Protecting Old Buildings | Writing for Academic IELTS PDF Download

This model essay is about old buildings and whether they should be protected or not. It is quite a difficult question, so you will need to brainstorm your ideas carefully. It is basically an opinion essay, as you have to give your opinion on protecting old buildings.  However, it does not ask you whether you agree or disagree. There are two parts to this essay question so you must answer both.

How important is it to protect old buildings?

For the first part you have to decide which opinion you have:

• Yes, it's very important - reasons why
• No, it's unimportant - reasons why

Should history stand in the way of progress?

• In this part, you need to give your opinion on whether you think history is so important it should take priority over a country's progress.

Here is in the question:

Q. Many old buildings protected by law are part of a nation’s history. Some people think they should be knocked down and replaced by news ones. How important is it to maintain old buildings? Should history stand in the way of progress?

Sample Answer:

• Most nations around the world have at least some, or possibly many, old buildings such as temples, churches and houses in their cities, villages and surrounding areas which have historical significance. In my opinion, it is very important to maintain these, but this does not mean progress should stop.
• Preserving certain old buildings is important for several reasons. Firstly, these structures provide an insight into the history of our countries, showing us how people many centuries ago lived their lives. Without them, we could only learn by books, and it would undoubtedly be sad if this were the only way to see them. Many of these buildings are also very beautiful. Take for example the many religious buildings such as churches and temples that we see around the world. Not only this, but on a more practical level, many of these buildings provide important income to a country as many tourists visit them in great numbers.
• However, this certainly does not mean that modernization should be discouraged. I believe that old buildings can be protected in tandem with progress. For example, in many circumstances we see old historic buildings being renovated whilst maintaining their original character, and being used for modern purposes. Also, in no way does history hinder progress, and in fact it is the opposite. By studying and learning about our history, we understand more about the world we live in, and this helps us to build a better future.
• To conclude, I believe that it is very important to protect and preserve old buildings as we can learn about our history as can others from other countries. Such knowledge can also help us to understand how to modernize our countries in the best way.