Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

he use of mobile phone apps is increasing at a rapid rate. Apps provide various tools that are used to make payments without using cash. This is a positive development if users follow all the necessary security precautions. This essay will shed light on this topic with relevant examples and reasons.

To begin with, using a banking app allows a user to pay online; thus, users do not need to carry cash. Moreover, it reduces the chance of cash being stolen during a robbery. These apps are user-friendly. Users can check their transactions at any time, as all the details are shown in these apps. For example, an app tracks all the money coming in and going out; therefore, it is easier to check expenses and income.

However, there is a chance of fraud through online banking because these apps can be hacked and your money can be lost. Users need to make sure that their passwords and all the necessary details, such as card numbers, are secure. For instance, if a user loses their card, another person can use that card. However, with these apps, you can add additional security features such as Face ID or fingerprint verification; as a result, no one can use the account except you.

In this way, these apps not only provide many features but are also very safe to use and reduce the chances of fraud.

In conclusion, the merits are greater than the demerits. The only thing is that apps need to be used carefully by using all the available security features. Users should always check with their bank if anything suspicious is seen on the app.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, clearly stating a position that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. The ideas are relevant, covering convenience and security features as benefits, and hacking risks as a drawback. However, the development of these points is somewhat basic. For instance, the discussion on security could be extended with more specific real-world examples or a deeper analysis of how these technologies impact society at large. While the position is clear throughout, the essay would benefit from more sophisticated argumentation to reach a higher band, as the current support is somewhat repetitive and lacks depth in exploring the broader implications of mobile payment adoption.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the advantages and disadvantages. Cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'Moreover', 'However', and 'as a result' are used effectively to guide the reader through the argument. The progression of ideas is generally smooth, although some transitions feel slightly mechanical. The referencing is clear, and the overall structure supports the development of the argument well. To improve, the writer could vary the cohesive devices further to avoid repetitive structures and ensure a more natural flow between sentences.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task and allows the writer to express their ideas clearly. There is some use of topic-specific vocabulary such as 'security precautions', 'transactions', 'fraud', and 'fingerprint verification'. However, the range is somewhat limited, and the essay relies on fairly common, everyday language. There is little evidence of less common lexical items or idiomatic expressions. To achieve a higher score, the writer should aim to incorporate more precise and academic vocabulary to demonstrate a wider range and better control over collocation and style.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay displays a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There is good control over basic grammar, and the meaning is always clear. While there are some complex sentences, such as 'if a user loses their card, another person can use that card', the range of structures is somewhat restricted. There are very few grammatical errors, and punctuation is generally accurate. To move to a higher band, the writer should attempt to use a wider variety of complex grammatical structures, such as passive voice or conditional forms, with greater consistency and sophistication.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.