IELTS Writing Task 2 (June 20, 2026): How to Answer the Old Buildings vs Modern Buildings Essay
Published: June 2026
If you're preparing for IELTS, reviewing recent Writing Task 2 questions is one of the smartest ways to understand current exam trends.
One of the essays reported by candidates who took the evening test on June 20, 2026 focused on a familiar topic: balancing cultural heritage with modern development. It's a type of discussion essay that regularly appears in the IELTS exam because it tests your ability to present different viewpoints and support your own opinion with clear reasoning.
Let's take a closer look at the question and discuss how you can approach it to achieve a Band 7 or higher.
The Reported Writing Task 2 Question
Some people think it is important to keep and maintain old buildings rather than replacing them with modern buildings. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This is a classic "Discuss Both Views and Give Your Opinion" essay. Your task is to explain both perspectives fairly before presenting your own position in the conclusion.
What Is the Examiner Looking For?
Many candidates lose marks because they simply list advantages and disadvantages without fully developing their ideas.
To score well, you need to:
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Explain both viewpoints clearly.
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Support each idea with logical reasons or examples.
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Present your own opinion consistently.
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Organize your essay into clear, well-connected paragraphs.
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Use a range of academic vocabulary and grammatical structures naturally.
Remember, IELTS rewards quality of argument, not the number of ideas.
Viewpoint 1: Why Should Old Buildings Be Preserved?
People who support preserving historic buildings usually focus on their cultural and historical importance.
Old buildings often:
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Represent a country's heritage.
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Reflect traditional architecture.
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Preserve important historical events.
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Strengthen national identity.
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Attract domestic and international tourists.
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Pass cultural values to future generations.
For example, famous landmarks around the world continue to attract millions of visitors every year because they represent the history and identity of a city or country.
A strong paragraph should explain why these buildings matter, rather than simply stating that they are old.
Viewpoint 2: Why Replace Old Buildings with Modern Ones?
On the other hand, many people believe that some older buildings are no longer practical.
Common arguments include:
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High maintenance costs.
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Safety concerns.
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Poor energy efficiency.
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Limited accessibility.
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Inability to meet the needs of growing populations.
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Outdated infrastructure.
Modern buildings can provide safer workplaces, environmentally friendly designs, and improved public services while supporting expanding cities.
The key is to explain how modernization can improve everyday life rather than simply saying newer buildings are "better."
A Balanced Opinion Usually Scores Well
Many high-scoring candidates avoid taking an extreme position.
Instead, they recognize the value of both perspectives.
For example, you could argue that:
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Buildings with genuine historical or cultural significance should be carefully preserved.
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Structures that no longer serve practical purposes and cannot be restored economically may be replaced with modern, sustainable alternatives.
This balanced position demonstrates mature thinking and allows you to discuss both sides effectively.
Useful Vocabulary for This Topic
Instead of repeating words like "old" and "new," try using more academic vocabulary.
For historic buildings:
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cultural heritage
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architectural landmark
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historical significance
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preservation
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restoration
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heritage conservation
For modern development:
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sustainable architecture
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urban redevelopment
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infrastructure
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energy-efficient buildings
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modernization
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urban expansion
Using precise vocabulary naturally can improve your Lexical Resource score.
Common Mistakes Candidates Make
Many students lose marks because they:
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Spend too much time describing old buildings.
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Forget to discuss modern buildings equally.
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Change their opinion halfway through the essay.
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Give examples without explaining them.
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Repeat the question instead of answering it.
Balanced development is more important than writing many different ideas.
Sample Essay Structure
A simple structure could be:
Introduction
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Paraphrase the question.
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State that both views will be discussed.
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Briefly mention your opinion.
Body Paragraph 1
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Explain why preserving historic buildings is important.
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Provide supporting reasons and examples.
Body Paragraph 2
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Explain why replacing certain buildings may sometimes be necessary.
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Support your argument logically.
Conclusion
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Summarize both viewpoints.
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Restate your opinion clearly.
Keeping your structure organized makes your ideas easier for the examiner to follow.
How BandLadder Can Help You Score Higher in IELTS Writing
Writing a good IELTS essay isn't just about knowing English—it's about understanding what the examiner expects.
BandLadder helps students prepare with:
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AI-powered Writing Task 2 evaluation
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Detailed band score analysis
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Grammar and vocabulary suggestions
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Model Band 8 and Band 9 essays
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Personalized feedback after every practice test
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Full-length IELTS mock exams
Instead of wondering whether your essay is good enough, you'll receive detailed feedback that shows exactly what needs improvement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What type of IELTS essay is this?
This is a Discuss Both Views and Give Your Opinion essay.
Should I choose only one side?
No. You should discuss both viewpoints fairly before presenting your own opinion.
Is it okay to have a balanced opinion?
Yes. As long as your opinion is clear and consistently supported throughout the essay, a balanced position can score very well.
How many ideas should I include?
It's better to explain two well-developed ideas than list several points without explanation.
How can I improve my IELTS Writing score?
Practice regularly, learn how each essay type is structured, review high-scoring sample answers, and get personalized feedback on your writing. AI-powered platforms like BandLadder can help you identify your weaknesses and improve them before test day.
Final Thoughts
Questions about heritage, urban development, and modernization continue to appear frequently in IELTS Writing Task 2 because they allow candidates to demonstrate critical thinking and balanced argumentation.
If you encounter a similar essay in your exam, don't rush to list reasons. Focus on building clear arguments, supporting them with relevant examples, and maintaining a consistent opinion throughout your response.
With regular practice and detailed feedback from BandLadder, you'll be better prepared to write confidently and move closer to your target IELTS band score.
