IELTS Writing 2 Topic: Many old buildings protected by law are part of a nation’s history

Courtney Miller

4 min read

Updated On Oct 22, 2021

Sample Essay
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Many old buildings protected by law are part of a nation’s history. Some people think they should be knocked down and replaced by new ones. Do you agree or disagree?

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Sample Essay

Ancient buildings are relics of the past and should be preserved, in the view of some people. Others, however, believe that the appearance of modern buildings will open a new horizon for the development of a nation. My essay will discuss the validity of both sides.

The ancient houses are, first, believed to the reservoir of the glorious past of a nation. With their existence along each road, it is undeniable that no sooner does young generation grow up than they become proud of their country’s admirable old-day history through the image of roof, ceiling and walls. Philosophically speaking, like a person who clings to the past to reflect, views the present to enjoy and contemplates the future, a city itself entails an inextricable link of these three-time axes to revise, thrive and fly. Nevertheless, in case of derelict old houses, such experience of living in these shelters could be a nightmare to quite a few people, for instance, Hanoi people who are suffering a low-quality life in an ancient street. It is a common-scene to some that three to four households have only one toilet system with their wall painting layers bound to peel off and their ceilings sagging owing to weathering.

Another rationale is that these old houses are symbolic of the unique architecture and serve as a mental panacea for hurry-sickness city-dwellers. Hardly can the modern-day people recreate such beauties as that by famous architects of yesterdays who utilized the past materials, and for that reason, some streets adorned with second-to-none buildings are ideal destinations for the visitors world-wide to savour themselves in the sense of serene old days. To those who are sucking in a life of craze, the tiny old houses resemble oases to ease their stress. Opponents have their points in the belief that as a result of the explosion of population, so crowded do streets turn out that these old, unsafe and dirty houses should be demolished to give way to skyscrapers to accommodate an ever-increasing number of people who flock to the city in the hope of a better life. Also, not until the cities are paved with modern buildings and wide roads do investors from other continents pay greater attention, which, in turn, generates a huge amount of profit for the entire nation.

In the final analysis, each idea has its own reasoning, but in my opinion, the presence of old houses is essential to the survival of any city for their originality and unforgettable destinations of travel lovers.

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Every locality has certain places of interest which are preserved by the local or concerned authorities. These sites serve as a symbol of the culture followed by the communities in the region where they are situated. Although many believe that the protection of such establishments often hinders the ability to meet the rising demand for shelter, others feel that it is mandatory to safeguard these heritage sites. I strongly believe that old buildings and structures of a region should be protected and maintained rather than replacing them with modern establishments.

Firstly, it is important to understand the significance of these buildings in narrating the story of a certain area. Since these ancient structures are creations of our predecessors, they serve as a reminder of a simpler time. Secondly, these sites not only serve as a source of nostalgia and pride for the people of the local communities but they also help foreigners and tourists understand the history of the place. Also, structures like these serve as prime examples of immaculate architectural practices which can be implemented in modern times.

Furthermore, the idea of tearing down and replacing these cultural properties has several limitations which have to be taken into account. First of all, a majority of the antique buildings have sheltered generations of residing families and in some cases, more than one household is settled in such places. Thus, uprooting people from their ancestral homes to facilitate modern construction is a measure that is drastic in nature. Moreover, breaking down these structures and erecting new ones in their place involves tremendous expenses and might be considered unfeasible by the authorities.

However, issues like overpopulation have amplified the need for proper housing worldwide and this demand can only be met by creating new structures. Nevertheless, replacing culturally significant places with apartment buildings is not a productive remedy to this problem.

Finally, I would like to add that paying homage to our traditions and history is a necessary step to remind us of our roots. Thereby, protecting and nurturing notable landmarks should be always be facilitated by the authorities and the general public.