Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-05

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 6.5)

Some people prefer to surround themselves with friends who share the same opinions, while others value friendships where disagreements occasionally occur. Both views have valid reasons. In my opinion, having friends with different viewpoints is more beneficial because it promotes personal growth and a broader understanding.

Those who prefer like-minded friends argue that it makes relationships smoother and more comfortable. When people agree on politics, values, and lifestyle choices, there are fewer arguments and misunderstandings. This can create a strong sense of belonging and mutual support. For example, friends who share the same hobbies or career goals can motivate each other and work together toward common aims. In this way, friendships become a source of harmony and emotional stability.

On the other hand, many people believe it is better to have friends who challenge their views. Disagreements can encourage people to think more critically and consider perspectives they had not thought of before. This helps individuals to grow and avoid living in an echo chamber where they only hear ideas they already agree with. Moreover, dealing with differing opinions teaches tolerance and communication skills, which are important in both personal and professional life. For instance, debating with a friend about a social issue can lead both people to research more and develop a more balanced

I personally believe that friendships with some differences are healthier in the long term. While agreeing all the time feels comfortable, it can limit personal development. Friends who disagree respectfully push us to question our assumptions and become more open-minded. Of course, the key is respect — arguments should be constructive, not destructive. Therefore, the ideal situation is to have a close circle where core values match, but where opinions can differ on other topics.

In conclusion, although having friends with the same opinions can provide comfort and unity, I believe that friendships involving occasional disagreement are more valuable. They help us learn, grow, and become more tolerant individuals.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt effectively. You have discussed both views—the benefits of like-minded friends and the advantages of friends with differing opinions—and provided a clear, consistent personal position throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the argument regarding personal growth and avoiding 'echo chambers.' The conclusion effectively synthesizes your position. To reach a higher band, ensure that all examples are fully completed; for instance, the sentence 'For instance, debating with a social issue can lead both people to research more and develop a more balanced' is incomplete, which slightly impacts the development of that specific point.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

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 appropriate cohesive devices such as 'On the other hand' and 'In conclusion.' The use of referencing is generally clear, and the paragraphing is logical. The flow of the argument is easy to follow, and the relationship between sentences is well-managed. To improve further, you could experiment with a wider variety of cohesive devices to link ideas within paragraphs more fluidly, though the current structure is already very effective and clear.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'echo chamber,' 'constructive,' and 'question our assumptions' show a good command of topic-specific language. The vocabulary is natural and appropriate for the context. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation that impede communication. To move toward a higher band, try to incorporate more sophisticated or less common lexical items, such as 'dissenting opinions' instead of 'differing opinions' or 'intellectual stimulation' to further enhance the academic tone of the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional and concessive clauses (e.g., 'While agreeing all the time feels comfortable, it can limit personal development'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is generally strong. However, there is one notable incomplete sentence in the third paragraph, which is a minor lapse in accuracy. Aside from this, the grammar is consistent and supports clear communication. Continued focus on proofreading to catch minor slips will help ensure the majority of your writing remains error-free.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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