IELTS Task 2 model essay: Some people think it's important to keep traditional buildings

The question

Some people think it's important to keep traditional buildings. Others think new, modern buildings are better. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Essay type: Discuss both views. Write at least 250 words in 40 minutes.

The plan (5 minutes)

• Paragraph 1: As cities grow, decisions must be made about whether to preserve old buildings or replace them with modern ones.
• Paragraph 2: Those who support preserving traditional buildings argue that they are an important part of a city's identity and history.
• Paragraph 3: On the other hand, supporters of modern architecture point out that old buildings often fail to meet current needs.
• Paragraph 4: In my view, the best approach is a balance.
• Paragraph 5: In conclusion, both traditional and modern buildings have a role in a successful city.

Model essay (276 words)

As cities grow, decisions must be made about whether to preserve old buildings or replace them with modern ones. Both views have merit, but I believe that traditional buildings of genuine historical value should be preserved, while new buildings should meet modern needs.

Those who support preserving traditional buildings argue that they are an important part of a city's identity and history. Historic town halls, churches and terraced houses tell the story of how a community developed, and they give each city a unique character that attracts residents and tourists alike. Many traditional buildings were also made with high-quality materials and skilled craftsmanship that would be very expensive to reproduce today.

On the other hand, supporters of modern architecture point out that old buildings often fail to meet current needs. They can be costly to heat and maintain, difficult to access for people with disabilities, and unsuitable for modern technology. As populations grow, cities need more housing and office space, and modern buildings can provide this more efficiently, often with far better energy performance. Keeping every old building could prevent cities from developing.

In my view, the best approach is a balance. Buildings with real historical or architectural importance should be protected, and where possible adapted for new uses, such as converting old warehouses into apartments. However, ordinary old buildings without special value can be replaced by well-designed modern ones that respect the style of the surrounding area.

In conclusion, both traditional and modern buildings have a role in a successful city. Preserving the most significant old buildings while allowing thoughtful new development allows cities to keep their character and meet the needs of the future.

Why it's a band 7+ answer

• Task Response: every part of the question is answered, with a clear position from the introduction to the conclusion.
• Coherence and Cohesion: 5 paragraphs, each with one main idea, linked naturally (however, moreover, in my view, in conclusion).
• Lexical Resource: precise topic vocabulary and collocations, without forced "big words".
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: a mix of simple and complex sentences, with very few errors.

Your turn

Write your own answer to this question in 40 minutes, then paste it into the free IELTS writing checker for an estimated band on all four criteria. For more practice questions, see the 60 IELTS Task 2 questions.