Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-20

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 argue that individuals should choose friends who share their opinions and beliefs, while others believe that friendships are more valuable when people occasionally disagree with one another. Although having similar views can make friendships more comfortable, I believe that being friends with people who hold different opinions is more beneficial because it encourages personal growth and broadens one's perspective.

On the one hand, having friends with similar opinions can make relationships easier and more enjoyable. When people share the same values, interests and attitudes, they are less likely to have serious disagreements, which can create a peaceful and supportive friendship. For example, two friends who have similar views about relationships, religion or career choices may find it easier to understand and support each other's decisions. In addition, common interests can provide more opportunities to spend quality time together, thereby strengthening the friendship.

On the other hand, friendships between people with different opinions can be particularly beneficial. Firstly, disagreement can encourage individuals to think critically rather than simply accepting their own beliefs as correct. A friend who respectfully challenges someone's opinion can introduce new ideas and help that person consider an issue from another perspective. Secondly, exposure to different viewpoints can improve people's ability to communicate and tolerate differences. For instance, a university student who has friends from different cultural or social backgrounds may develop a broader understanding of issues that they would otherwise have considered only from their own perspective.

In my opinion, the ideal friendship does not require people to agree on everything. While having shared values and interests is important, occasional disagreement can make a friendship more meaningful, provided that both individuals respect one another. A good friend should be able to express a different opinion without being insulting, while the other person should be willing to listen and reconsider their position.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both sides of the argument and provided a consistent, well-supported personal opinion. The ideas are relevant and logically extended, such as the point about critical thinking and personal growth in the second body paragraph. The position is clear from the introduction through to the conclusion, and the development of arguments is balanced and thorough. There are no omissions, and the response meets the requirements of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

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 cohesive devices like 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand' effectively. Referencing is clear, and the use of linking words such as 'In addition', 'Firstly', and 'Consequently' (implied) helps maintain the flow. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the argument. The structure is coherent throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'broadens one's perspective', 'think critically', and 'tolerate differences' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is appropriate and natural, it stays within a standard range. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated or idiomatic collocations, such as 'intellectual stimulation' or 'divergent viewpoints'. However, the current usage is precise, and there are no errors that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response displays a good variety of complex structures, such as the use of 'Although' clauses and conditional structures. The majority of sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and grammar is strong. There are no significant errors that cause confusion. The sentence structures are varied, moving between simple and complex forms effectively. The writing is accurate and demonstrates a high level of control, making it easy to read and follow.

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