Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-08-25

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 argue that historic buildings should be preserved and renovated, while others believe that replacing them with modern structures is a better use of public money. Although new buildings can offer greater practicality, I believe that important historic buildings should generally be restored because they preserve a community’s identity and heritage.

On the one hand, replacing old buildings can be a sensible decision when they are expensive to maintain or no longer meet modern needs. Many older public buildings have limited space, poor accessibility and outdated facilities. By constructing a new building, governments can provide safer, more energy-efficient and practical spaces for the public. For instance, an outdated town hall could be replaced with a modern centre containing better meeting rooms, digital facilities and facilities for people with disabilities. This could also reduce long-term repair costs.

On the other hand, restoring historic buildings can bring cultural and economic benefits that a new structure cannot easily provide. Buildings such as old town halls and art galleries often tell the story of a city and give local people a sense of connection with the past. Once they are demolished, their historical character cannot truly be recreated. Moreover, attractive heritage buildings can encourage tourism and support nearby businesses. For example, a restored historic gallery can become both a cultural centre and a popular tourist attraction, generating income for the surrounding area. In my view, this lasting cultural value makes restoration worthwhile when a building has genuine historical importance.

In conclusion, modern buildings are preferable when old structures are unsafe or no longer functional. However, where possible, governments should restore significant historic buildings because their cultural and economic value can benefit future generations.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both views—the practical benefits of modern buildings and the cultural/economic value of restoration—and provided a clear, consistent personal opinion throughout. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of digital facilities in town halls and the tourism potential of historic galleries. The position is maintained from the introduction through to the conclusion, demonstrating a strong grasp of the task requirements. The arguments are balanced and logically extended, meeting the criteria 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 two viewpoints is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand,' 'On the other hand,' and 'Moreover.' The use of referencing is precise, and the paragraphing is used effectively to separate distinct arguments. The flow of the essay is natural, and the relationship between ideas is always clear, which makes the text easy to follow. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic discussion. Phrases like 'community’s identity and heritage,' 'outdated facilities,' and 'genuine historical importance' show a level of precision and stylistic awareness. The vocabulary is used accurately to convey complex ideas without any noticeable errors. While the range is sufficient and effective, incorporating a few more sophisticated or idiomatic collocations could elevate the score further. However, the current usage is natural and fits the context of the task perfectly.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'Although new buildings can offer greater practicality, I believe that...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly throughout. There is a high level of control over grammar, with no significant errors that impede communication. The variety of sentence forms contributes to the overall fluency of the writing. The control over tense and modal verbs is consistent, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence.

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