IELTS Writing Task 2 with sample answer.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write at least 250 words.
Too much money is wasted on repairing old buildings that should be used to knock them down and build new ones
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Sample Answer:
It is true that in certain instances, a large amount of money is spent on maintaining old buildings. While there are some advantages to this, this essay will argue that, in general, funds should be allocated to constructing new buildings instead.
On the one hand, there are a number of advantages to preserving old buildings. Firstly, it is true that such buildings can possess a great deal of historical and cultural significance, which should be safeguarded for future generations. For example, many ancient churches and cathedrals in Europe are popular tourist attractions and contribute to the local economy. Secondly, restoring a building can often be a cost-effective solution in the short-term. This is because it is often cheaper to renovate an existing building than to build a completely new one from scratch.
On the other hand, there are many arguments in favour of constructing new buildings instead. Firstly, it is often the case that old buildings are no longer able to meet the needs of modern society. For instance, many old buildings are not built with accessibility in mind, meaning that they are not suitable for disabled people. Secondly, while renovating a building may be a cost-effective solution in the short-term, it is often the case that in the long-term it is more expensive to keep repairing an old building than to build a new one. This is because the building may require continual maintenance and may not be able to last for many years.
In conclusion, while there are some advantages to preserving old buildings, it is generally a better idea to allocate resources to constructing new buildings. This is because old buildings may not be able to meet modern needs and may be expensive to maintain in the long-term.