Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-07-24

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Some people believe that old buildings, such as town halls and art galleries, should be restored, even though this can be costly. Others argue that governments should replace them with new, modern buildings.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 8.5)

The debate over whether to restore historical edifices or replace them with modern structures has intensified in recent years. While constructing new buildings can be cost-effective and functionally efficient, I strongly believe that restoring town halls, art galleries, and historic architecture is crucial to preserving a nation's culture and heritage.

On the one hand, preserving historic structures prevents them from being demolished and allows future generations to understand their country’s heritage. Although maintaining aged buildings is expensive, their historical value cannot simply be captured in traditional history textbooks; these sites offer a tangible, living experience of history. Furthermore, restored landmarks act as major tourist attractions that boost local economies. For example, world-renowned monuments like the Taj Mahal draw millions of international visitors annually because authorities invest significant funds to preserve their original features. Therefore, maintaining historic buildings brings both cultural and economic vitality.

On the other hand, replacing older buildings with modern infrastructure offers clear practical benefits to local communities. Contemporary commercial complexes, residential apartments, and shopping centers provide essential housing for growing urban populations and create public spaces where families can gather, shop, and socialize. Additionally, new facilities can be built with energy-efficient materials and modern amenities that outdated structures cannot support. Nevertheless, relying solely on modern construction risks erasing a city's architectural identity.

In conclusion, although constructing modern buildings provides practical benefits and accommodates urban growth, restoring old art galleries, town halls, and historic monuments is far more important for safeguarding a country's heritage and identity for future generations.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt effectively. You have clearly presented both sides of the argument and maintained a consistent personal position throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the economic benefits of preservation and the practical utility of modern infrastructure. The inclusion of the Taj Mahal as an example provides concrete support for your argument. The position is clear from the introduction through to the conclusion, meeting the requirements for a Band 8 level of task response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the two viewpoints is smooth. You have used a variety of cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand,' 'Furthermore,' 'Additionally,' and 'Nevertheless' to link your arguments effectively. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, the two body paragraphs, and the conclusion. The flow of information is natural and easy to follow, demonstrating a high level of coherence.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which allows for precise expression of your ideas. Phrases like 'historical edifices,' 'tangible, living experience,' and 'architectural identity' show a sophisticated command of language. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is used naturally throughout the text. The range is sufficient to convey complex ideas with ease, fitting the criteria for a high band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and varied clause types. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over punctuation and syntax is excellent. You have successfully used subordinating conjunctions and relative clauses to add depth to your writing. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication, and the overall accuracy is very high, consistent with the requirements for a Band 8.

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