Some people like to have friends who agree with their views. Others like to have friends who have different views from them. What is your opinion about this ?

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Some people prefer
friends
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who share their views,
while
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others value friendships with people who think differently. I firmly believe that,
although
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like-minded
friends
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offer comfort and validation, it is more beneficial to have
friends
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who challenge your ideas, as
this
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fosters personal growth, broadens your perspective, and strengthens relationships.
First,
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friends
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who disagree with you encourage intellectual development. When someone questions your opinions, you are forced to examine your reasoning, seek evidence, and articulate your thoughts more clearly.
For example
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, if you hold a political stance and a friend offers a well-argued counterpoint, you may discover flaws in your own position or learn new information.
This
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process of constructive debate not only sharpens critical thinking but
also
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deepens your understanding of complex issues.
Second,
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friendships that bridge different viewpoints cultivate empathy and tolerance. In our increasingly polarized world, being exposed to alternative perspectives helps us appreciate diverse backgrounds and experiences. Suppose you are passionate about environmental conservation, but your friend works in an industry perceived as harmful to the environment. By discussing both sides—with respect—you gain insight into economic realities, stakeholder concerns, and potential compromises.
Such
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dialogue fosters mutual respect and can even inspire collaborative solutions.
In contrast
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,
friends
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who always agree with you can create an echo chamber, reinforcing biases and limiting personal development.
While
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it feels comforting to be validated,
this
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comfort comes at the cost of stagnation. In conclusion,
although
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friendships based on complete agreement have their place, those that include honest disagreement are far more valuable. They challenge us to think critically, expand our horizons, and build deeper, more resilient bonds.

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task achievement
Consider adding a counterargument paragraph that acknowledges the benefits of friends with similar views before reinforcing your own opinion. This could strengthen your overall argument.
coherence and cohesion
Use transitional phrases between your points to enhance the flow of your ideas, such as 'Moreover' or 'Additionally'. This can help guide the reader through your essay more smoothly.
task achievement
Your essay presents a clear and well-developed argument in favor of having friends with differing views, which is supported by relevant examples and insights.
coherence and cohesion
You have organized your essay effectively with distinct paragraphs that focus on specific points, making it easy to follow your argument.

Fully explain your ideas

To get an excellent score in the IELTS Task 2 writing section, one of the easiest and most effective tips is structuring your writing in the most solid format. A great argument essay structure may be divided to four paragraphs, in which comprises of four sentences (excluding the conclusion paragraph, which comprises of three sentences).

For we to consider an essay structure a great one, it should be looking like this:

  • Paragraph 1 - Introduction
    • Sentence 1 - Background statement
    • Sentence 2 - Detailed background statement
    • Sentence 3 - Thesis
    • Sentence 4 - Outline sentence
  • Paragraph 2 - First supporting paragraph
    • Sentence 1 - Topic sentence
    • Sentence 2 - Example
    • Sentence 3 - Discussion
    • Sentence 4 - Conclusion
  • Paragraph 3 - Second supporting paragraph
    • Sentence 1 - Topic sentence
    • Sentence 2 - Example
    • Sentence 3 - Discussion
    • Sentence 4 - Conclusion
  • Paragraph 4 - Conclusion
    • Sentence 1 - Summary
    • Sentence 2 - Restatement of thesis
    • Sentence 3 - Prediction or recommendation

Our recommended essay structure above comprises of fifteen (15) sentences, which will make your essay approximately 250 to 275 words.

Discover more tips in The Ultimate Guide to Get a Target Band Score of 7+ »— a book that's free for 🚀 Premium users.

Topic Vocabulary:
  • bond
  • support
  • unconditional love
  • shared values
  • mutual understanding
  • trust
  • emotional well-being
  • interdependence
  • societal norms
  • companionship
  • loyalty
  • advice
  • experiences
  • mentorship
  • trustworthy
  • reliable
  • reliable
  • cherish
  • strengthen
  • deepen
  • attach importance to
  • prioritize
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