Essay 300 – Old buildings should be protected by law

GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 300

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Some people believe that old buildings should be protected by law. Others, however, think that they should be replaced by new buildings.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer 1: [View: Important old buildings should be protected while others should be replaced.]

The debate between preserving old buildings and replacing them with new structures has long been a contentious issue. While some argue that old buildings should be protected by law, others advocate for their replacement with new constructions. In this essay, I will discuss both viewpoints and present my own perspective.

Supporters of preserving old buildings argue that they hold historical and cultural significance. These structures serve as tangible reminders of a community’s heritage and provide a sense of identity and continuity. Old buildings often showcase unique architectural styles and craftsmanship that are not commonly found in modern constructions. For instance, historic landmarks such as castles, churches, or colonial houses not only attract tourists but also contribute to a city’s charm and character. Moreover, preserving old buildings can have economic benefits. Historic sites often attract visitors, generating tourism revenue and boosting the local economy. Heritage buildings can be repurposed into museums, art galleries, or cultural centres, creating employment opportunities and fostering cultural preservation.

On the other hand, proponents of replacing old buildings argue that modern structures offer improved functionality, efficiency, and safety. New buildings can be designed to meet contemporary needs, incorporating energy-efficient features and advanced technologies. Additionally, replacing old structures with new ones can stimulate urban development, revitalising neighbourhoods and improving overall infrastructure. For example, outdated buildings may not meet current safety codes and could pose risks to occupants.

In my opinion, a balanced approach is necessary. While it is important to protect significant historical buildings, not all old structures are equally valuable. Some may have deteriorated beyond repair or no longer serve practical purposes. In such cases, replacing them with new constructions that complement the local environment and incorporate sustainable design principles can be a reasonable course of action.

In conclusion, while protecting historic structures helps maintain cultural heritage and stimulate tourism, there are instances where replacing outdated buildings with modern constructions may be more practical. Striking a balance between preservation and progress is key, ensuring that significant historical buildings are safeguarded while allowing for necessary urban development.

Model Answer 2: [View: Old buildings should be protected by law.]

People remain deeply divided on protecting old but important buildings. Many feel that historical buildings ought to be preserved by law, while others believe that new buildings should be built to replace old ones. This essay agrees with the former viewpoint and will show that despite some advantages brought by new buildings, preserving old buildings attach great cultural, economic and environmental value.

There are various reasons why many people want to construct modern buildings to replace ancient ones. Firstly, modern structures incorporate concrete, glass, and steel. These elements offer natural fire resistance. Consequently, homes or buildings with a modern theme are less likely to be susceptible to fire hazards. Secondly, modern architectural constructions allow more natural light. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but it also reaps health benefits. For example, natural light provides vitamin D, thus helping to combat seasonal depression. Lastly, modern structures utilize lightweight materials, which, in turn, allows buildings to be tall. In densely populated cities, vertical space is the only option to accommodate the ever-growing need for housing and offices.

On the other hand, there are several cogent arguments for protecting old structures. First and foremost, antique buildings help us understand the historical backdrop and promote deep respect for those who lived in prior times, and different cultures and traditions. In fact, old buildings play a profound role in cultivating the pride of heritage and culture that makes a city in the world. For example, Paris is known for the Eiffel Tower, London is known for Big Ben, and Cairo is known for Pyramids. Second, historical buildings attach great economic value. In simple words, a building steeped in history attracts tourists, thus creating new jobs in the area. This, in turn, helps bring economic prosperity to the area. Last but not least, protecting old buildings can be considered recycling as it saves energy spent on manufacturing building materials, and reduces construction waste, thereby reducing carbon footprint.

To conclude, it is critical to protect antique buildings because of their intangible and tangible value, and I think that necessary laws should be in place to preserve old buildings.