Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-21
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 7.0)
People have different opinions about whether it is better to have friends who share similar views or those who sometimes disagree with them. While having like-minded friends can make relationships more comfortable, I believe that friendships involving different opinions are more beneficial for personal growth.
On the one hand, some people prefer friends who share their opinions because this can create a strong sense of understanding and connection. When friends have similar beliefs and interests, they are less likely to argue over everyday matters. As a result, they may find it easier to spend time together and maintain a peaceful relationship. For example, two friends who enjoy the same sports and have similar lifestyles can easily plan activities without disagreements. Such friendships can provide emotional support and a sense of belonging.
On the other hand, having friends with different opinions can help individuals develop a broader perspective. When people discuss different viewpoints, they may discover new ideas and learn to think more critically. Furthermore, respectful disagreements can improve communication skills and teach people how to accept different perspectives. For instance, if one friend prefers saving money while another enjoys travelling, their discussions may help both individuals develop a more balanced approach to spending. However, it is important that disagreements remain respectful and do not turn into personal conflicts.
In my opinion, although having friends with similar views can make life easier, friendships should not be based entirely on agreement. Friends who respectfully challenge our opinions can help us recognise our mistakes and make better decisions.
In conclusion, while like-minded friends offer comfort and understanding, I believe that having friends with different opinions is equally important for developing an open mind and becoming a more thoughtful individual.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.0 |
| Overall | 7.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
The student has successfully addressed all parts of the task by discussing both views on friendships and providing a clear personal opinion throughout the essay. The response presents a well-developed position. In the body paragraphs, the student explores why people might prefer like-minded friends, such as creating a strong sense of understanding and avoiding arguments, and contrasts this with the benefits of having friends with differing opinions, such as developing a broader perspective and critical thinking. Relevant examples, such as friends enjoying the same sports versus discussions about saving money versus travelling, are provided to support the ideas. The ideas are extended appropriately, meeting the criteria for a strong band score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The essay displays a clear logical organization and progression throughout. Information and ideas are coherently arranged with a logical flow from the introduction to the body paragraphs and the conclusion. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, starting with an introductory overview, moving to the two contrasting views in the body paragraphs, followed by the writer's opinion, and ending with a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'As a result', 'Furthermore', and 'In my opinion' are used effectively to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring the text is easy to follow.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
The student demonstrates an adequate to good range of vocabulary appropriate for this task. Less common lexical items are used with some awareness of style and collocation, such as 'like-minded friends', 'personal growth', 'critical thinking', and 'balanced approach'. The word choices are generally accurate and natural, allowing the message to be conveyed with precision. There are no notable spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. While the vocabulary is not overly sophisticated or flashy, it fully suffices to cover the topic naturally and fluently.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0
The writer demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including conditional or subordinating clauses such as 'While having like-minded friends can make relationships more comfortable...' and 'When friends have similar beliefs and interests, they are less likely to argue...'. There is a high frequency of error-free sentences, and the grammar and punctuation are controlled very well throughout the text. The few complex structures attempted are handled accurately without causing confusion for the reader, demonstrating solid grammatical control appropriate for this level.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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