Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-08-13

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)

Many people believe that old buildings such as town halls and art galleries should be preserved and restored, while others think that governments should replace them with modern buildings. This essay will discuss both views before presenting my opinion that I believe important historic buildings should generally be preserved.

On the one hand, there are several reasons why some people support replacing old buildings. Firstly, many old buildings are expensive to maintain because they may require frequent repairs and special materials. Governments could use this money for other important areas, such as healthcare, education, and public transport. Secondly, modern buildings are usually designed with better facilities and technology. For example, a new town hall may have improved accessibility, energy-efficient systems and larger spaces for public services. Therefore, replacing an old building can sometimes be a more practical and economical choice.

On the other hand, preserving historic buildings has significant advantages. Old buildings are an important part of a country's cultural heritage and can help future generations understand their history. In addition, many historic buildings attract tourists, which can generate income for local businesses and create employment opportunities. For instance, an old art gallery with unique architecture may become a popular tourist attraction if it is properly maintained. Furthermore, completely removing historic buildings could result in the loss of a city's traditional character.

In my opinion, governments should preserve old buildings whenever they have significant historical or cultural value. However, buildings that are unsafe or extremely expensive to maintain could be replaced with modern structures. A balanced approach would therefore be the best solution, combining historical preservation with the development of modern facilities.

In conclusion, although modern buildings can be more practical and economical, preserving valuable historic buildings is important for protecting cultural identity and supporting tourism.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have discussed both views regarding the restoration versus replacement of old buildings and clearly stated your own position in the introduction and conclusion. The ideas are well-developed, with logical arguments provided for both sides, such as the economic burden of maintenance versus the cultural and tourism value of historic sites. Your balanced opinion in the final body paragraph adds depth to the discussion. The response is well-structured and stays focused on the task throughout, providing a clear and consistent argument that meets the requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'On the one hand', 'In addition', 'Furthermore', and 'In conclusion', which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is logical and appropriate for the task. The relationship between sentences is clear, and the overall structure is coherent, making the essay easy to follow and professional in its presentation.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You have demonstrated a good range of vocabulary appropriate for the topic. Phrases like 'cultural heritage', 'economical choice', 'unique architecture', and 'traditional character' show a solid command of topic-specific language. The vocabulary is used accurately and naturally throughout the text. While the range is sufficient and precise, incorporating a few more sophisticated or idiomatic expressions could elevate the response further. However, the current level is well-suited for the task, and there are no significant errors in word choice or collocation that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional clauses and subordinate clauses (e.g., 'although modern buildings can be more practical...'). The grammar is generally accurate, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used correctly to manage the flow of information. While there are no major grammatical errors, the writing style is consistently clear and controlled. The level of accuracy is high, and the range of structures used is sufficient to support a strong band score in this criterion.

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