Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-15

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 6.0)

There are split opinions regarding what types of friends people choose in their life. Some people believe that it is better to select friends who always have the same opinion as them. While another group of thinkers support that it is good to have friends who sometimes disagree with your opinion. Both has it own pros and cons. Therefore, before stating my view. Both the views must be discussed.

Examining the former view that, friendship should always have the same opinion about anything. The prime reasons is that, some individuals do not like those friends who argue with them and dislike about their opinion. So they try to make friends who are similar like them. For example, people will get lots of benefit to have such friends who have same views because if they do some illegal activities then none of their friends will oppose them, as they have same opinions mindset.

The latter view believe that sometimes it is positive to have friends who disagree with the statement. This is because, every human has different approach to examine the situation, so this can help many people to correct their decisions by believing their friends. For instance, some individuals are pathetic about their opinions which is incorrect, but if you have friends who disagree with them, then they will also see different side of views and implement on them.

Finally, in my opinion, I firmly support the second view because sometimes your friends can change your bad habit and things by disagreeing with your views and it will help you in the decision making.

To conclude, there are many supporters believe that, making friends who always have same view is better, but my arguments prove that sometimes it is good for us to have friends who dislike our opinions.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response addresses both views and provides a clear personal opinion. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited. For instance, the argument for choosing friends with similar opinions relies on a rather extreme and negative example regarding 'illegal activities,' which does not fully explore the potential social benefits of shared values. Similarly, the second body paragraph is a bit repetitive in its explanation of how disagreement helps decision-making. To reach a higher band, you should aim to provide more nuanced and varied supporting points. The position is consistent throughout, but the depth of analysis could be improved to better satisfy the requirements of a Band 7.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organised into clear paragraphs, and there is a logical progression of ideas. You use some cohesive devices, such as 'For instance' and 'To conclude,' to link your thoughts. However, there are some mechanical errors in cohesion, such as the sentence fragment 'Therefore, before stating my view. Both the views must be discussed.' Additionally, the transition between sentences is sometimes abrupt. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that sentences are grammatically complete would help the flow of the essay and lead to a higher score in this criterion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, allowing you to express your ideas clearly. You use some relevant terms like 'decision making' and 'approach.' However, there are instances of imprecise word choice, such as 'pathetic about their opinions' and 'implement on them,' which sound unnatural in this context. The range of vocabulary is somewhat limited, and you rely on basic phrasing. To improve, try to incorporate more precise collocations and academic vocabulary that fits the context of interpersonal relationships and critical thinking.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While your meaning is generally clear, there are frequent grammatical errors, such as 'Both has it own pros and cons' (subject-verb agreement), 'The prime reasons is that' (plural/singular mismatch), and 'The latter view believe' (subject-verb agreement). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the use of commas after introductory phrases. While these errors do not impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and sentence boundary control will significantly improve your accuracy.

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

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