Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-08-21

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 6.5)

In today's day and age, old buildings have lost their value. Very few people realize the true essence of heritage and historic architecture. Various town halls and galleries are in a poor condition, since the government does not allocate funds for the upkeep of these buildings.

Nowadays, many individuals think rather than restoring them, the government should replace them with new ones. Modern generation is also inclined towards architecture that is aesthetically pleasing rather than looking at the deeper meaning of those buildings. I disagree and feel that old buildings are a form of art and should be restored rather than replaced.

I find old buildings fascinating as they hold so much of knowledge about its origin. Modern day architecture is all around us but only a few of historic galleries and town halls are left. It is crucial to restore and maintain old architecture as it tells us a story of our roots. It is costly to restore them but the risk of losing a significant piece of our history is costlier. Various forts and art galleries depict how our ancestors fought battles and narrate the story of the sacrifices they made for the future and their loved ones. It helps us to view things from a new perspective.

The government should take preventive action to not only restore but also spread awareness about these historic buildings. Initiatives such as theme plays or exhibitions relating to them would help people resonate with these architectures and protect them. This would generate employment opportunities and contribute towards the welfare of the society.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response6.5
Coherence and Cohesion7.0
Lexical Resource6.5
Grammatical Range and Accuracy6.5
Overall6.5

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion. The position is consistent throughout the essay. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited. While you mention that old buildings hold knowledge and tell a story, the argument could be strengthened with more specific examples or deeper analysis of why modern buildings might be preferred beyond just 'aesthetic' appeal. The conclusion is brief but relevant. To reach a higher band, ensure that each body paragraph provides a more thorough exploration of the arguments presented, moving beyond general statements to more nuanced reasoning.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different ideas. You use some cohesive devices, such as 'In today's day and age' and 'However', but the flow between sentences can occasionally feel a bit mechanical. Some transitions between ideas are slightly abrupt, such as the jump from discussing history to suggesting theme plays. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each sentence flows naturally into the next would enhance the overall coherence of the piece.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey your ideas clearly. Phrases like 'allocate funds', 'aesthetically pleasing', and 'preventive action' are used correctly and appropriately for the context. There are some minor issues with collocation, such as 'resonate with these architectures' (it would be more natural to say 'resonate with these architectural styles' or 'buildings'). The vocabulary is generally accurate, though it lacks the sophistication or 'less common' lexical items that would push the score into the higher bands. Focus on incorporating more precise academic collocations.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are clear and error-free, which allows for easy communication. There are a few minor grammatical slips, such as 'only a few of historic galleries' (should be 'only a few historic galleries') and 'resonate with these architectures' (architecture is usually an uncountable noun in this context). Punctuation is generally sound. To improve, try to incorporate a wider variety of complex grammatical structures, such as conditional sentences or passive voice, to demonstrate greater control and flexibility.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.