Band 4.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 4.0 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-10-07

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 4.0)

It is a debatable issue whether art galleries and ancient buildings should be rebuild according to modern trend or repaired in and restore for the future generation. While some opine that old monuments should be saved for the coming generation where as opponents argue that it can be replaced with modern buildings. This essay will discuss both views in the upcoming paragraphs along with my opinion.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response3.0
Coherence and Cohesion4.5
Lexical Resource4.5
Grammatical Range and Accuracy4.5
Overall4.0

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 3.0

The opening identifies the topic and signals that both positions will be discussed, but it does not actually explain either view or give your own opinion. The phrase “This essay will discuss both views” is a plan rather than a response to the question, and no reasons or relevant examples are provided. The response is also substantially below the required 250 words, so the task is addressed only minimally. To improve, explain why preserving historic buildings may protect cultural identity, why replacing them could offer practical or economic benefits, and state clearly which approach you support, with supporting examples.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 4.5

There is a basic overall sequence: the first sentence introduces the issue, the next presents the two sides, and the final sentence previews the essay. The linking expression “While” helps signal contrast, so the reader can follow the intended direction. However, this is only an introductory paragraph; there is no development, paragraphing, or progression of supporting ideas. “Where as” is also used awkwardly, and “in the upcoming paragraphs” is a mechanical signpost rather than a connection between developed points. Build separate paragraphs for each view and your opinion, using clear references and transitions to show how each reason relates to the question.

Lexical Resource: Band 4.5

The response uses some relevant topic vocabulary, including “art galleries,” “old monuments,” “future generation,” and “modern buildings,” and the contrast between “saved” and “replaced” is understandable. However, the range is narrow because the response is very short, and several choices are inaccurate or unnatural: “rebuild according to modern trend,” “repaired in and restore,” and “opponents” do not express the intended ideas precisely. “Ancient buildings” may also be too broad for the examples in the prompt. Aim for accurate collocations such as “restore historic buildings,” “preserve architectural heritage,” and “replace them with modern facilities,” and use these to explain specific benefits and drawbacks.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 4.5

You attempt a complex opening with “whether” and a contrast clause beginning “While,” showing some ability to combine ideas. Meaning is generally recoverable, but grammatical control is uneven. In “should be rebuild,” the passive form is incorrect; “should be rebuilt” is needed. The sequence “repaired in and restore” is not a complete, well-formed construction, and “where as” should be written as the conjunction “whereas.” The final sentence is grammatically understandable, though its structure is repetitive and does not develop a point. Practise accurate passive forms and parallel structures, then use a mix of simple and complex sentences to explain each argument.

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

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