IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer (band score 8-9)
IELTS Essay # 1284 - It is better to choose friends who always have the same opinions
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
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 own your opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1: [View: it’s good to have friends who sometimes disagree]
It is often said that friends are the family we choose and it is not uncommon for people to gravitate towards friends who share their interests, beliefs, and opinions. However, some people argue that it is better to have friends who always agree with them, while others believe that friends who sometimes disagree with them are more valuable. In this essay, I will discuss both views. Personally, I think having friends who sometimes disagree helps us learn and grow.
On the one hand, people who argue that it is better to have friends who always agree with them believe that this helps to avoid conflicts and maintain peace in relationships. They think that having the same opinions makes it easier to communicate and reduces the chances of arguments or misunderstandings. When there is a disagreement, it can cause tension and lead to the end of the friendship. Therefore, it is better to surround oneself with people who think alike and have the same values. For instance, in a workplace setting, if two colleagues always agree on project decisions, they are less likely to have disputes, ensuring smooth teamwork and a stress-free environment.
On the other hand, people who believe that it is good to have friends who sometimes disagree with them, argue that this helps in personal growth and learning. They think that when there are disagreements, it encourages critical thinking and helps to challenge one's own beliefs and opinions. Such friends can provide new perspectives and insights that can broaden one's understanding of the world. Furthermore, it helps to develop better communication skills and learn how to navigate disagreements and conflicts in a healthy way. Therefore, in my opinion, it is better to have friends who sometimes disagree with me. While it can be comforting to have friends who always agree with us, it does not challenge us to grow or learn.
In conclusion, though friendship often means agreement among people, it is better to have friends who sometimes challenge us and help us grow. Disagreements and differing opinions are essential for personal growth and development, and having friends who share different perspectives can help us to become better individuals.
Sample Answer 2: [View: it is better to have friends who sometimes disagree with us]
Friends are important people in our life and our friendship often defines what type of person we are. When it comes to choosing companions, some believe our friends should always agree with us, while others prefer to have companions who sometimes differ on important issues. This essay aims to explore both perspectives and argue that it is better to have friends who sometimes oppose our views.
Those who think that we should select friends who always agree with us believe that similar-minded people become better friends and can avoid conflicts. We all have our own opinions, and no matter how progressive we think we are when someone opposes our views - be it as important as political, cultural or religious, or as simple as a holiday destination or a cinema to watch - we tend to start disliking this person. This is why having people who share the same interests, opinions, views and belief systems as our friends not only makes our life more enjoyable but also helps us avoid altercations and serious arguments. For instance, from my experience, I can say that most people like to spend more time with people who agree with their views and opinions and avoid those who have contrasting opinions.
On the contrary, those who advocate for having friends with sometimes contrasting opinions believe it helps us look at matters from a different perspective. For instance, when one of my uncles chose to migrate to Latvia a few years ago, one of his friends opposed his idea and persuaded him to go to Canada instead. After a few years, the latter idea was proven to be a far better choice. Moreover, when friends express different views on important issues, we tend to hear their arguments and look at things from a different perspective. This helps us grow as a person and opens new windows of options that we can consider carefully for ourselves. In my opinion, having friends who sometimes give bold and honest views that may contradict our opinions, are a far better choice than having pals who always agree with us.
In conclusion, friends are important in our life and have a great influence on the way think and behave. Therefore, we should choose them carefully considering what types of friends would be more helpful for us and whose companionship we would enjoy. Personally, I think that we should select friends who sometimes have contrasting views than ours as it benefits us profoundly.
Idea Generation for this IELTS Essay:
Essay 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.
Essay Type:
Discussion Essay.
The Main Question of This Essay:
Is it better to have friends who always agree with you, or is it better to have friends who sometimes disagree with you?
Reasons why some people think it is better to choose friends who always agree with them:
1. Avoids conflicts and maintains peace:
Having friends who always share the same opinions reduces the chances of arguments or misunderstandings. This helps maintain harmony in relationships. For example, if two close friends have the same views on politics and lifestyle choices, they are less likely to have disagreements that could damage their friendship.
2. Strengthens emotional support: When friends think alike, they provide validation and encouragement, making it easier to seek support during difficult times. For example, a person struggling with a career decision may feel more confident when their friend reassures them with the same perspective.
3. Enhances a sense of belonging: People feel more comfortable and accepted when surrounded by those who share similar values and opinions. For example, members of a close-knit social group often enjoy spending time together because they agree on most topics, strengthening their bond.
4. Simplifies decision-making:
Choosing friends with the same opinions can make it easier to make decisions, as there is less need to consider opposing viewpoints. This streamlined decision-making process can reduce time and effort spent on discussions. For example, when deciding where to go on a group trip, agreeing on destinations becomes faster if everyone shares the same preferences.
Reasons why some people believe it is good to have friends who sometimes disagree:
1. Encourages personal growth and critical thinking:
Disagreements expose people to different viewpoints, helping them develop a broader understanding of the world. For example, a friend who challenges another's views on health and fitness may encourage them to adopt better lifestyle habits.
2. Prepares for real-life situations:
In life, not everyone will share the same views. Having friends who disagree occasionally helps develop the skills to handle differing opinions maturely. For example, someone used to debating with their friends is more likely to express their thoughts confidently in a workplace discussion.
3. Prevents echo chambers:
Constantly agreeing with others can limit perspective, while disagreements encourage open-mindedness and better decision-making. For example, a person who only listens to one-sided political discussions may remain unaware of alternative policies that could benefit them.
4. Promotes open-mindedness:
Having friends who occasionally disagree with you helps promote a more open-minded perspective, allowing you to consider alternative ideas and approaches. For example, if your friend challenges your opinion on climate change, it might encourage you to research the topic more thoroughly, broadening your understanding of the issue.
5. Fosters resilience:
Disagreements with friends can help build resilience, as handling conflicting opinions can strengthen one's ability to deal with stress and adversity. For instance, navigating a disagreement about career choices with a friend may encourage you to better articulate your thoughts and develop a thicker skin when facing criticism.
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