Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-28
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 5.5)
In recent year, some pupil believe it's perfect to have friends with same mindsets has become widely discussed in many parts of the world >while other thinks having a friends who viewpoints are different from yours. I strongly agree that having friends who disagree with them. This essay will outline the reasons in following paragraph
To begin with , having a friends with same thinking is better at certain point for instant, In class if all children had same understanding level it would be very helpful for tutor because they can teach ones and everyone will understand quicky they don't need to worry . Apart from that they don't need to take help from each other as everyone is at same level
On the other hand, Having a friends with different aspects are more better because they can grow more form each other for example, if they are discussing something they can puts there perspective towards that topic so they can learn from each other by exchanging the ideas rather. Moreover , if one of them is lacking then they can help them with there different knowledge. for example one of them is good at trading skills he can understand more of charts and indicators so he can able to help there friends to understand all of things which they are not able get.
In conclusion, I believe having a friends with different types of view rather then having same is more better. because you need to learn from others to recognize yourself .
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response addresses both views and provides a clear personal opinion. However, the development of ideas is limited. The argument regarding friends with similar opinions is somewhat tangential, focusing on classroom dynamics rather than the broader social context of friendship. The second body paragraph attempts to explain the benefits of differing opinions but relies on a specific example about 'trading skills' that is not fully integrated into the broader argument. To reach a higher band, you need to provide more substantial, generalized reasoning that explores the psychological or social benefits of friendship diversity rather than focusing on narrow, specific scenarios.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, which is a positive step. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate. For example, 'for instant' is used incorrectly, and the transition between sentences is sometimes abrupt. The referencing is occasionally unclear, such as in the phrase 'help them with there different knowledge,' where the pronoun reference is ambiguous. While there is an overall progression, the lack of sophisticated linking words and the repetitive structure of the sentences make the flow feel somewhat disjointed. Improving the variety of transition signals would significantly enhance the readability of your work.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and repetitive. You frequently use basic terms like 'good,' 'better,' and 'help.' There are also several errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'same mindsets has become' and 'more better' (which is grammatically redundant). The attempt to use more complex vocabulary is often hindered by these inaccuracies. To improve, focus on learning collocations (e.g., 'diverse perspectives' instead of 'different aspects') and avoid repeating the same words within a single paragraph. Expanding your range to include more precise academic vocabulary will help you move toward a higher band.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The essay contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede communication. There are consistent issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'some pupil believe,' 'other thinks'), article usage, and pluralization (e.g., 'a friends'). Sentence structures are mostly simple or contain errors when attempting complexity, such as the run-on sentence in the introduction. Punctuation is also inconsistent, with spaces missing before commas and periods. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of basic errors in grammar and punctuation prevents the essay from reaching a higher score. Focus on mastering basic sentence construction and proofreading for subject-verb agreement.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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