Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-07

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 6.5)

Nowadays in several countries it has become very common for people to use mobile phone applications to pay their bills. This development has more advantages as compared to disadvantages.

On the one hand, younger generation have significantly adapt the use of digital payment methods to pay their bills. The main reason behind this development is that they are more convenient as compared to conventional methods of payment. People are no longer required to carry cash in their pocket to make purchases. They can pay their bills through their phone by using applications such as Pay Pal, Apple Pay or Google Pay. For instance, many Banks have their own banking applications, which allow their users to pay their credit cards bill from their phone without actually visiting the Bank branch. Virtual payment methods are easy to use and save a lot of time. Therefore, many people are using it every day to make purchases.

On the other hand, some senior citizens are having difficulties to use Virtual Payment methods. These people prefer to use landline in order to communicate with other people. They do not use smartphone in their daily lives. Owing to lack of information about latest technology, they are afraid to use smartphone to make payments. Lack of knowledge about technology make they vulnerable to phishing and scams. Therefore, people who are not familiar with smartphone may avoid the use of digital payment methods.

To conclude, I personally believe that the use of virtual payment applications is more beneficial for people. As it is more convenient and save time a lot of time. Constantly, lack of information about technology can be a problem for older people. However, younger people who are comfortable with smartphone can help their senior to learn and use smartphone to pay bills.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

You have addressed all parts of the task by identifying both advantages and disadvantages and providing a clear personal position. The ideas are relevant, such as the convenience of digital payments versus the technological barriers for the elderly. However, the development of these points is somewhat limited. For example, the discussion on security risks could be expanded with more specific details beyond just mentioning 'phishing'. To reach a higher band, ensure that each point is fully extended with more depth and perhaps a broader range of examples to demonstrate a more comprehensive understanding of the topic.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. You use basic cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Therefore' to link your ideas. While the progression is generally clear, some transitions feel a bit mechanical. The referencing is mostly effective, though there are minor issues with pronoun usage, such as 'make they vulnerable' instead of 'make them vulnerable'. Overall, the paragraphing is appropriate, and the flow of ideas is easy to follow throughout the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'digital payment methods', 'vulnerable', and 'phishing'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'younger generation have significantly adapt' (should be 'have significantly adapted') and 'save a lot of time' (which is slightly repetitive). To improve, try to incorporate more sophisticated collocations and avoid repeating the same phrases. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey your meaning clearly, but it lacks the precision and flexibility required for higher band scores.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are several grammatical errors that occur throughout the text. Examples include 'younger generation have' (subject-verb agreement), 'difficulties to use' (should be 'difficulties using'), and 'make they vulnerable' (incorrect pronoun case). While these errors do not impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement, correct preposition usage after certain verbs, and ensuring that complex sentences are constructed with greater accuracy.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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