Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

In today's world, the restoration of old buildings has become a widely discussed issue. Different people have different opinions regarding this matter because it affects individuals, families, organizations, and society in different ways. This essay will discuss the main aspects of the topic before presenting a balanced conclusion.

On the one hand, there are several reasons why restoring old buildings is considered beneficial. Firstly, it helps preserve the history and cultural heritage of a country. Secondly, historic buildings such as town halls and art galleries can attract tourists and educate younger generations. Moreover, this approach can improve overall performance, increase confidence, and create better opportunities in the future. For example, restoring a historic art gallery can attract more visitors and support local businesses. As a result, this approach can provide long-term advantages for both individuals and society.

On the other hand, some people believe that replacing old buildings with new, modern buildings offers better outcomes. They argue that constructing new buildings can be less expensive than maintaining severely damaged structures. Furthermore, modern buildings can provide better facilities, improved safety, and greater energy efficiency. In addition, this method can solve many practical problems and improve people's quality of life. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of this viewpoint often depends on individual circumstances.

In conclusion, both viewpoints have their own strengths. However, I believe that restoring historically important buildings is the better approach because it provides greater overall benefits while addressing the challenges more effectively. Therefore, this approach should be encouraged for a better future, allowing people to enjoy both professional success and personal satisfaction.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views on old buildings versus modern constructions and providing a clear personal opinion in the conclusion. The introduction outlines the essay plan, and both body paragraphs present relevant arguments for each side. For example, the student supports the restoration view by mentioning cultural heritage and tourism, and the counter-view by discussing lower costs and better facilities in modern buildings. However, some of the supporting ideas feel a bit generic and formulaic, such as 'improve overall performance, increase confidence, and create better opportunities in the future,' which do not fit the topic of historic buildings entirely naturally. Despite these somewhat repetitive or templated phrases, the task is successfully covered, earning a solid Band 6.5.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organised with a clear introduction, two distinct body paragraphs representing opposing views, and a concluding paragraph. Cohesive devices are used adequately to guide the reader through the text, such as 'On the one hand,' 'On the other hand,' and 'In conclusion.' Paragraphing is used appropriately, separating the distinct arguments cleanly. However, referencing and cohesive links can occasionally feel mechanical or overly formulaic. For instance, transitional phrases like 'As a result, this approach can provide long-term advantages' are used correctly but lack variety. Overall, the progression of ideas is coherent, satisfying the descriptors for Band 7.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate and functional range of vocabulary suitable for the task, successfully using terms such as 'cultural heritage,' 'historically important buildings,' and 'energy efficiency.' There are also attempts at less common vocabulary items like 'severely damaged structures' and 'individual circumstances.' While communication is clear and vocabulary is generally appropriate, the range lacks the flexibility and precision required for higher bands, and some expressions rely on standard templates rather than precise topic-specific collocation. Spelling and word choice are accurate throughout, leading to a consistent Band 6 performance.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The student displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing relative clauses and conditional-like structures effectively (e.g., 'even though this can be costly' and 'while addressing the challenges more effectively'). Grammatical control is generally strong, with many error-free sentences throughout the text (such as 'They argue that constructing new buildings can be less expensive than maintaining severely damaged structures'). Punctuation is accurate, and minor slips are rare, making the response easily readable. The control over grammar and variety of structures firmly places this performance in the Band 7 range.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.