The restoration of old buildings in major cities in the world costs

IELTS Band 9 Essay The restoration of old buildings in major cities in the world costs

Here we take a look at a band 9 ielts writing task 2 sample about “The restoration of old buildings in major cities in the world costs enormous government expenditure”. This sample then will be further analyzed for its vocabulary, grammar and format, so we see how it has qualified for such band score. We also suggest over 200 band 9 IELTS samples released in 2025.

Sample Essay (Band 9)

The restoration of old buildings in major cities in the world costs enormous government expenditure. This money should be used in new housing and road development.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Urban development is a pressing concern for governments worldwide, and the allocation of public funds requires careful consideration. While some argue that the restoration of dilapidated buildings in major cities is an unnecessary financial burden, others contend that these structures hold historical and cultural significance. This essay will argue that although new housing and road development are crucial for urban progress, investing in the preservation of old buildings is equally vital for maintaining a city’s identity and character.

Firstly, it is undeniable that urban expansion demands continuous investment in infrastructure. Many cities suffer from severe housing shortages, and poor road conditions exacerbate congestion and pollution. Redirecting public funds toward constructing modern residential complexes and expanding road networks can significantly alleviate these issues. For instance, in developing countries, inadequate housing leads to overcrowded slums, which heighten social inequality and crime rates. Thus, prioritizing contemporary infrastructure can enhance the quality of life for urban dwellers.

Nevertheless, completely neglecting historical buildings in favor of modern development would be short-sighted. Architectural heritage serves as a testament to a city’s past and contributes to its tourism sector. Many European cities, such as Rome and Paris, generate substantial revenue from preserved historical sites, demonstrating that investment in restoration can yield long-term economic benefits. Furthermore, maintaining such landmarks fosters a sense of community and belonging among residents, reinforcing cultural identity.

In conclusion, while the construction of new housing and roads is essential for addressing urban challenges, dismissing the significance of old buildings would be detrimental. A balanced approach, where governments allocate resources to both modern infrastructure and historical conservation, is the most effective strategy. This ensures that cities remain functional, aesthetically rich, and historically profound.

5 Academic Words in the sample for The restoration of old buildings in major cities in the world costs enormous government expenditure

1. Allocation (/ˌæləˈkeɪʃən/)

   • The allocation of resources should be based on the immediate needs of the population.

2. Dilapidated (/dɪˈlæpɪdeɪtɪd/)

   • The government has launched a program to restore dilapidated buildings in the city center.

3. Preservation (/ˌprɛzərˈveɪʃən/)

   • The preservation of historical monuments is crucial for cultural heritage.

4. Neglecting (/nɪˈɡlɛktɪŋ/)

   • Neglecting infrastructure development can lead to severe urban problems.

5. Testament (/ˈtɛstəmənt/)

   • The ancient ruins serve as a testament to the city’s rich history.

5 Advanced Grammar Structures and How They Enhance the Essay

1. Complex Sentences with Subordination

   • Example: While some argue that the restoration of dilapidated buildings is an unnecessary financial burden, others contend that these structures hold historical and cultural significance.
   • This demonstrates the ability to present contrasting ideas effectively, which is essential for coherence and cohesion.

2. Passive Voice

   • Example: Many European cities, such as Rome and Paris, generate substantial revenue from preserved historical sites.
   • Using passive structures adds a formal tone, improving lexical resource and grammatical range.

3. Relative Clauses

   • Example: Architectural heritage serves as a testament to a city’s past and contributes to its tourism sector.
   • This enhances sentence complexity, making the writing more sophisticated.

4. Conditional Sentences

   • Example: If governments neglect historical buildings entirely, cities may lose their unique cultural identity.
   • Conditional structures add depth to the argument by showing possible consequences.

5. Nominalization

   • Example: The preservation of historical monuments is crucial for cultural heritage.
   • Transforming verbs into nouns (e.g., “preserve” → “preservation”) results in a more academic and formal tone.

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