Topic 1: Does increasing travels between countries enable people to learn different cultures or to

Topic 29: People think that old buildings should be knocked down and give way to the new 
buildings. Do you agree or disagree? How important are old buildings to us? 
(symbol of the social customs and history of a place), (cultural resource) ( old architectural works)
(preserve cultural values), (a rich variety of architectural heritages), 
 (create its identity); (bridge the present and the past history),
(establish some variations among the buildings),(historical roles);(grand high-rising structures)(variety)
(historic buildings) (archeological sites) (restored to its original/ authentic state of existence),
( of economic values),
( aged buildings) (an antithesis of development), ( lack of economic values) ;
(craftsmanship), (commitment of time and money) ;
( worn out), .(not in a usable state),
Every item of property has its own lifespan. So does every building. City planners are very often 
confronted with a debate concerning whether an old building should be deconstructed or 
maintained. In my opinion, it depends on whether the targeted building can satisfy the needs of 
the city.
There is no denying that some old buildings are of aesthetic, archaeological or architectural 
values. They might be either integral to a culture as a symbol of a city or country or unique in the 
domain of architecture. Demolition of such buildings will inflict damage to cultural heritage and 
prevent architects from drawing their inspiration from their predecessors. Because of their 
uniqueness, old buildings are very likely to provide a source of tourism income, if maintained 
well. It is fair to say that old buildings of this kind are much more important than any new 
building and performing more functions than any new building does.
With regard to other old buildings, possessing no specific value while becoming dilapidated, 
entire destruction is an acceptable and understandable decision. Low in quality and poor in 
conditions, some old buildings are actually posing a danger on users and pedestrians. They 
might stand in the way of a new road line or impede other forms of urban development. Whether 
they have been renovated or not, these buildings blemish the landscape and provide no 
justification for continued maintenance. Replacing old buildings with new ones meets the 
renewed needs of the city.
In summary, whether to conserve or pull down old buildings is a question that can only be 
answered on a case-by-case basis. People involved should carefully weigh up the pros and cons 
of new developments before reaching a conclusion.
 
1. Lifespan=lifetime=natural life
2. Deconstruct=demolish=bulldoze=knock down=pull down
3. Aesthetic=artistic
4. Domain=area=field
5. Demolition=destruction=pulling down=knocking down
6. Inflict=cause=impose
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7. Predecessor=forerunner=precursor
8. Dilapidated=wrecked=decaying
9. Pedestrian=walker=person
10. Renovate=refurbish=revamp
11. Blemish=damage=tarnish=spoil=ruin
12. Renewed=changed=improved
13. Weigh up=assess=evaluate=compare=estimate
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