IELTS Writing Task 2 with sample answer.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Many old cities around the world are going through a major process of modernization. What are the advantages and disadvantages of modernization?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer:
Modernization, in common parlance, refers to the replacement old into new one. With the dawn of industrial revolution, many ancient cities across the globe has been transforming into new cities. While the process has some benefits, such improved facilities, economic progress, and so on, there are negative impacts as well.
To start with, modernization of old city provides the city dwellers with several advantages. As the increasing numbers of people are moving to cities for employment opportunity with the uptick of economic growth, cities are becoming overpopulated. Consequently, it causes new demands, for example high rise building, wide roads and streets, more amenities for the growing population. Modernization meets these needs to the citizens. In addition to this, it also creates job opportunities. That is to say, modernization embarks on embark on infrastructural development resulting in the plenty of employment opportunities. So, the modernization process proliferates job opportunities, not to mention its effects on elevating living standard of city residents.
Having said that the modernization process too has several drawbacks. First and foremost, it harms the sense of pride. To give an illustration of what I mean, let us look at the case of old historic buildings. These buildings are the direct reflection of our history, heritage, and culture. Demolishing these buildings means our sense of pride. On the top of that, it also contributes to environment concerns. That is to say, new building materials are to be produced for new constructions. Which by consequence increases the consumption of fossil fuels. Thus, not only does modernization of an old city abuse our sense of pride, but also it damages our environment.
To wrap up, renovation of old cities is a double-edge sword. Although there are a pile of advantages, it also jeopardizes our culture and history, and our environment as well. Therefore, we should think twice before renovating an old city.