Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-09-08

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 about whether governments should invest in restoring historic buildings or replace them with modern alternatives. Although constructing new buildings may offer greater practicality and efficiency, I believe that historically significant structures should generally be preserved because of their cultural, architectural and economic value.

On the one hand, restoring old buildings is essential for preserving a nation's cultural identity and heritage. Many historic structures serve as tangible links to the past, enabling future generations to understand and appreciate their country's history. In addition, well-preserved buildings can attract a considerable number of tourists, thereby generating substantial revenue for local communities. For example, historic town halls, museums and art galleries often become popular tourist attractions, benefiting nearby businesses as well as the wider economy. Therefore, despite the considerable expense involved, restoration can provide long-term cultural and financial benefits.

On the other hand, supporters of replacing old buildings argue that modern structures are better suited to the demands of contemporary society. Older buildings can be expensive to maintain and may require frequent repairs to comply with current safety standards. Furthermore, newly constructed buildings can incorporate advanced technology, improved accessibility and greater energy efficiency. For instance, replacing a severely deteriorated public building with a modern facility could provide better services while significantly reducing long-term maintenance costs. From this perspective, redevelopment may be a more practical solution.

In conclusion, while modern buildings can offer improved functionality and lower maintenance costs, I believe that structures with genuine historical or cultural significance should be restored whenever possible. Only buildings with little heritage value, particularly those beyond reasonable repair, should be replaced to meet contemporary needs.

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 preservation of historic buildings for cultural and economic reasons, and the replacement of buildings for modern efficiency and safety. Your own position is clearly stated in the introduction and consistently maintained throughout the essay, culminating in a nuanced conclusion. The ideas are well-developed with relevant examples, such as the mention of tourism and the technological advantages of new builds. The response is balanced and demonstrates a strong understanding of the task requirements.

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 the two viewpoints is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Furthermore'. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the different arguments. The referencing is clear, and the flow of the argument is easy to follow from start to finish. The use of linking words is natural and contributes to the overall coherence of the piece.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision. Phrases such as 'tangible links to the past', 'generate substantial revenue', and 'comply with current safety standards' show a high level of lexical control. The vocabulary is appropriate for the academic tone of the task. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the language used is sophisticated enough to convey your arguments effectively and clearly.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of complex structures, including conditional sentences and well-constructed subordinate clauses. The majority of sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and grammar is excellent. There are no significant errors that impede communication. The use of varied sentence lengths and structures keeps the reader engaged and demonstrates a high level of grammatical competence. The writing is accurate and flows naturally.

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