Cambridge English: First

Writing Task (go to Checklist)

Writing Paper Part 2. Task Type: Essay

Question
In your English class you have been talking about animal welfare and the role of zoos. Now your teacher has asked you to write an essay.

Write your essay for your teacher (around 140-190 words).

What you need to do to pass
Read our checklist first to understand what the examiner is looking for in a good answer.

Ideas for writing
Ask yourself the following questions to help you get started:

• How might zoos play a positive role in animal welfare?
  E.g. Helping with research? Saving endangered species? Educating the public?
• What criticisms can be levelled at zoos?
  E.g. Animals are not living in their natural environment? Wild animals are captured to be moved to zoos? Animals can suffer from stress?
• Is there another way of looking at the issue?
  E.g. Is there a compromise to be made? Are criticisms of zoos totally unjustified? Should more support be given to the natural environment?

Drafting and proofreading your work

You should look at your first draft of the task and decide:

• Have you responded to the statement and the notes appropriately?
• Is the essay organised in a clear and logical way?
• Is the language accurate with a good range of structures?
• Is the style OK?
• Will it have a positive effect on the reader?

If the answer is 'no' to any of these questions then you will need to do some more drafting!