Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-06

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 7.5)

Some people believe that friends should always share the same opinions, while others argue that friendships are stronger when people occasionally disagree with each other. Although having similar views can make relationships easier, I believe that friendships benefit more from respectful differences of opinions.

On the one hand, choosing friend with similar opinions can create a sense of harmony and understanding. People who share the same thoughts, values, interests, or beliefs usually have fewer arguments and find it easier to make decisions together. For example, friends who enjoy the same hobbies or have similar interests or social views are more likely to spend time together without conflict. As a result, such friendships can be stable and lasts longer because there is less chances of disagreement.

On the other hand, friendships in which people sometimes disagree can be more rewarding. Listening to different viewpoints encourages individuals to think carefully and broaden their understanding of the world. Friends can challenge each other's assumptions, leading to their personal growth and better decision-making. For instance, a student who receives criticism from a friend may recognize weakness in their ideas and improve their academic performance. Moreover, learning to respect different opinions helps people develop important communication and problem-solving skills, which are valuable in both personal and professional life.

In my opinion, the best friendships are those based on mutual respect rather than complete agreement. While sharing common values is important, occasional disagreements make relationships more meaningful because they encourage open-mindedness. As long as friends communicate politely and value each other's perspective, different opinion can strengthen rather than weaken their bond.

In conclusion, although friendships based on similar opinions may be more peaceful, I believe that having friends who sometimes disagree offers greater opportunities for personal growth, deeper understanding, and stronger relationships.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have discussed both views—the benefits of choosing friends with similar opinions and the advantages of having friends with differing views—and provided a clear personal opinion throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the point about personal growth and critical thinking in the second body paragraph. The conclusion effectively synthesizes your position. To reach a higher band, you could provide a more specific, real-world example rather than a generalized one (e.g., a specific scenario involving a disagreement on a social issue) to further strengthen the depth of your argument.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand,' 'On the other hand,' and 'In conclusion.' The referencing is generally clear, and the flow of information is easy to follow. The use of cohesive devices is natural and does not feel mechanical. The structure is sound, and the paragraphing is used effectively to separate the different viewpoints and your own perspective.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'broaden their understanding,' 'challenge each other's assumptions,' and 'mutual respect' are used effectively. There are no significant errors in word choice that impede communication. While the vocabulary is accurate and appropriate for the task, it is generally standard. To achieve a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated or idiomatic collocations to demonstrate a wider, more flexible range of lexical items.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay shows a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free, and your control over grammar is generally strong. However, there are a few minor slips, such as 'choosing friend' (should be 'friends') and 'there is less chances' (should be 'there are fewer chances'). These are infrequent and do not impede communication. Your use of punctuation is accurate, and the complex structures are handled with reasonable control. To improve, ensure consistent subject-verb agreement and pluralization.

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