Write for an Academic Discussion

A professor has posted a question about a topic and students have responded with their thoughts and ideas. Make a contribution to the discussion.
You will have 10 minutes to write.

Your professor is teaching a class on psychology.

In your response, you should do the following.

• • Express and support your opinion.
• • Make a contribution to the discussion in your own words.

An effective response will contain at least 100 words.

Professor’s question:

We often discuss the importance of social connections for mental well-being. Some theories suggest that having a large network of acquaintances and friends provides broad social support and a sense of belonging. In contrast, other research indicates that having just a few deep, meaningful friendships is more critical for emotional health. Which do you believe is more important for a person's overall mental well-being? Why?

Student response 1:

I think having a few close friends is far more important for mental health. These are the people you can truly rely on for deep emotional support during difficult times. A large social circle might seem impressive, but the connections are often superficial. Therefore, quality is much better than quantity in friendships.

Student response 2:

I disagree because having a large social network offers more diverse opportunities and support. Different friends can help with different aspects of life, such as career advice, hobbies, or simply having someone to talk to. Consequently, a wider circle provides a greater sense of security and belonging in the community.