A. Question “Keeping animals in zoos is cruel and should be banned.” What do you think? Think about the question What is the text type? Who will read your article? What will the style be? Why are you writing? B. Brainstorm the Topic Think about the subject and ask yourself questions connected to the subject. This might help you have some ideas e.g. why are animals kept in zoos? Think about your last visit to a zoo – what was it like? Why might people defend zoos? Etc Look at the student’s notes below. Which of these would you include in your essay? Are there any which are irrelevant? Notes - poor conditions in some zoos (cruelty) - cramped conditions / no room to move - testing beauty products on animals is cruel - helps save species -animals are looked after and cared for by experts - allows them to breed in safety NB. When you have some interesting points make sure you can justify them and give reasons for your arguments. Avoid generalised comments which you cannot substantiate. C. Think about vocabulary. Try to think of some good expressions and vocabulary linked to the topic. Match the words on the left with the words on the right: - endangered - reserve - bird - living conditions - nature - species - cramped - sanctuary - barbaric - stimulation - animals - treatment - poor - distress - lack of... - conditions - show signs of distress - in captivity D. Model Answer For many people a trip to the zoo is a pleasant and enjoyable experience; however, more and more people are questioning this particular view of zoos and suggesting that they are in fact a cruel and inhumane place for the animals which live there. So how far is it true that zoos are cruel and if so does this mean that they should be closed down in the future? One of the most significant advantages of zoos is that zoos offer protection to species of animals which are in danger of becoming extinct. Zoo staff are fully