Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-08-22

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 question of whether governments should preserve historic structures like town halls and galleries, or replace them with contemporary buildings, is a subject of ongoing debate. While restoration can be expensive, I believe the cultural and economic benefits it offers make it the more sensible choice in most cases.

Those who favour demolition and reconstruction point to practical advantages. Modern buildings can be designed with current needs in mind: better energy efficiency, disability access, and flexible interior spaces that older structures often cannot accommodate without extensive modification. New construction can also be cheaper in the long run, since old buildings frequently require ongoing maintenance to address issues like crumbling foundations, outdated wiring, or structural decay. For a growing city with limited public funds, spending money on entirely new, purpose-built facilities may seem like the more efficient use of resources.

However, supporters of restoration make an equally compelling case. Historic buildings are physical links to a nation's identity and heritage; once demolished, they cannot be recreated. Cities such as Paris and Bath have preserved much of their historic architecture, and this has become central to their appeal as tourist destinations, generating substantial revenue that can offset restoration costs. Additionally, many old buildings feature craftsmanship and architectural detail that modern, mass-produced construction rarely replicates, giving city centers a unique character that uniform glass-and-steel buildings often lack.

In my opinion, restoration should generally be prioritized, particularly for buildings of significant historical or architectural value. While the upfront cost is higher, the long-term benefits—tourism revenue, cultural preservation, and civic pride—usually outweigh the expense of new construction. That said, this should not be an absolute rule; buildings with little historical significance or those that are structurally unsound beyond reasonable repair may be better replaced.

In conclusion, although constructing new buildings offers practical and financial advantages, I believe the irreplaceable cultural value of historic architecture generally justifies the cost of restoration, except in cases where a building holds little heritage significance or is beyond viable repair.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both viewpoints—the practical benefits of new construction and the cultural/economic value of restoration—while maintaining a consistent and well-supported personal position throughout. The arguments are logically extended with relevant examples, such as the mention of Paris and Bath, which adds depth to your reasoning. The conclusion effectively synthesizes the discussion and provides a nuanced final stance. The ideas are well-developed, and the response is balanced, meeting all 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 the arguments for new construction and the arguments for restoration is smooth. You make effective use of cohesive devices such as 'While,' 'Additionally,' and 'That said,' which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different viewpoints and your own opinion. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between sentences is consistently clear throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, using precise terms such as 'contemporary,' 'structural decay,' 'purpose-built,' and 'irreplaceable.' The language is natural and sophisticated, with accurate collocations throughout. There are no noticeable errors in word choice, and the vocabulary is well-suited to the academic tone of the task. You successfully avoid repetition and use a variety of descriptive language to convey your points effectively, which is indicative of a high level of lexical control.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a wide range of complex grammatical structures, including conditional sentences, participial phrases, and varied sentence lengths. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is excellent. You use complex structures with full flexibility, and there are no grammatical slips that impede communication. The accuracy is consistent, and the sophisticated sentence construction contributes significantly to the overall clarity and professional quality of the writing.

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