Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-09-05

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 8.5)

The debate over whether to restore historic buildings or replace them with modern ones is a significant challenge for governments. While both perspectives have merit, I believe a balanced, case-by-case approach is the most sensible.

Proponents of restoration argue that old buildings are irreplaceable cultural treasures. Structures like town halls and galleries embody a community's heritage and identity. Their unique craftsmanship and historical significance cannot be replicated. Furthermore, restored landmarks, such as the Louvre in Paris, often become major tourist attractions, generating long-term economic benefits that offset the initial costs of preservation.

Conversely, advocates for replacement contend that many old buildings are financially draining and functionally obsolete. Retrofitting them with modern amenities, accessibility features, and energy-efficient systems can be more expensive than constructing new buildings. Modern structures can also symbolise progress and better serve contemporary needs, such as improved digital infrastructure for a town hall.

In my view, the decision should depend on the building's historical value and practical utility. Architecturally significant landmarks that define a city's character deserve restoration, as they educate future generations and foster civic pride. However, buildings of lesser importance that are costly to maintain should be replaced with modern, efficient designs. A hybrid approach, where a historic facade is preserved while the interior is modernised, often offers the ideal solution.

In conclusion, I believe that a blanket policy is unwise. Governments should carefully evaluate each case, preserving culturally vital structures while allowing modern development where it genuinely enhances the community. This strategy allows cities to progress without losing their historical soul.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both perspectives—the value of restoration and the practical benefits of replacement—while maintaining a consistent and well-supported personal opinion throughout. The ideas are logically developed, such as the mention of economic benefits through tourism and the practical challenges of retrofitting. The conclusion effectively synthesises these points, offering a nuanced 'hybrid' solution that demonstrates a high level of critical thinking. The response is well-structured and directly answers the task requirements with relevant examples and clear reasoning.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical progression. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the two opposing views and your own opinion is seamless. Cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore', 'Conversely', and 'In my view' are used naturally to guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used effectively, with each section serving a distinct purpose in the overall structure. The flow of ideas is smooth, and there is a strong sense of unity throughout the text, which is characteristic of a high-level response.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, using precise terms such as 'irreplaceable cultural treasures', 'functionally obsolete', 'retrofitting', and 'hybrid approach'. The collocations are natural and sophisticated, contributing to the academic tone of the essay. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling. The vocabulary is not only accurate but also varied, allowing you to express complex ideas with clarity and precision. This level of lexical control is indicative of a high band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 9.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and varied sentence beginnings. The grammar is highly accurate, with almost no errors throughout the text. Punctuation is used correctly to enhance readability and clarify meaning. The control over tense and modal verbs is excellent, particularly when discussing hypothetical scenarios or policy recommendations. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the few complex structures used are handled with full flexibility and accuracy.

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

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