IELTS Writing Task 2 essay sample 3300 – Band 5.5

IELTS Writing Task 2 - 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 views and give your opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Disclaimer

The writing sample displayed here is the work of IELTS candidates and has been assessed by our team for guidance and practice purposes. These scores are not official IELTS scores.

Candidate’s Response:

There are conflicting views as to who should be better for people to make a friend. Some people say it is appropriate to choose somebody who shares the same ideas with us; however, others, myself include, believe that friends who disagree with you on some occasion would be great due to showing us a new experience about everything.

To commence with, people do not have to put a lot of effort to convince a friend. it is easy for every individual to shave ideas comfortably. For example, for paying a visit new country for Vacation, it would highly easy to find a destination with your friends since both of you share the same opinion and there is no need to allocate a lot of time and energy to convince friends.

On the other hand, opinions that disagree with you, giving us new insight and experience for every situation. For instance, the majority of people believe that every person who works in large – scale enterprise has a lot of benefits, like, adequate salary, high position, however, your friend says colleagues who work in a small company could bring for them many advantages, such as, your CV may look impressive or achieving a relevant experience would be better for the future career.

Some people may argue that it is would be difficult for both sides to spend time for argument or may leave a negative impact on friendship; in contrast, I think it’s should be great to think about their ideas and choose the best way and option for yourself.

All in all, choosing a friend who has the same opinion would bring Some benefits; however, other beliefs can bring a new picture for your way.

285 words
Presented By: Shahab Hosseinzadeh

Presented By: Shahab Hosseinzadeh

March 11, 2024

This is an IELTS writing band 5.5 sample

Disclaimer

The writing sample displayed here is the work of IELTS candidates and has been assessed by our team for guidance and practice purposes. These scores are not official IELTS scores.

IELTS Writing Band Descriptors:

Task Response
7.0 addresses all parts of the task
6.0 presents a relevant position although the conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
6.0 presents relevant main ideas but some may be inadequately developed/unclear
6.0
Coherence and Cohesion
6.0 arranges information and ideas coherently
6.0 there is a clear overall progression
6.0 uses cohesive devices effectively, but cohesion within and/or between sentences may be faulty or mechanical
6.0 may not always use referencing clearly or appropriately
6.0 uses paragraphing, but not always logically
6.0
Lexical Resource
7.0 uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow some flexibility and precision
6.0 attempts to use less common vocabulary but with some inaccuracy
6.0 makes some errors in spelling and/or word formation
5.0 that may cause some difficulty for the reader
5.0
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
6.0 uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
5.0 attempts complex sentences but these tend to be less accurate than simple sentences
6.0 makes some errors in grammar and punctuation
5.0 errors can cause some difficulty for the reader
5.0
5.5

Feedback:

Thank you indeed for writing this essay. The vocabulary and grammatical structures used need improvement. The majority of efforts should be put into improving General English. The essay is successful in addressing the main ideas in the rubric, but fails to deliver the response with accurate words and sentences. The number of errors is not that high, but errors are very effective in the reader’s mind. Here’s a good start:

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The 5.5 sample upgraded to 7.0+

The question of whether it's preferable to surround oneself with friends who share identical opinions or to embrace friends who occasionally hold opposing viewpoints is a matter of personal perspective. Both perspectives have their merits, and one's choice often depends on individual values and preferences.
On one hand, those who favor having friends with similar opinions argue that it can foster a sense of belonging and mutual understanding. Such friendships may create a more harmonious social environment where people find it easier to connect and collaborate. Shared beliefs and values can lead to a strong sense of camaraderie, making these relationships more comfortable and less prone to conflict.
Conversely, people who advocate for friendships with occasional disagreements believe that diversity of thought and perspective is essential for personal growth. Interacting with friends who challenge our views encourages critical thinking, broadens our horizons, and promotes intellectual development. These friends can act as a constructive check on our beliefs, prompting us to reevaluate and refine our positions.
In my view, a healthy balance between these two approaches is ideal. It is beneficial to have friends with shared beliefs, as they provide a sense of community and support. However, friendships with individuals who occasionally disagree can be intellectually stimulating and broaden one's horizons. These differences should be seen as opportunities for constructive dialogue rather than sources of conflict.
In conclusion, the choice between having friends with the same opinions or occasionally differing ones is a subjective one. Striking a balance between the two approaches allows for both a sense of belonging and personal growth, contributing to a well-rounded social life.
267 words

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