IELTS Writing Task 2: Historic Buildings (Positive Negative) — Band 6/7/8/9 Sample Answers

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Prompt (Paraphrased)

Some people believe the preservation of historic buildings is essential, while others argue that building new structures is more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Band 6.0 Answer

Strengths: Presents both views, some task achievement, simple vocabulary Weaknesses: Lack of clear position, repetitive language, grammatical errors

Many historic buildings exist in our societies. Some people think we should preserve them, but others believe building new structures is more important.

On one hand, preserving historic buildings has several benefits. First, they tell us about our past. For example, ancient temples show us how people lived long ago. Second, they can attract tourists, bringing money to local economies. However, some argue that old buildings are expensive to maintain and may not be safe. Also, they take up space that could be used for modern buildings like offices or apartments.

In conclusion, I think we should keep some historic buildings for history and tourism, but we should also build new ones when necessary.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: 5.0 (Presents both views but position is unclear)
• Coherence and Cohesion: 6.0 (Some logical sequencing, but repetitive language)
• Lexical Resource: 6.0 (Limited range of vocabulary, some errors)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 6.0 (Frequent errors, simple sentence forms)

Band 7.0 Answer

Strengths: Clearly presents both views, attempts to give opinion, more sophisticated vocabulary Weaknesses: Position could be clearer, some awkward phrasing

The preservation of historic buildings has been a topic of debate. While some advocate for maintaining these structures, others prioritize constructing new ones.

Those in favor of preservation argue that historic buildings serve as windows to our past, offering valuable insights into previous civilizations. Moreover, they often become popular tourist attractions, stimulating local economies. For instance, the Colosseum in Rome draws millions of visitors annually. Conversely, opponents contend that maintaining old buildings can be costly and that the space could be better utilized for contemporary purposes like housing or commercial centers. They also point out safety concerns, as many historic structures may not meet modern building codes.

In my view, both perspectives have merit. While we should protect important historical sites, we must also balance this with the needs of modern society.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: 6.5 (Presents both views clearly, attempts to give opinion)
• Coherence and Cohesion: 7.0 (Logical organization, uses some cohesive devices)
• Lexical Resource: 7.0 (Attempts to use sophisticated vocabulary, some inaccuracies)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 7.0 (Mostly error-free, but some awkward phrasing)

Band 8.0 Answer

Strengths: Clearly presents both views, strong opinion, sophisticated vocabulary Weaknesses: Could develop ideas further in some paragraphs

The question of whether to preserve historic buildings or prioritize new construction is a contentious one, with compelling arguments on both sides.

Proponents of preservation contend that historic buildings are irreplaceable cultural assets. They argue that these structures embody the architectural styles, social norms, and technological capabilities of their time. Furthermore, they often serve as significant tourist attractions, boosting local economies. The Taj Mahal, for example, attracts millions of visitors each year. However, critics counter that maintaining these old structures can be exorbitantly expensive. They also argue that the space could be better utilized for modern infrastructure projects that cater to current needs.

I firmly believe that the preservation of historic buildings should be prioritized. While the cost of maintenance is high, the cultural and economic benefits far outweigh this expense. Additionally, modern technology can often be employed to reinforce these structures, ensuring their safety.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: 7.5 (Presents both views clearly, strong opinion, fully developed)
• Coherence and Cohesion: 8.0 (Logical organization, uses cohesive devices effectively)
• Lexical Resource: 8.0 (Sophisticated vocabulary, minimal errors)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 8.0 (Mostly error-free, varied sentence forms)

Band 9.0 Answer

Strengths: Clearly presents both views, strong opinion, sophisticated vocabulary, complex sentence structures Weaknesses: None significant

The dichotomy between preserving historic buildings and prioritizing new construction has sparked vigorous debate among urban planners, historians, and economists.

Advocates for preservation posit that historic buildings are invaluable repositories of cultural heritage. They serve as tangible links to our past, offering insights into the lives and values of previous generations. Furthermore, they often become iconic landmarks that enhance a city's aesthetic appeal and attract tourism revenue. The Great Wall of China, for instance, is not only a testament to ancient engineering prowess but also a major economic driver. Conversely, proponents of new construction argue that old buildings can be financially burdensome to maintain and may not comply with contemporary safety standards. They contend that the land could be more productively used for modern housing, commercial, or recreational facilities that better serve current societal needs.

I am firmly convinced that the preservation of historic buildings should take precedence. The cultural value they embody is immeasurable, and with strategic investment in restoration and adaptive reuse, they can be made to serve modern functions without compromising their historical integrity. Moreover, the tourism industry they support can generate substantial economic benefits that outweigh the costs of maintenance.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: 9.0 (Presents both views clearly, strong opinion, fully developed, supported with relevant examples)
• Coherence and Cohesion: 9.0 (Logical organization, uses cohesive devices effectively, clear progression)
• Lexical Resource: 9.0 (Sophisticated vocabulary, minimal errors, precise usage)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 9.0 (Error-free, varied and complex sentence forms)

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Preservation: The act of maintaining or protecting something (e.g., The preservation of historic buildings is essential for cultural heritage.)
2. Irreplaceable: Impossible to replace or substitute (e.g., Historic buildings are irreplaceable cultural assets.)
3. Exorbitantly: At a very high cost (e.g., Maintaining old structures can be exorbitantly expensive.)
4. Iconic: Widely recognized and well-known (e.g., The Taj Mahal is an iconic landmark.)
5. Embody: To include or represent something (e.g., Historic buildings embody the architectural styles of their time.)
6. Cultural heritage: The traditions and monuments of a culture (e.g., Historic buildings are invaluable repositories of cultural heritage.)
7. Economic driver: Something that stimulates economic growth (e.g., The Great Wall of China is a major economic driver.)
8. Adaptive reuse: Repurposing old buildings for new uses (e.g., Strategic investment in adaptive reuse can make historic buildings serve modern functions.)
9. Tangible: Capable of being touched or seen (e.g., Historic buildings are tangible links to our past.)
10. Aesthetic appeal: The visual appeal of something (e.g., *Historic buildings enhance a city's aesthetic appeal.)
11. Burden: A heavy load or responsibility (e.g., Old buildings can be a financial burden to maintain.)
12. Strategic investment: Careful allocation of resources (e.g., Strategic investment in restoration can ensure the safety of historic buildings.)
13. Compliance: The act of obeying a rule or law (e.g., Old buildings may not comply with contemporary safety standards.)
14. Landmark: An object or feature that serves as a recognizable point of reference (e.g., The Great Wall of China is a significant landmark.)
15. Revenue: Income generated from a particular source (e.g., Historic buildings often generate significant tourism revenue.)
16. Productively: In a way that produces good results (e.g., The land could be more productively used for modern housing.)

Common Mistakes

1. Lack of Clear Position: Many students present both views but fail to clearly state their opinion. Always ensure your position is evident in your conclusion.
2. Repetitive Language: Using the same words and phrases repeatedly can make your writing seem monotonous. Try to vary your vocabulary.
3. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical mistakes can lower your score. Make sure to proofread your work for errors.
4. Insufficient Development: Some students provide only brief points without developing them fully. Aim to provide detailed explanations and examples.
5. Off-Topic Discussions: Stay focused on the prompt. Discussions that deviate from the topic can result in a lower score.

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