Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-08-08

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 8.0)

Some people believe that old buildings such as town halls and art galleries should be preserved and restored, while others argue that it is more practical for governments to replace them with modern buildings. Although constructing new facilities can provide greater efficiency and convenience, I believe that historically and culturally significant buildings should generally be restored whenever this is financially and practically possible.

On the one hand, replacing old buildings with modern ones can have several advantages. Many older buildings were designed for a different era and may no longer meet the needs of a growing population. For example, an old town hall may have limited office space, poor accessibility for disabled people, and outdated electrical or heating systems. Constructing a new building allows governments to incorporate modern technology, energy-efficient materials and improved facilities from the beginning. In addition, maintaining an old structure can be extremely expensive, particularly if it requires major repairs to its roof, foundations or plumbing. In such cases, demolishing it and constructing a new building may be a more cost-effective long-term solution.

On the other hand, old public buildings often have considerable historical, cultural and architectural value. They can represent important events in a city's history and contribute to its unique character. Once a historically significant building is demolished, its original design and cultural meaning cannot be completely recreated. Restored buildings can also benefit local economies because they can attract tourists and encourage people to visit surrounding shops, restaurants and cultural attractions. For instance, historic town halls and galleries in many European cities have become popular tourist destinations precisely because of their distinctive architecture and connection with the past.

In my opinion, governments should adopt a balanced approach rather than automatically choosing either restoration or replacement. Buildings with genuine historical or cultural importance should be preserved wherever possible, even if restoration requires substantial investment. However, buildings that have little heritage value and are structurally unsafe or extremely expensive to maintain should be replaced with modern alternatives. This approach would allow governments to protect their cultural heritage while ensuring that public money is spent responsibly.

In conclusion, modern buildings can offer greater efficiency and lower maintenance costs, whereas historic buildings preserve a society's heritage and identity. Therefore, I believe that valuable old buildings should be restored, while less significant structures can reasonably be replaced with modern facilities.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have discussed both views—the practical benefits of modern buildings and the cultural value of historic ones—and provided a clear, consistent opinion throughout. Your position is established in the introduction and reinforced in the conclusion. The ideas are well-developed, with specific examples such as the mention of accessibility issues in old town halls and the economic benefits of tourism in historic districts. The argument is balanced and logical, demonstrating a sophisticated approach to the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence, and the transition between the two viewpoints is smooth, using effective cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'In addition', and 'In my opinion'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different arguments. The flow of information is natural, and referencing is clear throughout the text. The structure is coherent, making the essay very easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision. Phrases such as 'historically and culturally significant', 'financially and practically possible', and 'substantial investment' show a high level of control. There is a good use of topic-specific collocations, and the language is natural and sophisticated. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling, and the vocabulary effectively supports the development of your arguments.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'Although constructing new facilities can provide...', 'Buildings that have little heritage value...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense is excellent. The writing is fluent, and there are no grammatical slips that impede communication. The complexity of the sentence structures is consistent with a high-level response.

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