Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-08-31

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 believe that old buildings such as town halls and art galleries should be preserved, while others think that governments should replace them with modern structures. Both views have valid arguments, but I believe that historically significant buildings should generally be restored rather than demolished.

On the one hand, constructing new buildings can be more practical and economical in the long term. Old structures often require expensive repairs, and their design may not meet modern standards for safety, accessibility, or energy efficiency. In addition, new buildings can be designed to accommodate larger numbers of people and provide modern facilities. For example, an outdated public library may be too small for a growing population, whereas a newly constructed library could offer digital resources, study areas and community spaces.

On the other hand, historic buildings are valuable because they preserve a city’s cultural identity and provide a connection with its past. Once a significant building is demolished, its historical and architectural value cannot truly be recovered. Restored buildings can also attract tourists and generate economic benefits for local businesses. For instance, many European cities have successfully renovated historic town halls and galleries, turning them into major tourist attractions while continuing to use them for public purposes.

In my opinion, governments should adopt a balanced approach. Buildings with genuine historical, cultural or architectural importance should be carefully restored, even if this requires substantial investment. However, structures that have little heritage value or are unsafe should be replaced with modern alternatives. This approach would allow cities to develop efficiently without unnecessarily sacrificing their history and character.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both perspectives—the practical benefits of modern construction and the cultural value of preservation—and provided a clear, consistent opinion throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, with relevant examples such as the comparison of public libraries and the mention of European cities. The conclusion effectively synthesises these views by proposing a balanced approach, which demonstrates a sophisticated engagement with the topic. The response is well-structured and directly answers the prompt's requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

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 effective cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. Referencing is clear, and the use of linking words like 'In addition' and 'However' helps guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is appropriate, with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a concise conclusion. The flow of information is natural and easy to follow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the task. You use precise terms such as 'historically significant', 'architectural value', 'substantial investment', and 'cultural identity'. The language is natural and conveys your meaning accurately. While the vocabulary is consistently accurate and fits the context well, it could be slightly more ambitious to reach the highest band, perhaps by incorporating more nuanced collocations or idiomatic expressions related to urban planning or heritage conservation. Nevertheless, the range is sufficient for a high score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a high level of grammatical control. You use a variety of complex sentence structures, such as conditional clauses ('if this requires substantial investment') and contrastive structures ('whereas a newly constructed library could offer...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your punctuation is accurate throughout. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication. The control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent, reflecting a strong command of English grammar suitable for this level.

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

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