Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-05

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 7.5)

The use of digital mode of transactions has been skyrocketing since a last few decades. Mobile phone apps such as PayPal, Apple Wallet, UPI and Google Pay are prominently used in numerous nations, even for purchasing daily use products. Although there is a major drawback of the trend in low network zones, I personally believe it is more advantageous owing to the convenience it offers in saving time and reducing theft or robbery cases.

The primary reason behind the positive side of the trend is time effectiveness. Paying by using digital devices such as cell phones or smart watches saves customer’s and seller’s time as the payment is done in seconds by just tapping on the payment device. To cite an example, cash transactions take up to 1-2 minutes to finish since the workers have to calculate the total amount of goods and then provide change to customers. However, via phones, it only takes under 30 seconds to complete the process. Therefore, it is convenient to use digital mode than the physical one.

Another merit of the scenario is safety from robbery or pocket picking. Since people are not required to carry a huge amount of cash while shopping, it has significantly reduced the number of theft cases, specially in over-crowded areas, for instance, railway stations, shopping malls, streets or community gathering events, etc. which leads to enhanced security.

On the contrary, the major downfall of this system of making payment is in the low-network zones. Mountains, hilly regions and remote areas usually have lack of internet connectivity, which is the main requirement for operating the payment apps. Hence, it becomes challenging in those areas to do digital transactions.

Taking everything into account, I eventually arrive at the conclusion that despite the cons of online payments, the pros of it definitely outweigh the cons by saving time and boasting safety. Therefore, I suggest the availability of these apps should be increased in every region to promote an effective and secure method of making payments.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position from the introduction through to the conclusion. The ideas regarding time efficiency and security are well-developed with relevant examples, such as the comparison between cash transactions and digital payments. The counter-argument regarding network connectivity is also clearly presented. The response maintains a consistent focus on the prompt throughout. To reach a higher band, the student could further elaborate on the societal implications of these digital trends beyond just individual convenience and security, perhaps touching upon financial inclusion or data privacy.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between the advantages and the disadvantage is smooth. Cohesive devices such as 'The primary reason', 'Another merit', and 'On the contrary' are used effectively to guide the reader. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points. The referencing is generally clear, though some minor improvements in the variety of linking words could enhance the flow further. Overall, the structure is coherent and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey ideas with precision. Phrases like 'skyrocketing', 'prominently used', and 'time effectiveness' are used appropriately. There are some minor collocations issues, such as 'boasting safety' (should be 'bolstering' or 'enhancing') and 'since a last few decades' (should be 'for the last few decades'). Despite these minor errors, the vocabulary is adequate for the task and allows for clear communication of complex ideas. The use of topic-specific vocabulary related to digital payments is good.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are clear, and the grammar is generally accurate. There are occasional errors, such as 'usually have lack of' (should be 'usually lack' or 'have a lack of') and 'it is more advantageous owing to the convenience it offers in saving time' (which is grammatically sound but slightly wordy). Punctuation is generally correct. The control over complex structures is good, and errors do not impede communication. To improve, the student should focus on refining prepositional usage and article consistency.

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