Task
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.
Candidate’s Answer
This is an answer written by a candidate who achieved a Band 8.0 score.
Some of the people believe that friends with exactly the same opinions on different topics are better than the ones that can argue with them.
On the one hand, having similar interests on hobbies is a reason to start a friendship. In this case people always have something to discuss. If your friend has the same view of particular problem as you do, he can help you to find a solution faster. Such friend will always support you and take your side in any argument. He will be there for you in any situation.
On the other hand, having equal opinions with your friend is sometimes boring. You always agree on every issue with each other and have no discussion or argument. If your friend disagrees with you, you can discuss both views, reach a compromise and come up with a suitable solution. But strong disagreement can often lead to a heated argument or even ruin your friendship.
In my opinion, friends should not agree on everything they are talking about. I think that this kind of friendship is boring and it is not likely to last for long. However, a friend with the same opinion as yours will definitely support your point of view in any discussion. And it is a wonderful thing, too.
In conclusion I would like to say that it is good to have different views on some topics or problems but you should be loyal to the opinion of your friend. Everyone should appreciate their friendship and shouldn’t let stupid arguments ruin it.
Examiner’s Comment
The candidate has discussed both sides of the topic and provided his/her own opinion in the final two paragraphs. Ideas for each point of view are developed and supported, but there is room for further extension. The writing shows logical organisation and sequencing of ideas, with good use of cohesive devices [the ones that | In this case | On the one hand… On the other hand | this kind of friendship | the same opinion as yours]. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately.The range of vocabulary includes some less common items and collocations [support you | take your side in | be there for you | reach a compromise | come up with] and there are only rare errors [you / your friend]. There is a wide range of complex structures with very few errors (there are two cases of missing articles), but both vocabulary and grammatical range lack the sophistication expected from a Band 9 answer.
