IELTS Writing Task 2: Historic Buildings (Advantages Disadvantages) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

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Prompt

Some people argue that governments should spend money on preserving historic buildings, while others believe funds should be invested in new infrastructure. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Preserving historic buildings is important, but new infrastructure is also necessary. Old buildings show our history and culture, which is valuable. However, new roads and buildings are needed for economic growth. Governments should balance both. For example, in my country, old temples are protected, but new highways are also built. This way, we keep our past while improving our future.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): Presents a position but lacks development (Band 6)
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Simple organization with some logical flow (Band 6)
• Lexical Resource (LR): Limited vocabulary range (Band 5)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Frequent errors in sentence formation (Band 5)

Band 7.0 Answer

The preservation of historic buildings is a contentious issue, with proponents arguing for their cultural significance and opponents advocating for investment in modern infrastructure. Historic buildings serve as tangible links to our past, offering educational value and tourism potential. For instance, the Great Wall of China attracts millions of visitors annually, boosting the local economy. Conversely, investing in new infrastructure can stimulate economic growth and improve quality of life. Singapore's development of Changi Airport demonstrates how modern infrastructure can drive progress. A balanced approach is ideal, prioritizing preservation where culturally significant and investing in infrastructure where economically beneficial.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with relevant examples (Band 7)
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Logical organization with clear progression (Band 7)
• Lexical Resource (LR): Sufficient vocabulary range with some less common lexis (Band 7)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Some complex sentences with occasional errors (Band 6)

Band 8.0 Answer

The debate surrounding the allocation of government funds between preserving historic buildings and investing in new infrastructure is multifaceted. Proponents of preservation argue that historic buildings embody a nation's cultural heritage and offer invaluable educational opportunities. The restoration of the Colosseum in Rome, for example, has not only preserved a significant piece of history but also generated substantial revenue through tourism. Conversely, advocates for new infrastructure contend that modern developments are essential for economic growth and improved living standards. The construction of the Shinkansen bullet train in Japan exemplifies how infrastructure can transform a nation's economy. While both perspectives hold merit, a strategic approach that prioritizes preservation in culturally significant areas and invests in infrastructure where economically viable is optimal.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with well-developed arguments and examples (Band 8)
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Logical organization with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices (Band 8)
• Lexical Resource (LR): Wide range of vocabulary with some less common lexis used appropriately (Band 8)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Sophisticated sentence structures with minimal errors (Band 7)

Band 9.0 Answer

The dichotomy between preserving historic buildings and investing in new infrastructure presents a complex dilemma for governments worldwide. Historic buildings, as repositories of cultural heritage, offer profound educational value and serve as catalysts for tourism. The meticulous restoration of the Forbidden City in Beijing not only safeguards a pivotal chapter of Chinese history but also attracts millions of visitors annually, contributing significantly to the local economy. Conversely, the development of modern infrastructure is indispensable for fostering economic growth and enhancing the quality of life. The construction of the Berlin Wall Memorial, for instance, has not only preserved a poignant historical site but also served as a poignant reminder of the city's turbulent past. A nuanced approach is required, wherein governments prioritize the preservation of historically significant sites while strategically investing in infrastructure projects that promise substantial economic returns. This balanced strategy ensures the preservation of cultural heritage while driving economic progress.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): Presents a clear, insightful position with well-developed arguments and relevant, extended examples (Band 9)
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Logical organization with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices (Band 9)
• Lexical Resource (LR): Wide range of vocabulary with sophisticated and less common lexis used appropriately (Band 9)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Sophisticated sentence structures with minimal errors (Band 9)

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Preservation: The act of maintaining or protecting something (e.g., the preservation of historic buildings)
2. Infrastructure: The basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society (e.g., investing in new infrastructure)
3. Cultural heritage: The full range of tangible and intangible aspects of a society inherited from past generations (e.g., historic buildings embody our cultural heritage)
4. Economic growth: An increase in the production of goods and services in an economy (e.g., new infrastructure stimulates economic growth)
5. Tourism potential: The ability of a place to attract visitors (e.g., historic sites offer significant tourism potential)
6. Strategic approach: A plan of action designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim (e.g., a strategic approach to preservation and infrastructure)
7. Catalyst: Something that precipitates a process or event (e.g., historic buildings serve as catalysts for tourism)
8. Indispensable: Absolutely necessary (e.g., modern infrastructure is indispensable for economic growth)
9. Nuanced approach: A subtle or refined understanding of a situation (e.g., a nuanced approach to preservation and infrastructure)
10. Poignant: Evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret (e.g., a poignant reminder of the city's turbulent past)

Common Mistakes

1. Lack of Specific Examples: Many students fail to provide concrete examples to support their arguments, leading to lower Task Response scores.
2. Weak Vocabulary: Using basic vocabulary limits the Lexical Resource score. Students should aim to use a wider range of vocabulary, including less common lexis.
3. Poor Organization: A lack of clear organization and cohesive devices can result in a lower Coherence and Cohesion score.
4. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can significantly impact the Grammatical Range and Accuracy score. Students should focus on using a variety of sentence structures accurately.
5. One-Sided Arguments: Presenting only one side of the argument without discussing the opposing view can lead to a lower Task Response score.

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