Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-10-11

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 6.5)

In contemporary society, a significant number of people tend to choose a friend having the same opinion like them. However, another group of individuals believe that it is not always necessary that your opinion always resemble with your friend. Before stating my opinion, this essay will analyze whether having a friend with the same opinon is better or a friend can sometimes disagree with you.

There is a saying that, one cannot choose his family but he can choose his friends. However, friendship is not only about choosing a loyal friend; it is about having a person whom you feel comfortable and can share your issues without being judged. A considerable number of individuals believe that one should choose a friend who has the same opinions as you so that there will be less chances of any conflict. However, always agreeing to a friend's opinion is sometimes considered as boot licking. For instance, I went for a shopping with my friend but instead of giving me an honest opinion she kept agreeing with my choice and as a result I could not buy anthing.

On the other hand, another group of people suggest that everybody has their own way of seeing a situation so it is not necessary that your opinion always matches with your friend. Furthermore, mutual respect is also crucial. To illustrate, I have a friend whom I always have an argue on a number of issues not because we don't respect eachother opinions but it is a sign of our healthy friendship that we can give our point of view without hesitation.

From my perspective, there should be a balance. It is not necessary that you and your friend always have the same opinion; in addition, one should respect this. Difference of opinion is beneficial for a healthy friendship as everyone thinks differently. So, it is advisable not to be a friend with someone only because your opinions match with him instead find a rare qualities in a friend like loyalty and respect.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response addresses both views and gives a clear personal position: you argue that friendship should involve respect for differences rather than agreement alone. The shopping example illustrates why unquestioning agreement may be unhelpful, while the example of debating with a friend supports the value of disagreement. This relevant coverage meets the task well. To make the discussion more fully developed, explain the benefits of shared opinions more precisely—for example, how common values can build trust or make decisions easier—and clarify that disagreement is constructive when expressed respectfully. Your conclusion repeats your balanced view, but the recommendation to seek “rare qualities” is not fully explained. More specific reasoning would strengthen the development of your ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The essay has a clear overall structure: an introduction, separate paragraphs for the two views, and a conclusion stating your position. The progression is easy to follow, and signposts such as “On the other hand,” “To illustrate,” and “From my perspective” help readers see how the ideas relate. The examples are placed appropriately within the discussion. Some linking is a little mechanical, however, and the introduction’s promise to “analyze” the issue is less direct than simply presenting the two views and your position. There is also some repetition of “opinion” and “friend.” Use pronouns or more varied references where clear, and connect each example explicitly to the point it supports to make cohesion more flexible.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use an adequate range for discussing friendship, including “mutual respect,” “healthy friendship,” “loyal,” and “without hesitation.” These choices communicate the main ideas, and attempts at more formal phrasing show ambition. However, some word choices and collocations are inaccurate or unnatural, such as “choose a friend having the same opinion like them,” “boot licking,” and “find a rare qualities.” There are also spelling errors, including “opinon,” “anthing,” and “eachother.” These do not prevent understanding, but they limit precision and control. Aim for natural combinations such as “share similar views,” “blindly agreeing,” and “look for qualities,” and proofread spelling and word forms carefully.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The response includes a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, including clauses introduced by “so that,” “although”-like contrasts, and “not because.” Most meaning remains clear, and the examples are understandable. Some grammatical errors persist, particularly with articles, agreement, verb patterns, and sentence construction. For example, “a friend whom you feel comfortable” needs a preposition (“with whom”), while “there will be less chances” has a number-agreement problem. “I always have an argue” also uses an incorrect noun form and construction, and “one should respect this” has an unclear reference. Review article use, singular and plural agreement, and prepositions after verbs and adjectives. More accurate complex sentences would improve control without sacrificing variety.

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