Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-08-23

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 to preserve historic landmarks or construct modern infrastructure is a subject of ongoing debate. While some people advocate for the replacement of old structures to meet modern needs, others argue that conserving historical architecture is essential. I believe that governments should adopt a balanced approach, prioritizing the preservation of culturally significant buildings.

On the one hand, proponents of modernization emphasize the economic and practical advantages of new constructions. Older buildings often fail to comply with contemporary safety regulations, earthquake resistance standards, or energy efficiency requirements. Consequently, continuous maintenance can become a massive financial burden on public funds. For instance, replacing an outdated town hall with a smart, eco-friendly building can drastically reduce municipal energy bills and provide superior public facilities, ensuring better utilization of taxpayer money.

On the other hand, retaining historic edifices like art galleries is crucial for maintaining national identity and boosting local economies. These landmarks serve as physical links to a country's heritage and possess a unique aesthetic appeal that contemporary concrete designs often lack. Furthermore, preserved heritage sites act as major tourist attractions. For example, cities like Rome and Kyoto draw millions of international visitors annually because of their historic architecture, generating substantial revenue for local hospitality and retail businesses.

In conclusion, although erecting new buildings offers enhanced functionality and cost efficiency, I believe that destroying every old structure erases valuable cultural heritage. Governments should evaluate buildings on a case-by-case basis, conserving architecturally prominent landmarks while replacing structurally compromised, non-essential properties with modern facilities.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have clearly discussed both perspectives—the economic and practical benefits of modernization versus the cultural and historical value of preservation—and provided a clear, consistent personal opinion. Your ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of Rome and Kyoto to illustrate the economic benefits of heritage tourism. The conclusion effectively synthesizes the arguments and provides a nuanced final stance, which demonstrates a high level of task engagement and logical progression.

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 sides of the argument is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. The use of referencing is precise, and the paragraphing is used effectively to separate distinct points. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between sentences is clear throughout the text, meeting the requirements for a high band score in this criterion.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which allows for precise expression. Phrases such as 'continuous maintenance', 'structurally compromised', and 'culturally significant' show a sophisticated command of language. The vocabulary is used naturally and accurately, with no noticeable errors in collocation or word choice. You successfully integrate topic-specific terminology, which enhances the professional tone of the essay. The range is sufficient to convey complex ideas with ease and precision.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You effectively use complex sentence forms, such as conditional structures and participial phrases, without error. Punctuation is used correctly to manage sentence length and clarity. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the few minor slips that might occur in a longer text are absent here. Your control over grammar is consistent, and the sophisticated sentence variety contributes significantly to the overall quality of the writing.

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