Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)
Some people believe that it is better to have friends who share the same opinions, while others argue that having friends with different viewpoints is more beneficial. This essay will discuss both perspectives and explain why I believe that friendships with different opinions can be more valuable.
On the one hand, having friends who think similarly can make relationships easier and more comfortable. People with the same opinions usually have common interests and can understand each other better. For example, friends who share similar hobbies or values may enjoy spending more time together and avoid unnecessary arguments. Therefore, many people prefer friendships where they have the same views.
On the other hand, friendships with different opinions can help individuals learn and grow. When people discuss different ideas, they can understand other perspectives and improve their critical thinking skills. For instance, a friend with a different background may introduce new ways of solving problems or looking at situations. This can help a person become more open-minded.
In my opinion, having friends with different opinions is more beneficial because it allows people to learn new things and develop a broader understanding of the world. However, it is important that friends respect each other's views even when they disagree.
In conclusion, while friends with similar opinions can create comfortable relationships, friends with different viewpoints can provide valuable learning experiences and personal growth.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The essay addresses both sides of the argument and provides a clear personal opinion. However, the response is 229 words long, failing to meet the 250-word minimum requirement. This under-length significantly impacts the development of ideas, as the arguments are somewhat brief and lack depth. While the main points are relevant, they could be expanded with more detailed examples or personal anecdotes to fully explore the topic. To reach a higher band, you must ensure you meet the word count by elaborating further on your supporting points.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The essay is well-organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the progression of ideas is logical. You use basic cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion' effectively to guide the reader. To improve, try to incorporate a wider variety of linking words and ensure that the transition between sentences is smoother, avoiding a slightly mechanical feel in the way you connect your points.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic clearly. Words like 'beneficial', 'critical thinking', and 'open-minded' are used appropriately. However, the vocabulary is somewhat repetitive and lacks the 'less common' lexical items that would push the score into the higher bands. To improve, try to use more precise synonyms and collocations. For example, instead of repeating 'opinions', you could use 'perspectives', 'viewpoints', or 'ideologies' to show more lexical flexibility.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
Your grammar is generally accurate, and you use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most of your sentences are error-free, which makes your writing easy to follow. There are no major grammatical errors that impede communication. To achieve a higher band, you should aim to incorporate more complex sentence forms, such as conditional sentences or passive voice, and ensure that your punctuation is consistently precise throughout the text.
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