Examine the arguments in favour of and against animal experiments, and come to a conclusion on this issue.
Sample Response
For the past few centuries, there has been a significant advancement in medical sciences. Experiments spanning over different animal species have resulted in important discoveries. Few people believe that doing testing on animals is cruel, while other argues that these experiments should continue to benefit mankind. This essay will analyse both pros and cons of conducting trials on animals.
People favouring laboratory experiments on animals argue that it is the best way to research, analyse and observe effects of different medicines before testing them on human beings. Experiments conducted over animal species have resulted in the development of vital medicines including vaccines, drugs and antibiotics. For instance, polio which was a widespread disease in the mid-nineties was developed after rigorous testing on mice and monkeys, unavailability of these experimental subjects would have left the world in an epidemic state. Moreover, animal testing helps medical students to seek the required knowledge and advance in the research domain. Researchers also aim to minimise the suffering that animal experience.
On the other hand, trials and experiments on animals are cruel and we have no moral right to take away their lives for the sake of our research work. Their existence and ecosystem should be respected. There are many alternates available to perform scientific research. In many countries, testing for the cosmetic industry on animal race in now prohibited. Moreover, experiments on animal species might not give us the same result as they have different anatomy and biological system than human beings.
To conclude, the above provide solid arguments in highlighting merits and demerits of doing experiments on animals. In my opinion, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages, but research and evaluation should be done in a controlled way. The government should also set up strict policies and regulation which should keep the animal as an experimental subject in critical research purpose only.
IELTS Writing Correction
- 1. Use standard term Original: sciences Suggested revision: science Why it matters: The singular form is the more natural term for the field as a whole.
- 2. Correct experiment phrasing Original: spanning over different animal species Suggested revision: involving different animal species Why it matters: Experiments can involve species, whereas “span over” does not express this relationship naturally.
- 3. Clarify the group Original: Few Suggested revision: Some Why it matters: “Some” neutrally identifies one side of the debate without implying an unsupported small number.
- 4. Remove awkward wording Original: doing testing Suggested revision: testing Why it matters: The gerund works directly here without the redundant verb “doing.”
- 5. Fix agreement Original: other argues Suggested revision: others argue Why it matters: A plural noun and plural verb are required to contrast with “people.”
- 6. Correct preposition Original: over Suggested revision: on Why it matters: Experiments are conducted “on” animals in this context.
- 7. Use natural collocation Original: seek Suggested revision: acquire Why it matters: Knowledge is normally acquired rather than sought when describing learning outcomes.
- 8. Make wording direct Original: advance in the research domain Suggested revision: advance research Why it matters: The direct verb-object form is clearer and more idiomatic.
- 9. Use plural subject Original: animal Suggested revision: animals Why it matters: The general reference requires the plural noun “animals.”
- 10. Choose correct noun Original: alternates Suggested revision: alternatives Why it matters: “Alternatives” means other available methods, while “alternates” does not fit this meaning.
- 11. Use precise phrasing Original: testing for the cosmetic industry on animal race Suggested revision: cosmetics testing on animals Why it matters: This wording expresses the type of testing and its subjects naturally.
- 12. Fix verb form Original: in Suggested revision: is Why it matters: The passive construction requires the verb “is.”
Suggested Rewrites
- sciences science
- spanning over different animal species involving different animal species
- Few Some
- doing testing testing
- other argues others argue
- over on
Why this response received Band 6.5
The response’s strongest feature is its clear, balanced structure: it explains benefits and ethical objections before giving a definite, qualified conclusion. Its main limitation is imprecision, both in the factual example about polio and in recurrent awkward word choices and grammar. The highest-priority improvement is to develop each argument with accurate evidence while proofreading agreement, articles, and sentence boundaries.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Response
The response addresses both sides and states a clear position with relevant support, although some development is uneven and the polio example is factually confused.
Use one accurate, fully explained example for each side and link it explicitly to the final judgement.
Coherence and Cohesion
The four-paragraph structure and contrast between viewpoints create clear progression, but some long sentences and mechanical links weaken the flow.
Break overloaded sentences into clearer units and use referencing to connect supporting details more naturally.
Lexical Resource
The response uses a sufficient range of topic vocabulary, but frequent collocation and word-form problems reduce precision.
Replace awkward combinations such as laboratory experiments conducted over animals with conventional, precise academic phrasing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
A mix of simple and complex structures communicates the argument clearly, despite recurring agreement, article, plural, and sentence-boundary errors.
Proofread systematically for subject–verb agreement and noun forms, then separate comma-spliced independent clauses.
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IELTS Writing Task 2
Examine the arguments in favour of and against animal experiments, and come to a conclusion on this issue.
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.