Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-07-30

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Some people think it's better to choose friends who always have the same opinions as them. Other people believe it's good to have friends who sometimes disagree with them.

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.

 

Student answer (Band 8.5)

t is often debated whether individuals should surround themselves with friends who share the exact same viewpoints or if they should seek friendships with those who occasionally disagree. While having like-minded friends provides comfort and stability, I believe that maintaining friendships with people of diverse opinions is far more beneficial for personal development and critical thinking.On the one hand, friends who share identical opinions create an environment of comfort and mutual validation. When people hold the same beliefs on politics, lifestyle, or morals, conversations flow easily, and the likelihood of conflict is minimal. This alignment can foster a deep sense of belonging and psychological safety, which is essential for emotional well-being. For example, a person undergoing a challenging life event may simply require a friend who completely validates their feelings without questioning their choices. Therefore, like-minded friendships act as a supportive haven from the complexities of the outside world.

On the other hand, friendships with individuals who occasionally disagree are vital for intellectual and personal growth. Interacting exclusively with people who echo one’s own views can lead to a narrow-minded perspective, often referred to as an "echo chamber." Conversely, friends who challenge our assumptions force us to re-evaluate our thoughts and articulate our arguments more clearly. For instance, having a close friend with a different political viewpoint can teach an individual empathy, patience, and the art of respectful debate. Exposure to differing opinions expands one's worldview and prevents intellectual stagnation.

In my opinion, while agreeable friends offer necessary emotional comfort, a truly fulfilling life requires friends who can constructively challenge us. Healthy disagreement is not a sign of a weak friendship; rather, it is a testament to its strength, as it demonstrates that the bond can withstand differences.

In conclusion, while having friends with the same opinions ensures a peaceful and harmonious social life, having friends who occasionally disagree is ultimately superior. It prevents narrow-mindedness and fosters the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate a diverse world.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both viewpoints—the comfort of like-minded friends and the growth potential of friends who disagree—while maintaining a consistent and well-supported personal opinion throughout. The ideas are logically developed, with relevant examples such as the 'echo chamber' concept and the benefits of learning empathy. The position is clear from the introduction and is reinforced in the conclusion, demonstrating a strong grasp of the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the two viewpoints is smooth, using effective cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand,' 'Conversely,' and 'In conclusion.' The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall flow of the argument. Referencing is accurate, and the relationship between ideas is easy to follow, making the text cohesive and easy to read.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is well-suited to the topic. Phrases like 'intellectual stagnation,' 'mutual validation,' and 'constructively challenge' show a high level of lexical control. The use of topic-specific vocabulary is precise and natural. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the language used is sophisticated enough to convey complex ideas clearly and effectively throughout the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and varied clause types, used with high accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is handled correctly. There is a strong command of grammar, with no significant errors that impede communication. The control over sentence structure is consistent, allowing for a smooth and professional tone throughout the writing.

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