Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-08-29

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 5.5)

In recent days, it is believed by many people that older buildings such as town halls or art galleries should be restored even though it is more expensive. However, others argue that the authorities should replace them with new and modern buildings. In my opinion, the government should switch the old ones with new and updated buildings.

Firstly, one of the reasons why old structures should be restored is to preserve the location or memories attached to it. Some of these buildings are situated in a good locations for it's purpose making it more accessible to the public and the memories accompanying the structure, it could be how it was built or individuals that contributed to it. Another important reason is because restoring building saves more for other projects in the community. It could be costly but in this case , it could be less because there is already existing land, some materials that makes it easier than building a new one.

However, others agreed the authorities should replace them with new and modern structures because of weak construction. Those buildings was built over some decades ago which makes expose it to some cracks or loopholes in years to come. On the other hand, the present building could be customized because it would be design to match the exact modern taste. Many houses are updated to sooth the public, changing with the trend to attract people to the art gallery.

In conclusion, houses built years ago should be maintained and refurnished although it could be expensive , however building a new and updated ones by the government will saves some houses from having damage like prevent people from visiting a building with weak foundation.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses both sides of the argument and provides a clear personal opinion. However, the development of ideas is inconsistent. While the first body paragraph attempts to explain the benefits of restoration, the logic is slightly muddled, particularly the claim that restoration is cheaper because of 'existing land'. The second body paragraph regarding replacement is clearer, but the conclusion contradicts the stated opinion in the introduction. The introduction states a preference for new buildings, but the conclusion suggests that old buildings should be 'maintained and refurnished'. This inconsistency weakens the overall position and task response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, each with a clear focus. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'Firstly', 'Another important reason', and 'However', which help guide the reader. However, some transitions are mechanical or slightly misused, such as the use of 'although' and 'however' in the same sentence in the conclusion, which creates a repetitive and slightly awkward structure. Referencing is occasionally unclear, such as the use of 'it' in 'for it's purpose', where the antecedent is ambiguous. Overall, the progression of ideas is coherent, but the flow is occasionally interrupted by these minor mechanical issues.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision and variety required for a higher band. There are several instances of awkward word choices or incorrect collocations, such as 'switch the old ones with new' (should be 'replace'), 'sooth the public' (likely meant 'suit'), and 'refurnished' (which usually refers to furniture rather than buildings). While the meaning is generally clear, the range is limited, and the student relies on basic phrasing. To improve, the student should focus on using more precise academic vocabulary and ensuring correct collocations.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The essay contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede the flow. Common issues include subject-verb agreement ('Those buildings was built'), incorrect pronoun usage ('for it's purpose'), and awkward phrasing ('makes expose it to some cracks'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with unnecessary spaces before commas and missing articles. While the meaning is usually understandable, the frequency of these errors prevents the essay from reaching a higher band. A greater focus on proofreading for basic grammatical accuracy is recommended.

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

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