Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-10-25

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 5.5)

In today's rapidly evolving world, the question of whether the old buildings should be restored or replaced into modern building, has remain a subject of intense debate. While segment of society advocates for the former, citing that historical building, such as town halls and art galleries, should be restored, while others contend that the latter is a more viable approach. Although, both approaches carries certain merits, I am inclined to believe that the old buildings should be restored as this is a more comprehensive approach.

On the one hand, there is a prevailing school of thoughts that the government should convert these ancient buildings into new, modern buildings. This is primarily because an increasing number of individuals are unemployed, so they believe these ancient sites should be replaced into some new employment sites. Consequently, this will generate jobs for the economy. Moreover, they believe these ancient buildings are monotonous to visit as they have no sufficient knowledge of the history of these buildings. For example, recent studies shows that only 5% of the people in the city visit art galleries and museums. As a result, this approach remains somewhat limited in its scope.

On the other hand, an increasing number of individuals believe that old historical buildings should be restored, even though this can be expensive. They firmly believe that historical monuments like art galleries, town halls, and museums should not be replaced as these sites define their histories and its values. Additionally, people can hold campaigns to raise more knowledge about these historical monuments.For Instance, schools can hold campaigns about history.

In conclusion, people have distinct thoughts about old historical building. However, I strongly believe that historical monuments should never be converted into new buildings as these buildings hold a sentimental values. This is surely a superior approach.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You discuss both positions and state a clear preference for restoring historic buildings, especially in the introduction and conclusion. The restoration argument is relevant: you explain that these places preserve history and values, and mention school campaigns as a possible way to raise awareness. However, the two sides are not developed evenly. The case for replacement relies mainly on creating jobs and low visitor numbers, without explaining what modern buildings would provide or how this would justify replacing heritage sites. The example that only 5% visit galleries is also unsupported and not clearly connected to the proposal. Develop each view with a specific reason and a more convincing example, and explain more fully why restoration is worth its cost.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction, separate paragraphs for the two views, and a conclusion. Signposting such as “On the one hand,” “On the other hand,” and “In conclusion” helps readers follow the broad direction. However, progression within paragraphs is sometimes weak. In the first body paragraph, the link between unemployment, replacing buildings, and generating jobs needs clearer explanation; the final sentence, “this approach remains somewhat limited,” does not follow convincingly from the preceding points. The restoration paragraph repeats the central claim and ends with a brief example that is not fully connected to the argument. Use clearer links between each claim and its consequence, and avoid relying on formulaic transitions alone.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use some topic-relevant vocabulary, including “historical monuments,” “employment,” “sentimental,” and “viable approach,” and the main ideas remain understandable. However, the range is limited by repeated wording such as “old buildings,” “historical buildings,” and “approach.” Several word combinations or forms are inaccurate, including “replaced into,” “school of thoughts,” and “raise more knowledge,” which make parts of the argument less natural. “Monotonous to visit” also does not express the likely meaning clearly. Build a more precise set of terms for heritage, preservation, redevelopment, and public access, and check collocations when using less familiar vocabulary. This would make your ideas clearer and more fluent.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt a mixture of simple and complex sentences, including clauses introduced by “while,” “because,” and “as.” Nevertheless, errors occur frequently, and some complex sentences are difficult to control. For example, “the question … has remain” has an incorrect verb form, while “Although, both approaches carries” has faulty punctuation and subject–verb agreement. Other examples include “an increasing number … believe” followed by “they firmly believe” with unclear reference, and “these buildings hold a sentimental values,” where the article and plural form do not agree. Review verb forms, agreement, articles, and sentence boundaries. Aim first for accurate, shorter sentences, then add subordinate clauses where you can control the grammar.

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