Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-08-16

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 historic buildings such as town halls and art galleries should be preserved and renovated, while others think that governments should replace them with modern structures. Although constructing new buildings can provide several advantages, I believe that important historic buildings should generally be restored and preserved.

On the one hand, replacing old buildings with modern ones can be beneficial in several ways. New buildings are usually designed with modern technology and safety standards. They can also be more energy-efficient and provide better facilities for the public. For example, an old town hall may have limited space, poor heating systems and inadequate facilities for people with disabilities. In such cases, constructing a new building could be more practical and cost-effective in the long term. Moreover, modern buildings can be designed to meet the changing needs of a growing population.

On the other hand, historic buildings have significant cultural and historical value. They often represent the traditions, architecture and achievements of previous generations. Once an important building is demolished, its original character and historical significance cannot be fully recovered. Restoring such buildings can also attract tourists and contribute to the local economy. For instance, historic art galleries and government buildings can become important tourist attractions while continuing to serve the local community. Therefore, spending money on restoration can be considered an investment in cultural heritage rather than simply an unnecessary expense.

In my opinion, governments should adopt a balanced approach. Buildings with genuine historical or cultural importance should be carefully restored, even if the process is expensive. However, buildings that are unsafe, extremely inefficient or have little historical value can reasonably be replaced with modern alternatives.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt effectively. You have clearly discussed both views—the benefits of modern construction and the cultural value of preservation—and provided a well-reasoned personal opinion. The ideas are extended and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of energy efficiency and accessibility for new buildings, and the economic benefits of tourism for historic ones. Your position is consistent throughout the essay, and the conclusion provides a nuanced, balanced perspective that synthesizes the arguments presented. The development is logical and meets the requirements of the task well.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is well-organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the two viewpoints is smooth, facilitated by effective cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand,' 'On the other hand,' and 'Moreover.' The use of referencing is accurate, and the logical flow from the introduction to the conclusion is easy to follow. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct arguments, ensuring that the reader can navigate your reasoning without difficulty. The structure is coherent and professional.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic discussion. Phrases like 'genuine historical or cultural importance,' 'inadequate facilities,' and 'investment in cultural heritage' show a level of precision and sophistication. While the vocabulary is generally accurate and natural, there is room to incorporate more 'less common' lexical items to reach the highest band. However, the current range is sufficient to convey your ideas clearly and effectively, 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 'Although' clauses and conditional-like reasoning ('In such cases, constructing a new building could be...'). The grammar is highly accurate, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used correctly to support the clarity of your arguments. There are no persistent errors that distract the reader, and your control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of grammatical competence.

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