanimal-based food continues to play a vital role in global nutrition. In many developing and rural regions, meat, dairy, and fish remain the most reliable sources of protein, iron, and vitamin B12. Plant-based alternatives and lab-grown products are often costly, technologically difficult to producetechnologically demanding, or unavailable in these areas. For example, coastal communities that rely on fishing or pastoral societies dependent on livestock would struggle to maintain food security without animal resources. Eliminating animal-based diets in such contexts could lead to malnutrition and economic instability.
Secondly, animal-derived materials are still highly valued in the clothing industry for their functional propertiesnatural efficiency. Wool provides superior insulation and moisture regulation in cold climates, while leather is durable and long-lasting, making it suitable for footwear and protective gear. Although synthetic alternatives exist, they often lack breathability and environmental sustainability. In extreme weather conditions, clothing made from animal-derived materialsanimal-based clothing is not merely a fashion choice but a practical necessity.
Most importantly, animal testing remains indispensable in medical research. Many vaccines, surgical techniques, and treatments for life-threatening diseases were developed through animal experimentation. While computer simulations and cell-based testing are promising, they cannot yet replicate the complexity of living organisms. Testing on animals helps researchers identify potential side effects and helps establish whether treatments are safeensures treatments are safe before human trials, thereby reducing the risk of serious harmpreventing serious harm.
In conclusion, despite ethical concerns and scientific advancements, animals remain necessary for food, clothing, and medical research. Rather than abolishing their use entirely, governments should enforce stricter welfare regulations to minimise suffering while continuing to meet essential human needs.
Why this response received Band 8.0
The response is persuasive, well organised, and consistently supports its position with relevant explanations and concrete examples across all three areas. Its main limitation is that ethical objections and the possible strengths of alternatives receive only brief acknowledgment, so the argument could be more nuanced. The highest-priority improvement is to evaluate a credible opposing case before explaining why regulated animal use remains necessary.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Response
The response fully addresses the proposition, maintains a clear position, and develops each main reason with relevant support.
Engage more substantively with the strongest ethical or technological counterargument to make the evaluation more nuanced.
Coherence and Cohesion
Ideas progress logically through clearly focused paragraphs, with cohesive devices used smoothly and effectively.
Create slightly stronger conceptual links between the three body arguments so they build toward one cumulative case.
Lexical Resource
Vocabulary is varied, precise, and appropriately academic, with natural control of topic-specific language.
Refine a few broad expressions, such as claims about natural efficiency or sustainability, for even sharper precision.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
A wide range of complex sentence structures is handled accurately, and errors are rare and non-impeding.
Continue varying clause openings and sentence rhythm while preserving the same high level of grammatical control.
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IELTS Writing Task 2
It is no longer necessary to use animals for food, clothing or medical research. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.