Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-21
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)
People have different opinions about whether it is better to have friends who share the same views or friends who sometimes disagree with them. While having similar opinions can make friendships more comfortable, I believe that having friends who challenge our ideas is more beneficial in the long term.
On the one hand, many people prefer friends who have similar opinions because it is easier to communicate and avoid conflicts. When friends have the same interests, values and beliefs, they can understand each other more easily and enjoy spending time together. For example, if two friends both enjoy watching movies, travelling and listening to the same type of music, they are likely to have more topics to discuss and fewer arguments. In addition, people may feel more emotionally supported when their friends agree with their decisions.
On the other hand, friends who sometimes disagree can help us develop a broader perspective. When someone has a different opinion, they can point out weaknesses in our ideas and encourage us to think more carefully before making decisions. Disagreement can also help people improve their communication and problem-solving skills. For instance, if a student is planning to choose a particular career, a friend with a different perspective might raise important questions about the advantages and disadvantages of that career. This could help the student make a better-informed decision.
In my opinion, it is better to have friends who do not always agree with us, as long as they express their opinions respectfully. Constant agreement may make a friendship comfortable, but constructive disagreement can help us learn, grow and become more open-minded.
In conclusion, although friendships based on similar opinions can be peaceful and enjoyable, having friends with different perspectives is more valuable because it encourages personal growth and better decision-making.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.0 |
| Overall | 8.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0
The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both perspectives—the comfort of shared opinions and the growth potential of constructive disagreement—and provided a clear personal opinion throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the example of choosing a career path to illustrate how disagreement can lead to better decision-making. The position is consistent and supported by logical reasoning. To reach the highest band, you could further extend the depth of your examples, perhaps by contrasting a specific personal experience with a general observation, but the current level of development is strong and fully satisfies the requirements of the task.
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 the two viewpoints is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. The introduction and conclusion effectively frame the argument. The use of referencing is accurate, and the flow of information is natural. The paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different stages of your argument. The cohesion is well-managed throughout, making the text easy to follow and professional in its structure.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases such as 'broader perspective', 'constructive disagreement', and 'better-informed decision' show an ability to use topic-specific language effectively. While the vocabulary is accurate and natural, it is generally standard. To achieve a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated or less common lexical items (e.g., 'dissenting voices' instead of 'different opinion' or 'intellectual growth' instead of 'learn and grow'). However, the current range is flexible and allows for clear communication without any noticeable errors in word choice or collocation.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0
The essay displays a good variety of complex structures, such as conditional sentences ('if two friends both enjoy...') and subordinate clauses ('while having similar opinions...'). The grammar is highly accurate, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used correctly to support the clarity of your arguments. You show a strong command of sentence construction, and there are no significant errors that impede communication. The control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent throughout the piece, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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