Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-07-31

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)

Some people believe that it is better to have friends who always share the same opinions, while others argue that friendships are stronger when people occasionally disagree. Although like-minded friends can create harmony and mutual understanding, I believe that friendships are more meaningful and beneficial when individuals are able to challenge each other's views respectfully.

On the one hand, having friends with similar opinions can make relationships more comfortable and stable. People who share the same values, beliefs, and interests are less likely to experience conflict, allowing them to communicate easily and enjoy activities together. This sense of agreement often creates trust and emotional security. For example, friends who have similar attitudes towards education, career goals, or financial management may find it easier to support one another and make joint decisions. Furthermore, constant agreement can reduce misunderstandings and help maintain long-lasting friendships, particularly during stressful periods when emotional support is most needed.

On the other hand, friendships that include occasional disagreement can contribute significantly to personal growth. Constructive differences encourage individuals to question their assumptions, think critically, and consider alternative perspectives. Rather than weakening a friendship, respectful debate can strengthen mutual respect because each person feels free to express genuine opinions without fear of rejection. For instance, university students from different cultural or political backgrounds often broaden each other's understanding through thoughtful discussions. Similarly, in professional settings, friends who challenge one another's ideas may help each other avoid poor decisions and develop better problem-solving skills. Such relationships are based not on blind agreement but on honesty and intellectual openness.

In my opinion, while shared values form an important foundation for friendship, complete agreement is neither realistic nor desirable. Every individual has unique experiences that shape different viewpoints, and expecting friends to agree on every issue may limit both personal development and meaningful conversation. The strongest friendships are those in which people can disagree respectfully, listen carefully, and remain supportive despite their differences. This ability reflects maturity, mutual trust, and genuine respect.

In conclusion, friends with similar opinions may enjoy greater harmony and fewer conflicts, but friendships that allow for occasional disagreement offer greater opportunities for learning, self-improvement, and deeper understanding. Therefore, I believe that having friends who sometimes disagree with us is ultimately more valuable than surrounding ourselves only with people who think exactly as we do.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both perspectives—the benefits of like-minded friends and the value of constructive disagreement—while maintaining a consistent and well-supported personal opinion throughout. The ideas are extended logically, such as the point about how disagreement fosters critical thinking and personal growth. The conclusion effectively synthesises the arguments and reinforces your stance. The response is well-developed, relevant, and demonstrates a clear understanding of the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using effective cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'Furthermore', and 'In conclusion'. The use of referencing is precise, and the flow of information is natural. The paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different viewpoints and your personal opinion, making the structure easy to follow for the reader.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is used with precision. Phrases like 'mutual understanding', 'constructive differences', 'intellectual openness', and 'emotional security' show a sophisticated command of language. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is well-suited to the academic tone of the task. The range is sufficient to convey complex ideas clearly and naturally.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'Although like-minded friends can create harmony..., I believe that...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense usage is excellent. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of accuracy throughout the response.

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