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Recent Exam Question:
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?
In IELTS Writing Task 2, candidates are often asked to discuss whether resources should be spent on repairing old buildings or demolishing them to construct new ones. This to what extent do you agree or disagree question tests your ability to take a clear position, support it with reasons and examples, and use formal academic language. This post provides a detailed breakdown, essay planning tips, key vocabulary, and three high-band sample essays: agree only, disagree only, and balanced approach.
Question Breakdown
- Topic: Urban development, heritage management, and construction policies
- Task Type: To what extent do you agree or disagree
- Focus Areas: Repairing old buildings (preservation, renovation) vs building new structures (modernisation, efficiency)
- Task: Take a clear position and support it with two main reasons, examples, and a conclusion
Essay Planning
Option 1 – Agree: Money is better spent on new buildings
Body Paragraph 1: Old buildings often require extensive, costly repairs that are not cost-effective.
Body Paragraph 2: New buildings are more energy-efficient, functional, and meet modern safety standards.
Option 2 – Disagree: Money should be spent on repairing old buildings
Body Paragraph 1: Repairing old buildings preserves cultural heritage and historical value.
Body Paragraph 2: Renovation is often cheaper and more sustainable than demolishing and rebuilding.
Option 3 – Balanced Approach
Body Paragraph 1: In some cases, repairing old buildings is important to retain cultural and historical significance.
Body Paragraph 2: In other cases, constructing new buildings is necessary for safety, modern needs, and efficiency.
Key Vocabulary & Language Elements
Vocabulary: urban development, heritage preservation, renovation, demolition, structural integrity, sustainability, modern standards, cost-effective, energy efficiency, historical value
Cohesive Devices: Firstly, moreover, in addition, however, on the other hand, therefore, consequently
Agreement / Disagreement Phrases: I firmly agree, I completely disagree, undeniably, it is evident that, contrary to this belief
Sample High-Band Essays
1. Agree Only
Many people argue that too much money is spent repairing old buildings, and it would be better to demolish them and construct new ones. I strongly agree with this view, as rebuilding is often more practical, efficient, and cost-effective than continuous maintenance of aging structures.
Firstly, old buildings usually require extensive repairs that can be extremely expensive. For example, structural issues, outdated electrical wiring, and plumbing problems often demand significant investment, which could be better utilised in constructing a modern building that requires minimal maintenance.
Moreover, new buildings can meet contemporary standards of safety, functionality, and energy efficiency. Modern designs allow for better space utilisation, environmentally friendly materials, and improved living or working conditions. In contrast, old buildings may never fully comply with current regulations, making repeated repairs a long-term burden.
In conclusion, allocating resources to construct new buildings rather than repairing old ones is both economically sensible and practically beneficial. Governments and private organisations should prioritise redevelopment to achieve more efficient urban planning.
2. Disagree Only
Some people believe that demolishing old buildings and constructing new ones is a better use of money. However, I completely disagree, as repairing old buildings preserves historical and cultural heritage while often being more cost-effective than rebuilding from scratch.
Firstly, many old buildings have significant cultural and historical value that cannot be replaced by new structures. Landmarks, heritage homes, and ancient architecture contribute to a city’s identity and attract tourism, generating social and economic benefits. Demolishing them would lead to irreversible cultural loss.
I addition, renovation is frequently cheaper and more sustainable than new construction. Restoring existing buildings can conserve materials, reduce construction waste, and minimise environmental impact. For example, updating insulation or plumbing in an old building often costs less than demolishing it and starting a new project.
In conclusion, investing in the repair of old buildings is both economically and culturally advantageous. Governments and developers should focus on preservation and sustainable renovation rather than unnecessary demolition.
3. Balanced Approach
There is an ongoing debate about whether money should be spent repairing old buildings or constructing new ones. While some argue that rebuilding is more efficient, I believe that both approaches are valid depending on the circumstances, and a balanced strategy is ideal.
In some cases, old buildings have historical, cultural, or architectural significance that makes preservation worthwhile. Renovating such structures can enhance tourism, retain city identity, and provide sustainable solutions by reusing existing materials.
However, in cases where buildings are structurally unsafe or unsuitable for modern needs, constructing new buildings is necessary. New constructions are more energy-efficient, meet contemporary safety regulations, and offer better functionality for urban development.
In conclusion, a balanced approach is essential. Authorities should evaluate buildings individually, repairing those with historical value while replacing unsafe or inefficient structures. This strategy ensures both cultural preservation and modern urban development.
Final Tips for IELTS Candidates
- Choose your stance (agree, disagree, or balanced) and maintain it consistently.
- Use two clear reasons in two body paragraphs for coherence.
- Support your ideas with examples and real-world scenarios.
- Incorporate topic-specific vocabulary and cohesive devices naturally.
- A balanced approach can enhance task response and demonstrate critical thinking.
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