Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-08-27

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 7.5)

Old buildings such as town halls and art galleries are often an important part of a city’s history, but restoring them can require a large amount of money. While some people believe that these buildings should be preserved, others argue that replacing them with modern structures is a better option. In my opinion, historically and culturally significant buildings should be restored whenever possible.

On the one hand, restoring old buildings can help preserve a community’s history and cultural identity. Historic buildings often reflect the architectural styles and traditions of previous generations, giving people a stronger connection to their past. They can also attract tourists and contribute to the local economy. For example, a restored historic town hall could become a popular tourist attraction while continuing to be used for public events. Therefore, spending money on restoration can provide long-term cultural and economic benefits.

On the other hand, replacing old buildings with modern ones can be more practical and cost-effective. Some older structures require extensive repairs to make them safe and suitable for modern use. In such cases, governments may have to spend a significant amount of public money on restoration when the same funds could be used for hospitals, schools, or public transport. Furthermore, modern buildings can be designed to be more energy-efficient, accessible, and suitable for current needs. For instance, a new public gallery could provide better facilities for visitors and staff than an outdated building.

In conclusion, although constructing modern buildings can be more practical and economical, I believe that buildings with genuine historical or cultural value should be restored. However, replacing old structures may be justified when they have little historical significance or when restoration would place an unreasonable financial burden on the government.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response addresses all parts of the task effectively. You have discussed both views—the preservation of historic buildings and the practical benefits of modern construction—and provided a clear, consistent personal opinion throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, with relevant examples such as the mention of town halls and the comparison to essential public services like hospitals and schools. The conclusion successfully synthesises the arguments while maintaining your stance. To reach a higher band, you could further extend your arguments by exploring the nuance of 'adaptive reuse,' where old buildings are modernised internally while preserving their exterior, which would demonstrate a more sophisticated engagement with the prompt.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organised 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 'Furthermore.' The paragraphing is used effectively to separate the distinct arguments. The referencing is clear, and the flow of information is natural. The use of linking words is neither mechanical nor excessive, which contributes to a professional and readable tone. The structure is well-managed throughout the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases such as 'cultural identity,' 'architectural styles,' 'unreasonable financial burden,' and 'cost-effective' are used accurately and appropriately. The language is natural and conveys your meaning clearly. While the vocabulary is effective, it remains somewhat standard. To achieve a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated or idiomatic collocations related to urban planning or heritage conservation, such as 'architectural heritage,' 'urban regeneration,' or 'fiscal constraints,' to show a more flexible and precise command of the language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of 'While some people believe...' and 'although constructing modern buildings...'. The grammar is highly accurate, with very few, if any, errors. Punctuation is used correctly to support the clarity of your arguments. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over complex structures is consistent. The writing is polished and demonstrates a high level of grammatical competence, which is appropriate for this level of task.

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

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