Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-11

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 6.0)

Technological advancements aim to create ease and being able to make online payments through mobile apps is also one of the modern day wonders. Many countries have shifted to online modes of payment and like any other development it has both advantages and disadvantages.

On the bright side, online payments have made shopping, dining and all the other activities hassle free as people do not have to wait in long queues. Additionally, being able to pay online has also reduced the number of street crimes since now people avoid carrying loads of cash with them. This is particularly beneficial in countries like Pakistan which have a high ratio of such crimes.

Despite these positive aspects of shift to the online mode, there are some disadvantages as well. Since the system has become more automated the number of manpower required is being reduced, resulting in increased unemployment. Online payments have reduced the value for money, previously when payments were made in cash, people had more idea of what they are spending and how to manage budget for the whole month but now finances have become hard to manage since people end up buying unnecessary things through online shopping. Online scams are also common these days and people end up losing all their money.

To conclude, although online transactions have created a need for proper planning of finances, creating job opportunities and eductaing people on ways to avoid being a victim of frauds, there benefits still cannot be ignored. In the long run, if we come up with ways to counter these disadvantages, then making such payments would be the best thing ever happened to the man.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both advantages and disadvantages of mobile payment apps. The position is clear throughout, and the ideas are relevant. However, the development of these ideas is somewhat limited. For instance, the point about unemployment is mentioned but not fully explored, and the argument regarding 'value for money' is a bit vague. To reach a higher band, you should provide more detailed explanations or specific examples for each point raised. The conclusion is a bit abrupt and could have better summarised the main arguments to reinforce your position.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the advantages from the disadvantages. Cohesive devices such as 'On the bright side', 'Additionally', and 'Despite these positive aspects' are used to guide the reader through the argument. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the flow between sentences could be smoother. The referencing is generally clear, but there is room for more sophisticated linking to improve the overall cohesion of the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'technological advancements', 'automated', and 'transactions'. There are some minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'value for money' in the context of budgeting, which is slightly misused. You also have a few spelling errors, such as 'eductaing'. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey your meaning clearly, it lacks the precision and variety of less common lexical items that would be required for a higher band score. Focus on using more precise collocations.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is always clear, there are several grammatical errors, such as 'the best thing ever happened to the man' (should be 'the best thing that has ever happened to mankind') and 'the number of manpower required is being reduced' (should be 'the amount of manpower'). Punctuation is generally acceptable, but there are some missing commas in complex sentences. The majority of your sentences are understandable, but the frequency of minor errors prevents a higher score.

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