IELTS Essay: Value of Preserving Old Buildings
Some people think that certain old buildings are more worth preserving than other ones.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
While some argue that certain historic structures hold more value and should be carefully preserved, others contend that all old buildings warrant equal attention. In my opinion, there are particular buildings with cultural and community value that deserve prioritization.
There is tremendous value to maintaining buildings with significant historical importance. These structures serve as tangible links to the past, showcasing architectural marvels and preserving ancestral links. For instance, ancient castles and palaces symbolize the grandeur of bygone eras, offering a glimpse into the lives of kings, queens, and nobles. By safeguarding these structures, we ensure that future generations can appreciate and connect with their cultural heritage. These buildings also often showcase the craftsmanship and artistic vision of renowned architects and craftsmen. Take, for example, the iconic Taj Mahal in India, a testament to the exquisite beauty of Mughal architecture. Similarly, Gothic cathedrals, Renaissance villas, and Art Deco skyscrapers are not merely bricks and mortar; they are enduring artistic monuments.
Moreover, preserving certain old buildings can contribute to the flourishing of a given community or locale. Historic town centers, with quaint buildings and cobblestone streets, create a sense of place and give residents a shared heritage to cherish. These spaces foster strong community bonds and attract tourists, boosting local economies through heritage tourism. Further restoration and adaptive reuse of these old buildings can generate local economic opportunities. Repurposing a historic building into a boutique hotel, a museum, or an art gallery not only revitalizes the structure but also stimulates job creation and economic growth. Such projects often attract private investors and public funding, injecting resources into the local economy and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents.
In conclusion, certain structures serve as living testaments to the past, encouraging feelings of identity and pride. Therefore, buildings should be selected that have inherent value and they should be maintained by governments.
Analysis
1. While some argue that certain historic structures hold more value and should be carefully preserved, others contend that all old buildings warrant equal attention. 2. In my opinion, there are particular buildings with cultural and community value that deserve prioritization.
- Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
- Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. There is tremendous value to maintaining buildings with significant historical importance. 2. These structures serve as tangible links to the past, showcasing architectural marvels and preserving ancestral links. 3. For instance, ancient castles and palaces symbolize the grandeur of bygone eras, offering a glimpse into the lives of kings, queens, and nobles. 4. By safeguarding these structures, we ensure that future generations can appreciate and connect with their cultural heritage. 5. These buildings also often showcase the craftsmanship and artistic vision of renowned architects and craftsmen. 6. Take, for example, the iconic Taj Mahal in India, a testament to the exquisite beauty of Mughal architecture. 7. Similarly, Gothic cathedrals, Renaissance villas, and Art Deco skyscrapers are not merely bricks and mortar; they are enduring artistic monuments.
- Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
- Explain your main idea.
- Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
- Keep developing it fully.
- Add in as much detail as possible.
- Vary long and short sentences.
- Finish strong.
1. Moreover, preserving certain old buildings can contribute to the flourishing of a given community or locale. 2. Historic town centers, with quaint buildings and cobblestone streets, create a sense of place and give residents a shared heritage to cherish. 3. These spaces foster strong community bonds and attract tourists, boosting local economies through heritage tourism. 4. Further restoration and adaptive reuse of these old buildings can generate local economic opportunities. 5. Repurposing a historic building into a boutique hotel, a museum, or an art gallery not only revitalizes the structure but also stimulates job creation and economic growth. 6. Such projects often attract private investors and public funding, injecting resources into the local economy and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents.
- Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
- Explain your new main idea.
- Include specific details and examples.
- Add as much information as you can and make sure it links logically.
- Use really concrete examples.
- Keep adding detail.
1. In conclusion, certain structures serve as living testaments to the past, encouraging feelings of identity and pride. 2. Therefore, buildings should be selected that have inherent value and they should be maintained by governments.
- Summarise your main ideas.
- Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean? Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
While some argue that certain historic structures hold more value and should be carefully preserved, others contend that all old buildings warrant equal attention. In my opinion, there are particular buildings with cultural and community value that deserve prioritization.
There is tremendous value to maintaining buildings with significant historical importance. These structures serve as tangible links to the past, showcasing architectural marvels and preserving ancestral links. For instance, ancient castles and palaces symbolize the grandeur of bygone eras, offering a glimpse into the lives of kings, queens, and nobles. By safeguarding these structures, we ensure that future generations can appreciate and connect with their cultural heritage. These buildings also often showcase the craftsmanship and artistic vision of renowned architects and craftsmen. Take, for example, the iconic Taj Mahal in India, a testament to the exquisite beauty of Mughal architecture. Similarly, Gothic cathedrals, Renaissance villas, and Art Deco skyscrapers are not merely bricks and mortar; they are enduring artistic monuments.
