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?

Same questionCompare 6 different answers (Band 6–8)

Sample Response

1

Nowadays, due to massive construction work availability of space is the serious problem that needs to be addressed. Buildings constructed decades ago areThe 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 a nation’s historyancient buildings are part of nation’s history and they contribute to the appeal of modern citiesrepresent the attraction of modern cities therefore, they should not be demolished. The historic buildings should be preserved, protected and renovated for future generationsfuture 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 people used to livehow 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 buildings from the last century signifybuilding of the last century signified the history of the countrythe history of country. Thus it can be seen that preserving the history in the form of old buildingsold architectural building will be an asset for future generationsan asset for upcoming generation reminding them about the life of their ancestors rather than constructing the modern style of building. Secondly, old buildingsthe old aged construction is actually a source of charm and attraction forthe 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 buildings appeal to local peopleold construction appeases the local people. Therefore, it can be seen that old-style buildings seem to catch people’s attentionold 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 but instead provides lessons and motivation for peoplerather 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 a nation’s historya part of nation’s history and a sightseeing attraction for local peoplelocal people sightseeing. I firmly believe that new buildings should not be constructednewly constructed building should not be constructed at the cost of demolishing old buildingserasing old building. I suppose that old buildings will always be sacred for every nationfor the every nation in the times to come also.

Overall assessment

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.

Band score breakdown

IELTS Writing Criteria Scores

TR

Task Response

6.0
Scoring rule

The response answers both questions and sustains a clear pro-preservation position, but the progress issue is treated briefly and supporting examples lack depth.

Next step

Develop a balanced principle for deciding which buildings merit protection and how cities can accommodate essential development around them.

CC

Coherence and Cohesion

6.0
Scoring rule

The argument follows a recognisable sequence with clear topic signals, but repetitive explanation, mechanical linking, and the single-block format weaken progression.

Next step

Organise the response into focused paragraphs and remove repeated claims so that each paragraph advances a distinct part of the argument.

LR

Lexical Resource

5.5
Scoring rule

There is some range in topic vocabulary, but frequent awkward collocations and imprecise choices make the expression unnatural and occasionally unclear.

Next step

Use simpler, accurate phrases for heritage value, public attraction, and urban development, and check noun combinations carefully.

GRA

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

5.5
Scoring rule

The response attempts varied sentence structures, but frequent errors in articles, agreement, plurals, punctuation, and sentence formation reduce control.

Next step

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?

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