The topic of protecting cultural heritage in modern cities is increasingly relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on recent exam trends, this theme has appeared frequently, often framed as a discussion on balancing urban development with preserving historical sites. Its significance is likely to grow, given the global focus on sustainable urban planning and cultural preservation.

Let’s examine a recent IELTS Writing Task 2 question that encapsulates this topic:

Some people believe that old buildings should be demolished and replaced with modern ones. Others think they should be preserved as part of a city’s history and culture. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Analysis of the Question

This question addresses the conflict between modernization and cultural preservation in urban settings. It requires candidates to:

1. Discuss arguments for demolishing old buildings and replacing them with modern structures
2. Explore reasons for preserving historical buildings
3. Provide a personal opinion with supporting arguments

Let’s look at three sample essays of varying quality, demonstrating different approaches and skill levels.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

In the evolving landscape of urban development, the fate of old buildings has become a contentious issue. While some advocate for their demolition to make way for modern structures, others argue for their preservation as cultural landmarks. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.

Proponents of modernization argue that replacing old buildings with contemporary ones is essential for urban progress. They contend that modern structures are more energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and better suited to current needs. For instance, new office buildings can accommodate advanced technology and promote collaborative workspaces, potentially boosting productivity and economic growth. Moreover, modern residential complexes often offer improved living conditions and amenities that older buildings may lack.

On the other hand, preservationists emphasize the historical and cultural value of old buildings. They argue that these structures are tangible links to a city’s past, embodying its unique character and identity. Historical buildings often showcase distinctive architectural styles and craftsmanship that modern constructions may not replicate. Furthermore, preserving these buildings can boost tourism, contributing to the local economy while educating visitors and residents about the city’s heritage.

In my opinion, a balanced approach that combines preservation with careful modernization is ideal. Cities should strive to maintain a harmonious blend of old and new, respecting their cultural heritage while embracing progress. This can be achieved through adaptive reuse of historical buildings, where their exteriors are preserved while interiors are modernized to meet contemporary needs. For example, old factories converted into trendy loft apartments or museums not only preserve architectural heritage but also revitalize urban areas.

In conclusion, while the drive for modernization is understandable, it should not come at the expense of a city’s cultural identity. By thoughtfully integrating old and new elements, cities can create vibrant, diverse environments that honor their past while looking towards the future.

(Word count: 309)

Explanation of Band 8-9 Score

This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and meets the criteria for a Band 8-9 score:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed response with relevant, extended ideas.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
3. Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with flexibility and precision. Less common lexical items are used with skill, and there are only rare minor errors in word choice.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and control. Complex sentences are frequent and error-free.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

The question of whether to demolish old buildings or preserve them is a topic of debate in many cities. This essay will discuss both sides of the argument and give my opinion.

Some people think old buildings should be replaced with modern ones. They say that new buildings are better for the environment because they use less energy. Also, modern buildings can have more space and better facilities for people to use. For example, a new office building might have faster internet and more meeting rooms, which can help businesses work better.

However, other people believe that old buildings should be kept as part of a city’s history and culture. These buildings show how people lived in the past and can teach us about our history. Old buildings often look very beautiful and different from new ones, which makes the city more interesting for people who live there and for tourists. Keeping old buildings can also help bring money to the city through tourism.

In my opinion, I think it’s important to keep some old buildings but also build new ones. Cities need to find a balance between respecting their history and developing for the future. One way to do this is to keep the outside of old buildings the same but change the inside to make them more modern and useful. This way, we can have the best of both worlds – buildings that look historical but work well for today’s needs.

To conclude, while there are good reasons for both keeping old buildings and building new ones, I believe the best solution is to do both carefully. This will help cities to keep their special character while also moving forward with the times.

(Word count: 276)

Explanation of Band 6-7 Score

This essay demonstrates good writing skills and meets the criteria for a Band 6-7 score:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but some paragraphs may be better linked than others.
3. Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used, with some flexibility and precision. There may be some errors in word choice, but they do not impede communication.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used. There are some errors, but they rarely reduce communication.

Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)

Some people think old buildings should be knocked down and new ones built. Other people think old buildings should be kept. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.

People who want new buildings say they are better. New buildings use less energy and are good for the environment. They have more space and better things inside, like fast internet. This is good for businesses and people who work there.

People who like old buildings say they are important for history. Old buildings show how people lived before and teach us about the past. They look nice and make the city look different from other cities. Tourists like to see old buildings and this can bring money to the city.

I think both old and new buildings are important. We should keep some old buildings because they are special. But we also need new buildings for modern life. Maybe we can make old buildings look the same outside but change the inside to be more modern. This way, we can have both old and new things in our cities.

In the end, I think cities should have both old and new buildings. This is the best way to remember our history and also have good places for people to live and work now.

(Word count: 209)

Explanation of Band 5-6 Score

This essay demonstrates adequate writing skills and meets the criteria for a Band 5-6 score:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses the task in a general way, but some points may be underdeveloped or unclear.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: The overall organization is apparent, but connections between ideas may sometimes be unclear.
3. Lexical Resource: A limited range of vocabulary is used, with some attempt at more sophisticated words, but errors in word choice may occur.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is attempted, but errors are frequent and may cause some difficulty for the reader.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Urban development (noun) – /ˈɜːrbən dɪˈveləpmənt/ – The growth and improvement of towns and cities.

2. Cultural preservation (noun) – /ˈkʌltʃərəl ˌprezərˈveɪʃən/ – The protection and maintenance of cultural heritage.

3. Adaptive reuse (noun) – /əˈdæptɪv riˈjuːz/ – The process of reusing an existing building for a purpose other than which it was originally built or designed for.

4. Modernization (noun) – /ˌmɒdənaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – The process of updating something to make it suitable for modern needs or habits.

5. Architectural heritage (noun) – /ˌɑːrkɪˈtektʃərəl ˈherɪtɪdʒ/ – The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society inherited from past generations.

6. Revitalize (verb) – /ˌriːˈvaɪtəlaɪz/ – To give new life or vigor to something.

7. Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.

8. Craftsmanship (noun) – /ˈkrɑːftsmənʃɪp/ – The quality of design and work shown in something made by hand.

Balancing cultural heritage protection in modern cities

Conclusion

The topic of protecting cultural heritage in modern cities is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. Future questions might explore aspects such as:

1. The economic impact of preserving historical sites versus modern development
2. The role of technology in preserving cultural heritage while promoting urban growth
3. Balancing tourism demands with local residents’ needs in historical urban areas

To improve your writing skills, practice crafting essays on these topics, focusing on clear organization, varied vocabulary, and well-supported arguments. Consider sharing your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion with fellow learners.