Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-18

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 8.0)

Some people believe that choosing friends who share the same opinions is better because it can create more harmonious relationships. Others, however, argue that having friends who sometimes disagree with us is more beneficial. This essay will discuss both views, and I believe that although like-minded friends can provide comfort and understanding, friendships with occasional disagreements are ultimately more valuable.

On the one hand, friends with similar opinions can make relationships easier and more enjoyable. People who share the same values, interests and beliefs are more likely to understand each other's decisions and support one another. As a result, there may be fewer arguments and misunderstandings. For example, if two friends have similar views about career goals or lifestyle choices, they may find it easier to spend time together and encourage each other. This can create a strong sense of trust and belonging, which is an important part of any friendship.

On the other hand, having friends with different opinions can help people develop personally and intellectually. Friends who disagree with us may introduce us to new ideas and encourage us to look at a situation from another perspective. Consequently, we can improve our critical thinking skills instead of simply believing that our own opinions are always correct. For instance, two friends may have different views about which career path is more suitable. Through a respectful discussion, both individuals may learn about advantages and disadvantages that they had not previously considered.

In my opinion, it is better to have friends who sometimes disagree with us, provided that they respect our opinions. Constant agreement can be comfortable, but it may limit our ability to learn and grow. In contrast, healthy disagreements can lead to more meaningful conversations and help us become more open-minded. However, friends should still share certain fundamental values, such as honesty, trust and mutual respect, for the relationship to remain strong.

In conclusion, while friends with similar opinions can create peaceful and supportive relationships, friends who occasionally disagree with us can broaden our perspectives and promote personal growth. Therefore, I believe that a mixture of shared values and respectful differences of opinion is the ideal foundation for a strong friendship.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

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 friends with differing opinions—and provided a clear, consistent personal position throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, with logical supporting examples such as the mention of career goals and critical thinking skills. The conclusion effectively synthesizes your arguments and reinforces your stance. The response is balanced, well-structured, and directly answers the prompt's requirements, demonstrating a high level of task engagement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using effective linking phrases such as 'On the one hand,' 'On the other hand,' and 'In conclusion.' Cohesive devices are used naturally and accurately, ensuring the reader can follow your argument without difficulty. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the response. The structure is coherent, and the flow of information is well-managed throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the task. You use precise terms such as 'harmonious relationships,' 'intellectually,' 'critical thinking skills,' and 'fundamental values.' The word choice is generally accurate and natural. While the vocabulary is sufficient and effective, incorporating a few more sophisticated or less common collocations could elevate the score further. However, the current range is more than adequate to convey your ideas with precision and clarity, and there are no significant errors in word choice or spelling.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional clauses ('provided that they respect our opinions') and contrastive structures ('while friends with similar opinions can create...'). The grammar is highly accurate, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used correctly, and the control over complex structures is consistent. There are no noticeable grammatical errors that impede communication, and the overall quality of the writing is sophisticated and controlled.

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