Moreover, preserving certain old buildings can contribute to the flourishing of a given community or locale. Historic town centers, with quaint buildings and cobblestone streets, create a sense of place and give residents a shared heritage to cherish. These spaces foster strong community bonds and attract tourists, boosting local economies through heritage tourism. Further restoration and adaptive reuse of these old buildings can generate local economic opportunities. Repurposing a historic building into a boutique hotel, a museum, or an art gallery not only revitalizes the structure but also stimulates job creation and economic growth. Such projects often attract private investors and public funding, injecting resources into the local economy and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents.
In conclusion, certain structures serve as living testaments to the past, encouraging feelings of identity and pride. Therefore, buildings should be selected that have inherent value and they should be maintained by governments.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
certain historic structures hold more value: specific historic structures possess greater significance
carefully preserved: meticulously conserved
contend: argue
warrant equal attention: justify equal consideration
particular: specific
cultural and community value: cultural and societal worth
deserve prioritization: merit prioritized treatment
There is tremendous value to maintaining buildings: preserving buildings holds immense value
significant historical importance: notable historical significance
serve as tangible links to the past: act as tangible connections to history
showcasing architectural marvels: displaying architectural wonders
preserving ancestral links: safeguarding ancestral connections
ancient castles: age-old fortresses
palaces symbolize the grandeur of bygone eras: palaces represent the magnificence of past periods
offering a glimpse into the lives of: providing insight into the lives of
safeguarding: protecting
ensure: guarantee
future generations: forthcoming generations
appreciate: value
connect with: establish a connection with
cultural heritage: cultural legacy
showcase: exhibit
craftsmanship: artistry
artistic vision: creative vision
renowned architects: celebrated architects
craftsmen: artisans
iconic: emblematic
testament: proof
exquisite beauty: exquisite magnificence
Similarly: Likewise
Gothic cathedrals: Old European churches
Renaissance villas: old Italian mansions
Art Deco skyscrapers: old style high-rises
bricks and mortar: physical structures
enduring artistic monuments: long-lasting artistic landmarks
contribute to the flourishing of a given community or locale: contribute to the prosperity of a specific community or area
Historic town centers: Historical city centers
quaint buildings: charming structures
cobblestone streets: stone-paved roads
sense of place: feeling of belonging
give residents a shared heritage to cherish: provide residents with a shared legacy to treasure
spaces foster strong community bonds: areas foster strong communal connections
attract tourists, boosting local economies through heritage tourism: attract tourists, stimulating local economies through cultural tourism
restoration: renovation
adaptive reuse: repurposing
generate local economic opportunities: create local economic prospects
Repurposing: Reutilization
boutique hotel: upscale hotel
revitalizes: rejuvenates
stimulates job creation and economic growth: stimulates employment generation and economic expansion
attract private investors: allure private investors
public funding: government funding
injecting resources into the local economy: infusing resources into the local economy
enhancing the overall quality of life for residents: improving the overall quality of life for inhabitants
living testaments: living evidence
encouraging feelings of identity: fostering a sense of identity
pride: self-esteem
selected: chosen
inherent value: intrinsic worth
maintained by: upheld by
Pronunciation
Practice saying the vocabulary below and use this tip about Google voice search:
ˈsɜːtᵊn hɪˈstɒrɪk ˈstrʌkʧəz həʊld mɔː ˈvæljuː
ˈkeəfli prɪˈzɜːvd
kənˈtɛnd
ˈwɒrᵊnt ˈiːkwəl əˈtɛnʃᵊn
pəˈtɪkjələ
ˈkʌlʧᵊrᵊl ænd kəˈmjuːnəti ˈvæljuː
dɪˈzɜːv prioritization
ðeər ɪz trɪˈmɛndəs ˈvæljuː tuː meɪnˈteɪnɪŋ ˈbɪldɪŋz
sɪɡˈnɪfɪkᵊnt hɪˈstɒrɪkᵊl ɪmˈpɔːtᵊns
sɜːv æz ˈtænʤəbᵊl lɪŋks tuː ðə pɑːst
ˈʃəʊkeɪsɪŋ ˌɑːkɪˈtɛkʧᵊrᵊl ˈmɑːvᵊlz
prɪˈzɜːvɪŋ ænˈsɛstrəl lɪŋks
ˈeɪnʃᵊnt ˈkɑːsᵊlz
ˈpælɪsɪz ˈsɪmbəlaɪz ðə ˈɡrænʤər ɒv ˈbaɪɡɒn ˈɪərəz
