IELTS writing task 2 answer (12) (should the government preserve old buildings?) Question: "The restoration of old buildings in major cities in the world costs numerous governments’ expenditures. This money should be used in new housing and road development. To what extent do you agree or disagree? (sic)" Answer: The huge population explosion has necessitated cities’ reconstruction and modernization. Although I acknowledge that government budgets should be largely spent on modernized infrastructures, I would argue that it is also of vital importance to preserve old buildings. It is true that compared to new buildings, some old ones have retarded the development of cities as they fail to satisfy the growing needs of the contemporary society. These obsolete constructions are overshadowed by new ones in lighting, safety, sanitation, ventilation and sewage treatment. They may also constitute the underutilisation of lands and the slow development of transportation networks. It is particularly worthless to renovate old buildings possessing little cultural implication. The demolishing of some old buildings, however, will damage a country’s cultural heritage as well as citizens’ sense of identity. Architecture is considered the materialized culture of a nation, and some historical buildings have withstood the test of time, highlighting their aesthetic and cultural values. Their collapse will erode a nation’s uniqueness in aesthetic, as one of the most essential parts of cultural identity is destroyed. For example, if the Forbidden City were dismantled, Beijing would be identical with any foreign metropolis. Another significant value of vintage architectures, which make them well worth the government funds, is the values of further researches and analysing. The interpretation of a piece of classical architecture is unlimited. As the technologies is being improved and perfected, future generations will obtain much profound comprehension and discoveries from these historical relics than us. Once these cultural legacies stop existing, there will be tremendous loses in the fields of archaeology, architecture and many humanity related disciplines. In conclusion, it is indeed necessary for governments to subsidise reconstruction of cities heavily, on the other hand, sufficient space and money should be saved for protection of some classical architectures.