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)

In many cities, historic public buildings such as town halls and art galleries have fallen into disrepair. There is a debate about whether governments should spend significant sums restoring these structures or simply replace them with modern alternatives. This essay will examine both viewpoints before giving my own opinion.

Those who favour restoration argue that old buildings represent a nation's cultural identity and historical continuity. Town halls and galleries are often architectural landmarks, reflecting the craftsmanship and design of past eras. Demolishing them would mean losing a tangible link to history that cannot be recreated. Furthermore, such buildings frequently attract tourists, who are drawn to their heritage value, thereby generating income for the local economy. For example, many European cities preserve centuries-old civic buildings precisely because they contribute significantly to tourism revenue.

On the other hand, supporters of replacement contend that constructing new buildings is often more practical and cost-effective in the long run. Older structures may require constant, expensive maintenance due to outdated materials, poor insulation, or structural weaknesses, whereas modern buildings can be designed with contemporary standards for energy efficiency, accessibility, and safety. Additionally, new designs can better serve current community needs, incorporating features such as wider spaces for public events or advanced technology infrastructure that old buildings simply cannot accommodate without extensive modification.

In my opinion, while replacement may seem more economical initially, restoration should generally be prioritised for buildings of significant historical or architectural value. The cultural and educational benefits of preserving heritage often outweigh the financial costs, and with careful planning, old buildings can be renovated to meet modern requirements without sacrificing their character. However, for structures with little historical significance or those beyond reasonable repair, replacement with modern, functional buildings would be a more sensible approach.

In conclusion, both restoration and replacement have valid merits depending on context. Governments should assess each building individually, weighing historical importance against practical necessity, rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all policy.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both viewpoints—the preservation of historical buildings and the practical benefits of modern construction—and provided a well-reasoned personal opinion. Your position is consistent throughout the essay, and your arguments are well-developed with relevant examples, such as the mention of European cities and the specific benefits of modern infrastructure like energy efficiency. The conclusion effectively synthesises the arguments and provides a balanced final perspective, demonstrating a high level of task fulfillment.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the two viewpoints is smooth, using effective signposting language such as 'On the other hand' and 'Furthermore'. Cohesive devices are used naturally and accurately throughout the text. The paragraphing is logical, with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs exploring the opposing views, a personal opinion paragraph, and a concise conclusion. The flow of information is seamless, making the essay very easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You demonstrate a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary that is used with precision. Phrases such as 'tangible link to history', 'historical continuity', 'architectural landmarks', and 'one-size-fits-all policy' show a high level of lexical control. The vocabulary is not only accurate but also appropriate for an academic discussion. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the language used is natural and varied, which contributes significantly to the overall quality of the essay.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You successfully use complex sentences, such as 'While replacement may seem more economical initially, restoration should generally be prioritised...', and maintain control over punctuation and verb tenses. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the few minor slips that might occur are non-systematic and do not impede communication. Your control over modal verbs and conditional structures is particularly strong, allowing you to express nuanced opinions effectively.

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