ˈɒfərɪŋ ə ɡlɪmps ˈɪntuː ðə laɪvz ɒv
ˈseɪfɡɑːdɪŋ
ɪnˈʃʊə
ˈfjuːʧə ˌʤɛnəˈreɪʃᵊnz
əˈpriːʃieɪt
kəˈnɛkt wɪð
ˈkʌlʧᵊrᵊl ˈhɛrɪtɪʤ
ˈʃəʊkeɪs
ˈkrɑːftsmənʃɪp
ɑːˈtɪstɪk ˈvɪʒᵊn
rɪˈnaʊnd ˈɑːkɪtɛkts
ˈkrɑːftsmən
aɪˈkɒnɪk
ˈtɛstəmənt
ˈɛkskwɪzɪt ˈbjuːti
ˈsɪmɪləli
ˈɡɒθɪk kəˈθiːdrəlz
rəˈneɪsᵊns ˈvɪləz
ɑːt Deco ˈskaɪˌskreɪpəz
brɪks ænd ˈmɔːtə
ɪnˈdjʊərɪŋ ɑːˈtɪstɪk ˈmɒnjəmənts
kənˈtrɪbjuːt tuː ðə ˈflʌrɪʃɪŋ ɒv ə ˈɡɪvᵊn kəˈmjuːnəti ɔː ləʊˈkɑːl
hɪˈstɒrɪk taʊn ˈsɛntəz
kweɪnt ˈbɪldɪŋz
ˈkɒblstəʊn striːts
sɛns ɒv pleɪs
ɡɪv ˈrɛzɪdᵊnts ə ʃeəd ˈhɛrɪtɪʤ tuː ˈʧɛrɪʃ
ˈspeɪsɪz ˈfɒstə strɒŋ kəˈmjuːnəti bɒndz
əˈtrækt ˈtʊərɪsts, ˈbuːstɪŋ ˈləʊkᵊl iˈkɒnəmiz θruː ˈhɛrɪtɪʤ ˈtʊərɪzᵊm
ˌrɛstəˈreɪʃᵊn
əˈdæptɪv riːˈjuːz
ˈʤɛnəreɪt ˈləʊkᵊl ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˌɒpəˈʧuːnətiz
ˌriːˈpɜːpəsɪŋ
buːˈtiːk həʊˈtɛl
ˌriːˈvaɪtəlaɪzɪz
ˈstɪmjəleɪts ʤɒb kriˈeɪʃᵊn ænd ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ɡrəʊθ
əˈtrækt ˈpraɪvət ɪnˈvɛstəz
ˈpʌblɪk ˈfʌndɪŋ
ɪnˈʤɛktɪŋ rɪˈsɔːsɪz ˈɪntuː ðə ˈləʊkᵊl iˈkɒnəmi
ɪnˈhɑːnsɪŋ ði ˈəʊvərɔːl ˈkwɒləti ɒv laɪf fɔː ˈrɛzɪdᵊnts
ˈlɪvɪŋ ˈtɛstəmənts
ɪnˈkʌrɪʤɪŋ ˈfiːlɪŋz ɒv aɪˈdɛntəti
praɪd
sɪˈlɛktɪd
ɪnˈhɛrᵊnt ˈvæljuː
meɪnˈteɪnd baɪ
Vocabulary Practice
I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:
While some argue that c________________________________e and should be c________________d, others c_______d that all old buildings w______________________n. In my opinion, there are p_________r buildings with c__________________________________e that d______________________n.
T________________________________________________________s with s______________________________e. These structures s______________________________t, s______________________________s and p_______________________s. For instance, a_____________________s and p_________________________________s, o____________________________________f kings, queens, and nobles. By s__________g these structures, we e_________e that f___________s can a___________e and c___________h their c______________e. These buildings also often s___________e the c_____________p and a___________n of r______________s and c________n. Take, for example, the i______c Taj Mahal in India, a t__________t to the e__________y of Mughal architecture. S_________y, G_____________s, R________________s, and A__________________s are not merely b________________r; they are e_______________________s.
Moreover, preserving certain old buildings can c_________________________________________________________e. H_______________s, with q__________________s and c_____________s, create a s__________e and g__________________________________________h. These s__________________________s and a_______________s, b_________________________________m. Further r____________n and a_________e of these old buildings can g__________________________________________s. R_____________g a historic building into a b____________l, a museum, or an art gallery not only r___________s the structure but also s_________________________________________h. Such projects often a______________________s and p____________g, i______________________________________y and e__________________________________________________s.
In conclusion, certain structures serve as l_____________s to the past, e______________________________y and p______e. Therefore, buildings should be s________d that have i_______________e and they should be m_______________y governments.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching from YouTube below and practice with these activities:
Reading Practice
Read more about this topic and use these ideas to practice:
https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/the-most-beautiful-historic-neighborhoods-in-america
Speaking Practice
- In your opinion, what are the benefits of preserving historic buildings in a city or community?
- Does preserving historic buildings cost too much?
- How do you think preserving historic buildings can contribute to the cultural identity of a city or region?
- In some cases, historic buildings may not be well-maintained or may be at risk of demolition due to safety concerns. What measures do you think should be taken to balance preservation with public safety?
- What would you say to those who prioritize development over the preservation of historic architecture?
Writing Practice
In numerous nations, more and more people are intrigued in the idea of researching the history or past of the where they now live.
Why is this?
What can people do to do this research?
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