Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · 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 8.0)

There is an ongoing debate over whether governments should allocate more public funds to restoring historic buildings or demolish them and replace them with modern structures. Although newly constructed buildings can offer greater safety and convenience, I believe that historically significant architecture should generally be preserved because it represents a society's cultural identity and can provide substantial economic and educational benefits.

One compelling reason to preserve old buildings is their cultural and historical significance. Historic structures provide tangible evidence of a community's past and allow future generations to understand how people lived and how societies developed. Unlike written accounts, architecture can offer a unique insight into the traditions, craftsmanship and values of previous generations. Furthermore, well-preserved heritage sites can become major tourist attractions. Visitors are often willing to travel considerable distances to experience historic architecture, which generates revenue for local businesses such as hotels, restaurants and shops. In this way, investment in restoration can ultimately contribute to employment and economic growth.

Admittedly, there are several arguments in favour of replacing old buildings with modern ones. Many older structures require extensive and costly repairs, particularly when their electrical, plumbing and fire-safety systems no longer meet contemporary standards. Modern buildings are generally more energy-efficient and can provide residents with better facilities and accessibility. For example, replacing a severely deteriorated apartment building with a modern, energy-efficient development could provide safer accommodation while reducing long-term maintenance costs. However, these benefits do not necessarily justify demolishing buildings that have genuine historical or architectural value. Instead, governments should distinguish between structures that are merely old and those that have significant heritage importance.

In my view, the most sensible approach is to preserve historically valuable buildings while adapting them to meet modern safety requirements. Governments can restore their original architectural features while upgrading essential infrastructure, such as electrical systems, heating and fire protection. This approach allows communities to retain their cultural heritage without compromising public safety or practical needs. Only buildings that have little historical significance or are beyond reasonable repair should be considered for replacement.

In conclusion, although modern buildings can provide greater safety, efficiency and convenience, historic structures offer cultural, educational and economic benefits that should not be overlooked. Therefore, governments should prioritize the restoration of buildings with genuine historical value and replace only those that cannot reasonably be preserved.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have clearly discussed both views—the preservation of historic buildings and the replacement with modern structures—and provided a well-reasoned personal opinion. Your position is consistent throughout the essay, starting from the introduction and reinforced in the conclusion. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the arguments regarding cultural identity and economic benefits of restoration, as well as the practical considerations of safety and efficiency for modern buildings. The essay is balanced and provides a logical synthesis in the final paragraphs, demonstrating a high level of task engagement and clear, relevant supporting arguments.

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 paragraphs is smooth, using effective cohesive devices such as 'One compelling reason', 'Admittedly', and 'In my view'. The use of referencing is precise, and the paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different viewpoints and your own perspective. The flow of the argument is natural, and the relationship between ideas is always clear, which makes the text very easy to follow. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is used with precision. Phrases such as 'tangible evidence', 'contemporary standards', and 'genuine historical or architectural value' show a sophisticated command of language. The word choice is consistently appropriate for an academic context, and there are no noticeable errors in collocation or spelling. You successfully incorporate less common lexical items to enhance the clarity and impact of your arguments, which is indicative of a high level of lexical control.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and varied sentence beginnings. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over punctuation and tense usage is excellent. You use modal verbs and conditional structures effectively to express nuanced opinions, such as 'should be restored' and 'would be considered'. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication, and the overall control of syntax is highly consistent throughout the piece.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.