Housing design often sparks debate between preserving tradition and allowing individual expression. Some people believe that newly built houses should resemble older, traditional homes in local areas, while others argue that people should be free to build homes in their own style. In this blog post, we will examine both perspectives and provide a high-band IELTS essay example for candidates.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Question
“Some people think the newly built houses should be the same as the old houses in local areas. Others argue that local authorities should allow people to build homes in their style. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
Question Breakdown
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Topic | Housing design: traditional style vs personal style |
| View 1 | New houses should match traditional local designs |
| View 2 | People should be free to build in their own style |
| Task | Discuss both views and provide your opinion |
Essay Planning Table
| Section | Content Ideas |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Paraphrase the question, outline both views |
| Body Paragraph 1 | Explain benefits of matching old houses: preserve cultural heritage, maintain aesthetic harmony, attract tourism |
| Body Paragraph 2 | Explain benefits of personal style: creativity, individuality, modern needs, personal preferences |
| Body Paragraph 3 | Give personal opinion: allow flexibility with some guidelines to balance tradition and innovation |
| Conclusion | Summarise both views and restate opinion clearly |
Sample High-Band Essay (Approx. 270 words)
The design of new houses often sparks debate between preserving traditional styles and allowing individual expression. Some people believe that newly built houses should resemble older homes in local areas, while others argue that people should have the freedom to build homes in their own style. This essay will discuss both perspectives before giving my opinion.
On one hand, constructing new houses to match traditional local designs has clear advantages. It helps preserve cultural heritage and maintain the aesthetic harmony of neighborhoods. Historical styles can attract tourists and boost local pride, ensuring that communities retain their unique identity over time. Additionally, traditional architecture often adapts well to local climate and materials, offering practical benefits.
On the other hand, allowing people to design homes according to their own preferences encourages creativity and individuality. Modern housing needs may differ from traditional designs, requiring more space, energy-efficient features, or contemporary layouts. Personal choice can improve residents’ satisfaction and reflect the evolving lifestyles of society.
In my opinion, a balanced approach is ideal. Local authorities should provide guidelines to preserve essential cultural and historical aspects, while still allowing homeowners some freedom to innovate and personalize their houses. This approach respects tradition without restricting creativity.
In conclusion, both preserving traditional house designs and allowing personal style have merits. While matching old houses maintains cultural identity, personal expression ensures modern functionality and satisfaction. A flexible approach that combines both perspectives is the most effective solution.
Key Vocabulary for IELTS Writing
- Newly built houses, traditional style, local heritage, cultural identity
- Personal style, creativity, individuality, modern housing needs
- Aesthetic harmony, historical architecture, energy-efficient features, contemporary layouts
- Flexibility, innovation, guidelines, satisfaction, evolving lifestyles
Final Tips for IELTS Candidates
- Spend 5–7 minutes planning your essay before writing.
- Paraphrase the question in your introduction to show lexical range.
- Use linking words: however, moreover, on the other hand, in contrast.
- Support arguments with examples, hypothetical scenarios, or cultural references.
- Give a clear opinion in Body Paragraph 3 and the conclusion.
- Proofread for grammar, punctuation, and sentence clarity.
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