By English Test Coach · Updated
Academic Task 2 · Two-part questions
School visits to zoos and wildlife centres
An original IELTS practice question with a planning route and a sample answer to learn from.
Aim for at least 250 words in about 40 minutes. Suggested practice level: intermediate, not a predicted band.
Your writing task
A school is considering replacing one classroom lesson each term with an organised visit to a zoo or wildlife centre. What educational benefits might these visits offer? What concerns should the school address before arranging them?
How to approach this question
Identify the two questions and give each a developed answer. Do not replace one part with a general opinion essay.
Two-part essays: develop a separate answer to each question →
Worked example: Separate learning benefits from school-visit planning concerns →
Education essays: develop ideas, test their limits and use topic vocabulary →
Educational benefit: connect a specific observation task to questioning, comparing notes and follow-up study. Explain the thinking pupils practise. A visit being enjoyable does not by itself establish learning, and observing animals in a managed setting does not prove how they behave in the wild.
Planning concerns: explain how entry and travel costs or physical access could limit participation, then identify what the school should check about learning support and animal care. Keep these as concerns to investigate, not unsupported allegations about the venue. Address the limited school proposal rather than substituting a general argument for closing zoos.
These are possible directions, not required opinions or facts to memorise. Develop your own response and check every claim against the task.
A possible plan
- Introduction: identify the situation and briefly address both questions.
- Body 1: answer the first question with a developed explanation and a relevant example.
- Body 2: answer the second question, making connections to the first where useful.
- Conclusion: bring the two answers together without introducing an unrelated judgement.
Vocabulary you can use precisely
Choose language that fits your meaning. You do not need to include every phrase.
- learning objectives
- The knowledge or skills an activity is intended to develop.
Clear learning objectives can connect a wildlife visit to work before and after the trip.
- access costs
- The expenses required to take part in an activity.
The school should consider whether access costs would prevent some pupils from joining the visit.
Ready to write your own answer?
The workspace opens with this question selected, not the sample answer. Plan, write and review your own response. Public AI assessments are currently paused; the writing and study tools remain available.
Start this writing task →