Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-07-29

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

In many countries, paying for things using mobile phone (cellphone) apps is becoming increasingly common. Does this development have more advantages or more disadvantages?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 8.5)

The use of mobile phone applications for making payments has grown rapidly in recent years. Many people now prefer using their smartphones instead of cash or bank cards for everyday purchases. In my opinion, this is a positive development because the advantages, particularly convenience and security, outweigh the disadvantages.

One major advantage of mobile payment apps is their convenience. People can pay for goods and services within seconds by simply scanning a QR code or tapping their phones. This saves time and reduces the need to carry cash or even physical bank cards. Moreover, mobile payment apps often allow users to pay bills, transfer money, and track their spending in one place. For example, many Australians use mobile wallets to pay for groceries, public transport, and coffee without needing to carry a wallet.

Another significant benefit is improved security. Most payment apps require fingerprint, facial recognition, or a password before a transaction can be completed. This reduces the risk of theft and fraud compared with carrying large amounts of cash. In addition, if a phone is lost, the payment application can usually be locked or disabled remotely, helping to protect the user's money.

However, there are some disadvantages. Mobile payments rely on technology, so users may face problems if their phone battery dies, the internet connection fails, or the payment system experiences technical issues. Furthermore, some elderly people or those living in remote areas may struggle to use these applications because they are less familiar with digital technology.

In conclusion, although mobile payment apps have a few drawbacks, I believe they offer far greater benefits. Their speed, convenience, and enhanced security make them an excellent alternative to traditional payment methods, and their popularity is likely to continue increasing in the future.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have clearly stated your position in the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The arguments regarding convenience and security are well-developed with relevant examples, such as the mention of Australian mobile wallets. The counter-argument regarding technical limitations and the digital divide is also relevant and provides a balanced view. The ideas are extended and supported effectively, meeting the requirements for a high band score. You have successfully balanced the advantages and disadvantages while clearly justifying why the advantages outweigh the drawbacks.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, starting with a clear topic sentence. You have used a range of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Moreover', 'In addition', 'However', and 'In conclusion', which help the reader follow your argument easily. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the advantages from the disadvantages. The flow between sentences is smooth, and there is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive referencing. The structure is coherent and supports the overall argument well.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You have demonstrated a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'everyday purchases', 'digital technology', and 'traditional payment methods' are used accurately. You have also incorporated less common items such as 'transaction', 'fraud', and 'remote areas' appropriately. The word choice is natural and fits the context of the essay well. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated collocations or idiomatic expressions, but the current range is strong and flexible.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex structures, such as conditional clauses ('if a phone is lost...') and relative clauses. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is excellent. You have used a mix of simple and complex sentence forms effectively to convey your ideas. There are no major grammatical errors that distract the reader. The grammar is accurate, and the sentence structures are varied enough to maintain interest and clarity throughout the response. This demonstrates a high level of grammatical control.

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