Are Zoos Still Necessary?

Primary SchoolAdvancedDiscursive Writing

The Prompt

Imagine you're a super detective, investigating a big question: 'Are Zoos Still Necessary?'

Your mission is to explore all the different ideas people have about zoos. Some people think zoos are brilliant! They believe zoos help protect rare animals, teach us about wildlife, and let us see amazing creatures we might never see otherwise. It's like a special animal school where we can learn so much.

But other people have different thoughts. They worry that keeping wild animals in enclosures, even big ones, isn't fair. They wonder if animals are truly happy away from their natural homes, missing their families and the freedom of the wild.

Your writing challenge is to discuss both of these viewpoints. You need to present the arguments for why zoos are important and also the arguments against keeping animals in captivity. Show that you understand both sides of the story. You don't have to pick a side, but you can share your own thoughts at the end after exploring all the evidence!

💡 Writing Tips

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Think about why some people love zoos (e.g., seeing amazing animals, learning about them, helping endangered species).
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Now think about why some people don't like zoos (e.g., animals in small cages, not their natural home, missing their families).
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Use words like 'However,' 'On the other hand,' or 'Some people argue that...' to show you're talking about different ideas.
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Try to explain both sides fairly, even if you have your own opinion.
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Finish by summing up what you've discussed, or say what you think after looking at both sides.

📝 Sample Answer

Many people enjoy visiting zoos because it's a chance to see incredible animals from all over the world, like lions, elephants, and monkeys. Zoos often have special programmes to help animals that are endangered, meaning they are at risk of disappearing forever. Children can also learn a lot about different species and how to protect them, which is a great thing. However, some people feel that zoos are not the best place for wild animals. They believe that animals should live freely in their natural habitats, not in enclosures, even if they are large. They worry that animals might get bored or sad living in captivity and that it's unnatural for them. It makes you wonder if we can find other ways to help animals and learn about them without keeping them in zoos.

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