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Writing Samples
Band 7

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.

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Introduction
Friendship plays an important role in
people
Use synonyms
's lives, and individuals often have different preferences when choosing their
friends
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.
While
Linking Words
 some believe that having
friends
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 with similar
opinions
Use synonyms
 leads to stronger relationships, others argue that disagreements can be beneficial. In my opinion,
friendships
Use synonyms
 are more valuable when
people
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 are able to express different viewpoints
while
Linking Words
 maintaining mutual respect.
Body paragraph 1
On the one hand, having
friends
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 who share similar
opinions
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 can create a sense of comfort and understanding. When
people
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 agree on important issues, they are less likely to experience conflicts or misunderstandings.
For example
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,
friends
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 who have similar attitudes towards money and lifestyle choices may find it easier to plan activities together.
Furthermore
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, shared beliefs can strengthen emotional connections because individuals feel accepted and supported.
As a result
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, these
friendships
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 often provide a stable and comfortable social environment.
Body paragraph 2
On the other hand
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,
friendships
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 involving different
opinions
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 can encourage personal growth and critical thinking.
People
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 who are constantly surrounded by those who agree with them may become less willing to question their own beliefs.
In contrast
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,
friends
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 who offer alternative perspectives can help individuals recognise weaknesses in their arguments and consider new possibilities.
For instance
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, a person who is hesitant to change careers might benefit from a friend who challenges their assumptions and encourages them to explore other opportunities.
Although
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 disagreements may occasionally lead to tension, they can ultimately strengthen relationships when handled respectfully.
Conclusion
In conclusion,
while
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friendships
Use synonyms
 based on similar
opinions
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 can offer emotional stability and reduce conflict, I believe that having
friends
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 who sometimes disagree is more beneficial in the long term.
Such
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 relationships not only broaden
people
Use synonyms
's perspectives but
also
Linking Words
 help them develop greater understanding and tolerance towards others.

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Task response
You discuss both views clearly and give your own view from the start. To make the answer even stronger, add one more clear reason why some people want friends who think like them, such as trust or shared goals.
Task response
Your examples fit the main ideas well. The example about changing jobs is useful, but it could feel more real with a short result, such as how the person made a better choice after talking with the friend.
Coherence and cohesion
Your essay is easy to follow. Each main part has one clear point, and the order of ideas works well. Keep this clear four-part plan in future essays.
Coherence and cohesion
You use linking words well, such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion'. You could also link ideas inside a paragraph more closely by showing cause and result in a few more places.
Coherence and cohesion
The last paragraph clearly brings back both views and states your view. You could make it a little stronger by saying again that respect is the key thing that makes different views useful in friendship.
Task response
You answer all parts of the question: you explain both views and clearly say that friends can disagree if they show respect.
Task response
Your main ideas are clear and well explained. The point that different views can help people think in new ways is strong.
Coherence and cohesion
The introduction gives a clear map of the essay, and the conclusion matches your main view.
Coherence and cohesion
Your paragraphs are well organised. Each one starts with a clear main idea and then gives an explanation and an example.
Use a variety of complex and simple sentences

You should use complex sentences in your writing, but it does not mean that you should try to make all of our sentences complex.

‘Complex’ sentences are not actually very complex; they are just two or more simple sentences put together. Putting them together makes the essay more coherent and cohesive.

Examples:

I really want to study but I’m too tired.

I wore a warm coat because the weather was cold.

If action is not taken soon on climate change, global warming will get worse.

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Topic Vocabulary:
  • harmonious
  • stress-free
  • disagreements
  • conflicts
  • reinforce
  • validate
  • comforting
  • reassuring
  • broaden your understanding
  • perspectives
  • challenge intellectually
  • think critically
  • personal growth
  • development
  • healthy debates
  • communication skills
  • mutual respect
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