Persuasive Writing I

Fri 17 Aug

‘Old buildings should be knocked down to make room for new ones’

How important is it to maintain old buildings? Should history stand in the way of progress?

The subject of whether old buildings should be destroyed and replaced has long been a controversial issue. While some consider that it is important due to their historical value, others believe they should not stand in the way of development, which is resembled by the structure of new foundations.

Firstly, I believe that it is very crucial to preserve old buildings because they have historical and cultural significance. The old buildings may have an important purpose in history and some are even the nation's pride. For instance, the Great Wall of China implies the history of slaves perseverance, building the Great Wall of defence despite severe climate conditions, under the brutal rule of the Emperor and also shows the concerns over safety during that historical period. Not only so, the Great Wall of China is the place that every tourist visit when they go to Beijing. Furthermore, the Great Wall of China introduces a sense of pride in the hearts of the Chinese people, as it resembles their long-lasting history. Hence, maintenance of old buildings is of utmost significance. Significance meaning the architectural technique, style of the structure and the types of equipment they used.

However, others may argue negatively. Although new buildings may not have historical value, they do have their purpose. By replacing old buildings, there will be more space for housing, which is extraordinarily important due to the current dilemma of overcrowding. In doing so, it can ensure basic living standards. There will also be more space for buildings used for educational purposes.

Another argument put forth is that history should not hinder progress. They believe that a nation shouldn’t live in the past, instead, they should actively seek out the future. Whilst I believe this argument is reliable, it is important to note that history doesn’t necessarily prevent progress, but would prevent mistakes from happening again. An example is the Nazi camps; they serve as a token to the country about the hazards of prejudice and injustice.

To conclude, I strongly believe that old buildings should not be replaced, not only due to their importance to the nation but also due to the fact that it doesn’t hinder growth.