Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-09-12

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 considerable debate over whether governments should preserve historic buildings or replace them with modern structures. While restoring old buildings can be expensive, I believe that important heritage sites should generally be preserved, provided that their renovation is economically and practically feasible.

On the one hand, replacing old buildings with modern ones can offer significant advantages. Contemporary buildings are usually designed to meet current safety standards and can incorporate energy-efficient technologies, better accessibility and more flexible spaces. This is particularly important for public facilities such as town halls and art galleries, which need to accommodate large numbers of people. Furthermore, constructing a new building may sometimes be more cost-effective than repairing an ageing structure with serious structural problems. For example, a severely deteriorated public building could require continuous maintenance, whereas a new energy-efficient facility might reduce long-term operating costs.

On the other hand, historic buildings have cultural and educational value that cannot easily be replaced. They provide a tangible connection with a city’s past and often contribute to its distinctive character and tourism industry. Demolishing such buildings could therefore result in the permanent loss of architectural heritage. In my view, governments should prioritise restoring historically significant buildings, particularly when their original features can be preserved without excessive expenditure. For instance, restoring a historic town hall can maintain a community’s identity while allowing the interior to be modernised for contemporary use.

In conclusion, although new buildings may be cheaper and more practical in some circumstances, I believe governments should preserve and sensitively modernise valuable historic buildings whenever this is financially and structurally viable.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The student has fully addressed all parts of the task by discussing both views on preserving historic buildings versus replacing them with modern structures, while also presenting a clear and well-developed personal opinion throughout the response. In the second paragraph, the arguments for modern buildings are effectively articulated, highlighting aspects like safety standards, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness with appropriate examples such as town halls and art galleries. The third paragraph balances this by exploring the cultural, educational, and tourism value of historic structures. The position is consistently maintained and supported with relevant explanations and examples, fully satisfying the requirements for a high band in Task Achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information and ideas are coherently structured, starting with a well-defined introduction, followed by balanced body paragraphs examining opposing views, and concluding with a concise summary. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Furthermore' are used effectively to guide the reader through the argument without being obtrusive. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct central theme, contributing to the overall smooth flow of the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The student employs a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suited to the topic of architecture and urban development. Less common lexical items such as 'tangible connection', 'distinctive character', 'economically and practically feasible', and 'sensitively modernised' are used with a good awareness of style and collocation. Word choices are generally precise and accurate, allowing the writer to convey subtle arguments about cultural value versus modern utility. There are no notable spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication, demonstrating a solid command of vocabulary for this task.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The response features a wide variety of complex sentence structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the writer demonstrates excellent control over grammar and punctuation. Examples of advanced structures include concessive clauses ('While restoring old buildings can be expensive, I believe...') and conditional or participial phrasing ('provided that their renovation is economically and practically feasible'). Punctuation is handled correctly throughout, and occasional minor slips are absent, reflecting strong grammatical control commensurate with a high band score.

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