Please, check the TOEFL essay. Do we have to preserve old building or destroy them? Generally speaking I believe that it is better for all concerned if we preserve our historical buildings. The bases of my view are social, financial and personal. First of all, history, including national architecture, is a part of a nation. There is a widespread thought that we have to modernize our world and our culture. However, old architecture, art and sculpture are national heritage, which will bring up children from one generation to another. Personally for me, it is easier to understand the past of my country by exploring old buildings (churches, castles, forts). In addition to historical value, old buildings increase the level of tourism, hence improves economical situation in the country. Despite of an expensive reconstruction, many incomes of historical buildings cover all the spendings. A lot of visitors are eager to see unfamiliar places and get new experience, that is why they travel. People spend a lot of money to rent a room in the hotel, to buy tickets for a city bus, or to have a dinner in an expensive restaurant. Of course, that helps the country budget to flourish. I can recall that a friend of mine told me that he spends more than one third of his salary for traveling. This way he managed to visit various countries to see old architecture. Finally, old buildings are the source of knowledge. I believe that seeing once is better than hearing or reading. For example, I never did like history at school, because after reading the topic I realized that I could recall completely anything. Despite of this, when I went to another city or country and visited a historican building, where a guide ‘taught me a lesson’, I understood that it was more efficient for me to recall. By way of conclusion, based on the arguments explored above, I am of the opinion that in most cases it is actually more beneficial for people to preserve old building than to destroy them. Thank you ; )