This list was written by BandLadder's authors, Fizza Butool Zaidi and Ali Zaidi. The meanings and example sentences are our own, not taken from model answers or dictionaries.

12 words

Writing Task 2 vocabulary

Formal and neutral items that suit an essay. They work in Speaking too.

endangered species
Kinds of animal or plant at risk of dying out.
Poaching has pushed several endangered species close to extinction.
habitat loss
The destruction of the places where animals naturally live.
Habitat loss caused by farming and logging is the greatest threat to wildlife.
biodiversity
The variety of plant and animal life in an area.
Protecting biodiversity matters because ecosystems depend on many interconnected species.
conservation efforts
Work to protect animals, plants and natural areas.
Conservation efforts have helped some whale populations recover.
poaching
Illegal hunting or catching of animals.
Poaching for ivory remains a serious problem in parts of Africa.
animal welfare
The health and well-being of animals.
Animal welfare laws set minimum standards for farms and zoos.
captivity
The state of being kept in an enclosed space.
Animals kept in captivity may show signs of stress, such as pacing.
wildlife reserve
A protected area where wild animals live.
A well-managed wildlife reserve can fund conservation through tourism.
natural habitat
The environment where an animal normally lives.
Some zoo-bred animals have been successfully returned to their natural habitat.
breeding programmes
Planned breeding of animals, often to save a species.
Captive breeding programmes have saved some species from extinction.
British spelling 'programme'.
animal testing
Using animals in experiments, for example to test medicines.
Animal testing remains controversial, although many medicines still require it.
become extinct
To die out completely.
Without protection, many more species could become extinct this century.

Use animals and wildlife vocabulary in a Task 2 essay

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10 phrases

Speaking vocabulary

Natural spoken English for Parts 1 to 3. Items noted as informal or as an idiom belong in Speaking only, never in Task 2.

an animal lover
Someone who really likes animals.
I'm a real animal lover; I stop to stroke every dog I see.
keep a pet
To own and look after an animal at home.
It's hard to keep a pet in a small flat.
take the dog for a walk
To walk with your dog outside.
Every evening I take the dog for a walk around the park.
adorable
Very sweet and lovable.
Puppies are adorable, but they're a lot of work.
scared of
Afraid of.
I'm a bit scared of snakes, even small ones.
low-maintenance
Not needing much care or attention.
Cats are fairly low-maintenance compared with dogs.
stray
An animal that has no home.
There are lots of stray cats in my neighbourhood.
a safari
A trip to watch or photograph wild animals.
Going on a safari is top of my wish list.
in the wild
Living in nature, not in a zoo or home.
I've never seen an elephant in the wild, only at the zoo.
look after
To take care of.
I look after my neighbour's cat when she's away.

Writing Task 2

Use it in an answer

Some people think zoos are cruel and should be closed. Others believe they play an important role. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Critics point out that animals in captivity often have far less space than in their natural habitat, and some show clear signs of stress. Supporters reply that modern zoos fund conservation efforts and run breeding programmes for endangered species, some of which would otherwise become extinct. In my view, zoos that cannot meet high animal welfare standards should close, while the best should focus on species that need protection rather than on entertaining visitors.

Written by our authors to show the vocabulary in use; not an official IELTS sample.

Lexical Resource

How examiners judge this vocabulary

Vocabulary is scored as Lexical Resource, one quarter of your Writing and Speaking marks. At the higher bands the public IELTS band descriptors for Speaking mention “less common and idiomatic vocabulary”, together with awareness of style and collocation. In practice that means the right item in the right register: ‘endangered species’ in an essay, ‘an animal lover’ when you speak. Accuracy comes first; a misused advanced word costs more than a plain one used well.

Practise in context

Animals and wildlife questions to practise

Frequently asked questions

Should I call my pet 'it' or 'he' and 'she'?+

For your own pet, 'he' or 'she' is natural and shows warmth: 'My dog is twelve, but she still loves running.' For animals in general, use 'it' or 'they'.

What if I don't like animals?+

That is a fine answer if you explain it: 'I'm not really an animal lover; I was bitten by a dog as a child, so I'm still a bit scared of them.' A reason and a short story score better than forced enthusiasm.

Can I use the Speaking phrases in Writing Task 2?+

Not the informal ones. Phrasal verbs and idioms sound natural in Speaking but are too casual for an essay, and Task 2 should have no contractions. Everything in the Writing list works in both papers.

Will learning these words raise my IELTS band?+

Not on their own, and no word list guarantees a band. Lexical Resource rewards vocabulary used precisely and naturally, so five items you can use correctly are worth more than twenty forced into an answer. Learn each one with its example, then write or say a sentence of your own.

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IELTS vocabulary for animals and wildlife