Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · 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 8.0)

Some people believe that old buildings such as town halls and art galleries should be restored, while others think that governments should replace them with modern buildings. Both views have some advantages, but I believe that important historical buildings should generally be preserved.

On the one hand, replacing old buildings can provide several benefits. Modern buildings are usually more energy-efficient, safer and easier to maintain. They can also offer better facilities and more space for the public. For example, an old town hall may have limited parking, outdated electrical systems and small rooms, whereas a newly constructed building can be designed to meet current needs. In addition, constructing a new building may sometimes be cheaper than repairing a seriously damaged old one.

On the other hand, restoring historic buildings can protect a city’s culture and identity. Many old buildings have important architectural features and are connected to significant events in a country’s history. They can also attract tourists and generate income for local businesses. For instance, historic buildings in cities such as London and Rome attract millions of visitors because of their unique architecture and historical value. Once such buildings are demolished, their original character and history cannot be recovered.

In my opinion, governments should restore old buildings whenever they have significant historical or cultural value. However, buildings that are unsafe, extremely expensive to repair or no longer useful should be replaced with modern facilities. This approach would allow cities to develop while still protecting their heritage.

In conclusion, although modern buildings can provide better facilities and reduce maintenance costs, preserving valuable historic buildings is more beneficial for culture, tourism and future generations.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt effectively. You have discussed both views—the benefits of modern buildings (efficiency, cost, facilities) and the importance of preserving historical heritage (culture, tourism, identity)—and provided a clear personal opinion. The position is consistent throughout the essay, and the ideas are well-developed with relevant examples, such as the mention of London and Rome. The conclusion synthesizes your arguments well, offering a balanced perspective that acknowledges the necessity of modernization while prioritizing heritage. The response is fully developed and meets all requirements of the task.

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 the two viewpoints is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand,' 'On the other hand,' and 'In addition.' The paragraphing is logical and helps the reader follow your argument easily. Referencing is clear, and the flow of information is natural. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, and the overall structure supports the development of your argument effectively.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the task. You use terms like 'energy-efficient,' 'architectural features,' 'demolished,' and 'heritage' accurately. The language is natural and precise, allowing you to convey your ideas clearly. While the vocabulary is sufficient and effective, it could be elevated further by incorporating more sophisticated collocations or less common academic phrases to reach the highest band. However, the current level is precise and shows a good awareness of style and collocation, with no errors 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 contrastive structures (e.g., 'although modern buildings can provide...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and grammar is strong. There are no significant errors that cause confusion or impede the reader's understanding. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of accuracy, which is consistent throughout the response. You have successfully used a mix of simple and complex forms to maintain interest and clarity.

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