Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-08-19

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)

The preservation of old buildings has become a topic of debate in many countries. While some people believe that historic buildings such as town halls and art galleries should be restored despite the high cost, others argue that replacing them with modern structures is a more practical solution. This essay will discuss both views before explaining why I believe historic buildings should generally be preserved.

On the one hand, replacing old buildings with modern ones can have several advantages. First, newly constructed buildings are usually more energy-efficient, safer and better equipped with modern facilities. For example, an old town hall may have limited space, poor heating systems and inadequate facilities for people with disabilities. Constructing a new building could solve these problems while also providing more working space. Furthermore, maintaining an old building can require continuous and expensive repairs. Governments with limited budgets may therefore prefer to invest in modern buildings that require less maintenance and can serve the public more efficiently.

On the other hand, historic buildings are an important part of a city's culture and identity. They often represent significant events and architectural traditions from the past, making them valuable to future generations. Restoring such buildings can also benefit the local economy because historic sites can attract tourists and create employment opportunities. For instance, an old town hall with distinctive architecture can become a popular tourist attraction if it is properly restored and maintained. In addition, restoring an existing structure can sometimes be more environmentally friendly than demolishing it and producing large amounts of construction waste.

In my opinion, governments should preserve and restore old buildings whenever they have significant historical or cultural value. However, this does not mean that every old structure must be saved. If a building is extremely unsafe or has little historical importance, replacing it with a modern facility may be justified. A balanced approach would allow governments to protect important heritage while using public money responsibly.

In conclusion, although modern buildings can provide better facilities and reduce long-term maintenance problems, historic buildings offer cultural, educational and economic benefits. Therefore, I believe that valuable old buildings should be restored wherever reasonably possible.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both perspectives—the practical benefits of modern buildings and the cultural/economic value of historic preservation—while maintaining a consistent and well-supported personal opinion throughout. The ideas are extended logically, such as the mention of tourism and environmental sustainability as arguments for preservation. The conclusion effectively synthesises the arguments and reaffirms your stance. The development is balanced, and the position is clear from the introduction to the final sentence, meeting the criteria for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'Furthermore', and 'In addition'. Referencing is clear, and the use of linking words is natural rather than mechanical. The structure follows a standard essay format, which aids readability and ensures the argument flows logically from the introduction to the conclusion. There is no evidence of faulty or repetitive cohesion.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'architectural traditions', 'distinctive architecture', and 'environmentally friendly' show an awareness of style and collocation. While the vocabulary is accurate and appropriate for the task, it stays within a relatively standard range. To reach the highest band, you could incorporate more sophisticated or idiomatic expressions, but the current level is well-suited to the task and allows for clear, precise communication without any noticeable errors in word choice.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional clauses ('If a building is extremely unsafe...') and concessive clauses ('While some people believe...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and grammar is consistent. There are no significant errors that impede communication. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of grammatical control, fitting the criteria for a strong performance where complex structures are used with flexibility and accuracy.

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