Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-08-07

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 7.0)

Some people believe that historical buildings such as town halls and art galleries should be preserved and restored, despite the high costs involved. Others argue that governments should replace these old structures with modern buildings. This essay will discuss both views and explain why I believe that restoring important historical buildings is more beneficial.

On the one hand, replacing old buildings with modern ones can provide several advantages. New buildings are often designed with advanced technology, better energy efficiency and improved facilities. They can also accommodate more people and require less maintenance in the long term. For example, a newly built government office may provide better working conditions for employees and easier access for the public.

On the other hand, many people believe that old buildings should be protected because they represent a country’s history and culture. Historic buildings often attract tourists and help communities maintain their identity. Although restoration can be expensive, it can be a valuable investment. For instance, many restored art galleries and heritage buildings become popular tourist attractions and contribute to the local economy.

In my opinion, governments should focus on restoring significant historical buildings rather than completely replacing them. Although modern buildings are necessary, preserving important landmarks allows future generations to understand their cultural heritage. A balance can be achieved by renovating old structures while constructing new buildings where additional space is required.

In conclusion, while modern buildings offer practical benefits, I believe that restoring valuable historical buildings is a better choice because of their cultural and economic importance.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both perspectives and providing a clear, consistent opinion throughout. The ideas are relevant and logically developed, such as the mention of energy efficiency for modern buildings and cultural identity for historical ones. However, the development is somewhat brief; while the arguments are clear, they could be extended with more specific, detailed examples to reach a higher band. The position is well-maintained from the introduction through to the conclusion, ensuring the reader is never in doubt of the writer's stance.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

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 handled effectively using cohesive devices like 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different stages of the argument. The flow is natural, and referencing is clear throughout the text. While the use of cohesive devices is effective, it is somewhat standard; a slightly more sophisticated range of linking words could elevate the score further.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The vocabulary used is sufficient for the task and allows for clear communication. The writer uses some topic-specific vocabulary such as 'energy efficiency', 'cultural heritage', and 'local economy'. While the range is adequate, it lacks the 'less common' or 'sophisticated' lexical items that would characterize a higher band. The word choices are generally accurate and appropriate for the formal tone of an IELTS essay, with no significant errors in collocation or spelling that impede the reader's understanding.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay demonstrates a good control of grammar with a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Sentences like 'Although restoration can be expensive, it can be a valuable investment' show a good grasp of complex sentence construction. The majority of the sentences are error-free, and punctuation is used correctly throughout. While the grammatical range is solid, it does not consistently display the high level of flexibility and complexity required for the top bands. However, the accuracy is high, and there are no errors that cause any difficulty for the reader.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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