Friends who Always Have the Same Opinions – IELTS Writing Task 2

The IELTS Writing Task 2 is a crucial component of the test, assessing a candidate’s capacity for clear and concise ideas and in-depth analysis of complicated subjects. The challenge is in logically arranging concepts in a constrained amount of time while still meeting the word count requirements. As Task 2 accounts for a large portion of the total IELTS band score, candidates must strengthen their writing abilities by practising topics like ‘It is Better to Choose Friends who Always Have the Same Opinions’.

The essay topic – It is Better to Choose Friends who Always Have the Same Opinions – is a Discussion essay from Cambridge IELTS 14 General Training Test 2 and will help you acquaint yourself with the format of structuring an IELTS Discussion. If you want, have a look at the Writing Task 2 practice tests.

Since most IELTS aspirants consider IELTS Writing to be challenging and we don’t want you to feel the pressure of this task, we have provided expert-curated Band 7, 8 & 9 sample answers for you.

Let’s have a look at the discussion essay – It is Better to Choose Friends who Always Have the Same Opinions.

Question

Outline

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Band 7 Sample Answer for Writing Task 2 Question – Friends who Always Have the Same Opinions

While some think it’s a good idea to choose friends who share their viewpoints, others think it is far better to have friends who are in disagreement with them. I think it is better to have friends that do not always agree with us.

To begin with, when a group of friends share the same opinion and do not contradict each other, it leads to boredom. Like, friends having the same taste in food will not be encouraged to try out new cuisines and this in turn will not broaden their perspective. Also, lack of different opinions may lead to prejudices and stereotypes against those who have an alternative perspective.

Moreover, outside the group of like-minded people, an individual might feel isolated when others do not support them. It might lead to social isolation and lack of different learning. Sometimes, in a group with consistent opinions, there may be a risk of blind acceptance, where individuals follow the group without independent thought. As a result, friends may follow the group pattern rather than having true personal interest in certain behaviours or preferences.

In conclusion, I think it’s important to have a friend that doesn’t always agree with us. This is due to the fact that a relationship requires different strategies for self-improvement than just support, and accepting one’s flaws does not imply ignoring them. (224 words)

Band 7 Vocabulary 

• Disagreement 

Meaning: an argument or a situation in which people do not have the same opinion

Example: There was a disagreement between the two parties and so the case was taken to court.

• Contradict 

Meaning: to say the opposite of what someone else has said

Example: Our manager does not like when someone contradicts him.

• Boredom

Meaning: the state of being unhappy and uninterested

Example: There was no scope for boredom when you have to meet an urgent deadline.

• Prejudice 

Meaning: an opinion or leaning formed without just grounds or before sufficient knowledge

Example: My grandfather had no prejudices against the ones who treated him badly.

• Stereotype 

Meaning: an idea that is used to describe a particular type of person or thing, or a person or thing thought to represent such an idea

Example: In this modern day of experimentation, we should not be limited by old stereotypes.

• Isolation 

Meaning: the condition of being separated from other people, towns, countries, etc.

Example: The prison was left in isolation, which made him mad.

• Flaws 

Meaning: a sign of weakness or defect

Example: Everyone has flaws and they need to accept them.

Band 8 Sample Answer for Writing Task 2 Question – Friends who Always Have the Same Opinions

Our choice of friends significantly shapes our experiences and perspectives in life. While the appeal of having friends who always agree with us lies in the comfort and familiarity it brings, exploring diverse viewpoints is equally crucial for personal growth and a deeper understanding of the world. So, I believe that selecting friends based on opinions varies from person to person.

On the one hand, some people search for companions who share their interests in fashion, sports, education, cuisine, to create an easy-going and comfortable environment. For example, when a group of friends enjoys the same type of movies, it makes planning movie nights effortless and enjoyable, creating a stress-free atmosphere. In addition, shared opinions can foster trust among friends, as there is confidence that each person’s actions align with the group’s collective mindset.

On the other hand, sometimes, having friends with the same opinions leads to reinforcement of existing beliefs without exposure to different viewpoints. It may lead to a narrow-minded perspective and an avoidance of alternative opinions. Additionally, in order to make better decisions in life, friends with different viewpoints are necessary. For instance, while making an important decision in life, like buying a house or making an investment, it is important to consider various angles to make the best decision.

To sum up, there are benefits and drawbacks to befriending people who hold both diverse and similar beliefs. It is, therefore, in my view, the duty of an individual to select friends who will be faithful and honest in their opinions. (254 words)

Band 8 Vocabulary 

• Appeal 

Meaning: attractive or interesting

Example: Everyone was charmed by the appeal of her appearance.

• Familiarity 

Meaning: a good knowledge of something, or the fact that you know it so well

Example: The familiarity between the two friends was not affected even after so many years.

• Easy-going

Meaning: relaxed and not easily upset or worried

Example: He is the most popular boy in the school due to his easy-going nature.

• Effortless 

Meaning: seeming not to need any effort

Example: Although she made housework seem effortless, it is difficult.

• Foster 

Meaning: encourage the development of (something, especially something desirable)

Example: The teacher wants to foster creativity and transfer of knowledge among the backbenchers.

• Reinforcement 

Meaning: the action of strengthening or encouraging something

Example: The reinforcement of the new family planning made the public angry.

• Narrow-minded

Meaning: not willing to accept ideas or ways of behaving that are different from your own

Example: Narrow-minded people will never be able to grow due to their intolerance of change.

• Befriending 

Meaning: to be friendly towards someone

Example: In the act of befriending the new girl, he lost his genuine friends.

Band 9 Sample Answer for Writing Task 2 Question – Friends who Always Have the Same Opinions

IELTS Writing Task 2 Connectors Used in the Sample Answers for Friends who Always Have the Same Opinions

Check out the list of connectors used in the above-given sample answers that will help you add coherence to your writing and earn points for your IELTS Writing Task 2 – Friends who Always Have the Same Opinions.

• To begin with
• Moreover/In addition/Additionally/Furthermore
• As a result
• In conclusion/To sum up/On the whole
• On the one hand
• For example/For instance/To exemplify
• On the other hand/On the contrary
•  In my view/ In my opinion
• Therefore
• However
• Most importantly/Above all

Now that you have gone through the sample answers on the topic – Friends who Always Have the Same Opinions – it is time for you to try writing on your own. For that, leave your answers as a comment below or you can use our FREE evaluation service!

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