Recent IELTS GT Writing Task 1 - Large old building

Your local council is planning to pull down a large old building in the city centre and you are not happy with this.

Write a letter to the council. In your letter:

• explain why you think it is important to preserve the old building
• suggest what the council could do instead
• describe how the community would benefit from your suggestion

📌 Note: This question appeared in the IELTS Writing exam on 13th September, 2025 in Canada.  

2025 IELTS Writing Task 2 Questions – Click to View All

Band 9 Sample Answer:

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the council’s plan to demolish the historic building located in the heart of our city centre. I strongly believe that this decision would be a great loss for the entire community.

First and foremost, the building is an architectural landmark that represents our city’s heritage. It has stood for more than a century, and many generations have grown up identifying it as part of our cultural identity. Losing it would erase an important link to our past.

Moreover, old structures such as this often attract tourists, historians, and even film makers. If preserved and restored, the building could serve as a source of both pride and economic benefit. Destroying it would mean losing a potential revenue stream that could help fund other civic projects.

Instead of demolition, I would urge the council to consider converting the site into a public cultural centre or a local museum. This way, it can be repurposed while retaining its original charm.

Such an initiative would create educational opportunities for students, provide a venue for community events, and encourage greater civic engagement. At the same time, it would ensure that the beauty of the building continues to be appreciated.

By preserving this landmark, the council would be safeguarding history while also creating tangible social and economic benefits for future generations.

I hope you will reconsider this plan and act in the best interest of both the city and its residents.

Yours faithfully,

Ravi Kumar

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Band 9 Insights Based on IELTS Writing Band Descriptors:

• Task Achievement: All three bullet points are fully developed with clear, relevant ideas.
• Coherence & Cohesion: Smooth progression with logical 7-paragraph division; cohesive devices used naturally (“First and foremost,” “Moreover,” “Instead of,” “Such an initiative,” “By preserving…”).
• Lexical Resource: Formal, precise vocabulary (“architectural landmark,” “cultural identity,” “revenue stream,” “repurposed,” “safeguarding history”).
• Grammar: Wide range of complex structures, error-free.

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