Many old buildings protected by law are part of a nation’s history. Some people think they should be knocked down and replaced by news ones. How important is it to maintain old buildings? Should history stand in the way of progress?
Sample Response
Nowadays, due to massive construction work availability of space is the serious problem that needs to be addressed. The building constructed decades back are being removed and demolished for the sake of erecting new structures. However, I tend to believe that ancient buildings are part of nation’s history and they represent the attraction of modern cities therefore, they should not be demolished. The historic buildings should be preserved, protected and renovated for future generations to come. Firstly, the buildings that were constructed in the previous era represent the history of the nation. For instance, it will inform how used people used to live previously. The concept, design, architecture and techniques of construction when there were not enough facilities and options as we have now in the 21st century. This example depicts clearly that building of the last century signified the history of country. Thus it can be seen that preserving the history in the form of old architectural building will be an asset for upcoming generation reminding them about the life of their ancestors rather than constructing the modern style of building. Secondly, the old aged construction is actually the charm and magnetic attraction for the local residents. For instance, when they will be passing by the all the new buildings and all of a sudden they stare an old building their eyes will be glued to the old construction and they will not even bother to see the new building again because these building have now become unique and rare. This example supports the point that old construction appeases the local people. Therefore, it can be seen that old style of building seen to catch people eyes more than the newly designed and constructed buildings. Further, I reckon that history is not hindering the nation’s development or progress rather it is teaching a lesson and motivation for the people. For instance, the people can learn from the mistakes, problems, issues, difficulties which will move them a step forward and they won’t repeat those errors in future. To conclude, the historic buildings are a part of nation’s history and local people sightseeing. I firmly believe that newly constructed building should not be constructed at the cost of erasing old building. I suppose that old buildings will always be sacred for the every nation in the times to come also.
IELTS Writing Correction
- 1. Fix number agreement Original: The building constructed decades back are Suggested revision: Buildings constructed decades ago are Why it matters: The plural verb are requires a plural subject, and ago is the natural time expression.
- 2. Add an article Original: ancient buildings are part of nation’s history Suggested revision: ancient buildings are part of a nation’s history Why it matters: Nation is a singular countable noun and needs an article here.
- 3. Use natural phrasing Original: represent the attraction of modern cities Suggested revision: contribute to the appeal of modern cities Why it matters: Contribute to the appeal naturally expresses how old buildings make cities attractive.
- 4. Remove redundancy Original: future generations to come Suggested revision: future generations Why it matters: Future already conveys that the generations are yet to come.
- 5. Remove misplaced word Original: how used people used to live previously Suggested revision: how people used to live Why it matters: The first used is misplaced, and previously repeats the meaning of used to.
- 6. Fix number and tense Original: building of the last century signified Suggested revision: buildings from the last century signify Why it matters: The general claim needs a plural subject and present tense.
- 7. Add definite article Original: the history of country Suggested revision: the history of the country Why it matters: Country requires the definite article because it refers to the nation already discussed.
- 8. Remove awkward redundancy Original: old architectural building Suggested revision: old buildings Why it matters: Architectural building is redundant and unnatural because every building has architecture.
- 9. Use plural noun Original: an asset for upcoming generation Suggested revision: an asset for future generations Why it matters: The statement concerns multiple generations, so the noun should be plural.
- 10. Replace unnatural phrase Original: the old aged construction Suggested revision: old buildings Why it matters: Old-aged does not naturally describe buildings, and construction is too abstract here.
- 11. Improve collocation Original: the charm and magnetic attraction for Suggested revision: a source of charm and attraction for Why it matters: A source of charm and attraction is the natural noun phrase for this meaning.
- 12. Correct word choice Original: old construction appeases the local people Suggested revision: old buildings appeal to local people Why it matters: Appeal to means attract or please, whereas appease means calm someone who is angry.
Suggested Rewrites
- The building constructed decades back are Buildings constructed decades ago are
- ancient buildings are part of nation’s history ancient buildings are part of a nation’s history
- represent the attraction of modern cities contribute to the appeal of modern cities
- future generations to come future generations
- how used people used to live previously how people used to live
- building of the last century signified buildings from the last century signify
Why this response received Band 6.0
The response maintains a clear position and gives relevant reasons for preserving historic buildings, especially their cultural value and distinctive character. Its main limitation is that the support becomes repetitive and sometimes simplistic, while the tension between conservation and necessary development receives little analysis. Prioritise evaluating when preservation is justified and when carefully planned redevelopment may serve the public interest.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Response
The response answers both questions and sustains a clear pro-preservation position, but the progress issue is treated briefly and supporting examples lack depth.
Develop a balanced principle for deciding which buildings merit protection and how cities can accommodate essential development around them.
Coherence and Cohesion
The argument follows a recognisable sequence with clear topic signals, but repetitive explanation, mechanical linking, and the single-block format weaken progression.
Organise the response into focused paragraphs and remove repeated claims so that each paragraph advances a distinct part of the argument.
Lexical Resource
There is some range in topic vocabulary, but frequent awkward collocations and imprecise choices make the expression unnatural and occasionally unclear.
Use simpler, accurate phrases for heritage value, public attraction, and urban development, and check noun combinations carefully.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
The response attempts varied sentence structures, but frequent errors in articles, agreement, plurals, punctuation, and sentence formation reduce control.
Build shorter complete sentences first, then check subject-verb agreement, articles, and plural forms before combining ideas into complex structures.
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IELTS Writing Task 2
Many old buildings protected by law are part of a nation’s history. Some people think they should be knocked down and replaced by news ones. How important is it to maintain old buildings? Should history stand in the way of progress?
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.