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Writing Samples
Band 8

Some people think It's better to choose friends who always hav the same opinions as them. Other people believe it is good to have friends who sometimes disagree with them Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

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Introduction
Some people believe that it is preferable to have
friends
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 who share similar views and interests,
while
Linking Words
 others argue that friendships are more beneficial when people are willing to disagree with one another.
Although
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 having things in common can make it easier to form a friendship, I believe that occasional disagreement is equally valuable because it allows
friends
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 to give honest
advice
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 and develop greater
trust
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.
Body paragraph 1
On the one hand, sharing similar interests and perspectives can make it considerably easier for people to establish friendships. When individuals enjoy the same activities or have similar ways of thinking, they have more topics to discuss and are likely to feel comfortable in each other's company.
As a result
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, they may spend more time together, allowing familiarity and
trust
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 to develop naturally.
For example
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, two university students who both enjoy playing basketball may regularly meet after classes to practise or watch games together. Their shared interest gives them a natural reason to interact, which can gradually develop into a close friendship.
Body paragraph 2
On the other hand
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, having a friend who is willing to disagree can be particularly valuable because genuine
friends
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 do not simply tell each other what they want to hear.
Instead
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, they can point out weaknesses in each other's decisions and provide
advice
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 based on their honest opinions.
This
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 can help individuals avoid poor decisions
while
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also
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 creating a stronger sense of
trust
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, since they know that their
friends
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 are being sincere rather than merely trying to please them.
For instance
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, someone choosing an outfit for an important occasion may ask a close friend for
advice
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 precisely because they expect an honest response. Even if the friend recommends a different outfit,
this
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 constructive disagreement may be more useful than automatic approval and can reinforce the
trust
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 between them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, similar interests and perspectives can provide a strong foundation for forming friendships because they encourage comfortable and frequent interaction.
Nevertheless
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, I believe that the ability to disagree honestly is
also
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 essential, as sincere
advice
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 can help
friends
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 make better decisions and build deeper
trust
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.

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task response
You discuss both views and clearly give your own view. To make your answer even stronger, add one short point about a possible bad side of too much disagreement, such as more conflict or less peace in the friendship.
task response
Your main ideas are clear and well explained. The examples fit the points well. You could use one more real-life example in the second body paragraph to show how honest disagreement helps with a more serious choice.
coherence and cohesion
Your essay has a very clear shape: an introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has one main idea, so it is easy to follow.
coherence and cohesion
You use linking words well, such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'For example', and 'Nevertheless'. Try not to use the same link pattern too often; you can also use simple links like 'Also', 'However', and 'Because of this'.
coherence and cohesion
The last sentence of each body paragraph connects well to the main point. For an even smoother flow, add a short opening sentence in the second paragraph that directly links disagreement to long-term friendship.
task response
You answer every part of the question. Your view is clear from the introduction and remains clear in the conclusion.
task response
Your examples are relevant and easy to understand. The basketball example clearly shows how shared interests can start a friendship.
coherence and cohesion
Your ideas move in a natural order, from shared views to different views, and then to your final opinion.
coherence and cohesion
The conclusion gives a clear summary without adding new ideas. This gives the essay a strong ending.
Topic Vocabulary:
  • Conformity
  • Harmony
  • Shared values
  • Echo chambers
  • Like-mindedness
  • Conflict avoidance
  • Diversity of thought
  • Challenge
  • Exposure
  • Open-mindedness
  • Compromise
  • Constructive criticism
  • Communication
  • Diverse perspectives
  • Productive disagreement
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