Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-12

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)

Mobile payment apps have become an important part of modern life. With the increasing use of smartphones and digital technology, people can now make payments quickly and easily without carrying cash or physical cards. Mobile payment apps are convenient for everyday activities such as shopping, paying bills, transferring money, and using public transportation. They save time and make financial transactions more simple and efficient.

The main advantage is convenience. Mobile payment apps allow people to pay quickly without carrying cash or physical cards. They can also make transactions easier when shopping online, splitting bills with friends, or paying for public transport. In addition, digital payments create electronic records of transactions, which can help people monitor their spending and reduce the risk of losing cash.

Another advantage is that digital payments provide electronic records of purchases. Users can check their transaction history to see where their money is going, which can help them create a budget and control their spending. Mobile payments can also reduce the risk of losing physical cash, since the money is stored digitally rather than carried in a wallet. Overall, mobile payment apps make everyday transactions faster, easier, and more convenient.

In conclusion, mobile payment apps make everyday transactions faster, easier, and more convenient. They allow people to pay without carrying cash or physical cards, make online shopping and bill splitting simpler, and help users keep track of their spending through digital records. Overall, mobile payments have become a useful part of modern life and are likely to become even more common in the future.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses the prompt by discussing the advantages of mobile payment apps. However, the task asks whether there are 'more advantages or more disadvantages,' implying a need to weigh both sides or at least acknowledge the potential drawbacks to form a balanced argument. The current response is one-sided, focusing exclusively on the benefits. While the ideas are relevant, the lack of discussion regarding disadvantages (such as security risks, technical failures, or the digital divide) means the task is only partially addressed. To reach a higher band, you must explore the counter-arguments to provide a more comprehensive and critical analysis of the development.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of convenience. However, the progression of ideas is somewhat repetitive; for instance, the second and third paragraphs both focus on the same points—convenience and electronic records—without adding significant new depth. Cohesive devices are used, but they are somewhat basic (e.g., 'In addition,' 'Another advantage,' 'Overall'). To improve, try to vary your linking phrases and ensure that each paragraph introduces a distinct, non-overlapping point to improve the flow and logical development of your argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task and allows for clear communication. You use topic-specific terms like 'financial transactions,' 'electronic records,' and 'transaction history' correctly. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there is a reliance on simple adjectives like 'important,' 'simple,' and 'easy.' To achieve a higher band, you should incorporate more sophisticated or precise vocabulary to express your ideas. For example, instead of repeating 'convenient' or 'easy,' you could use terms like 'streamlined,' 'efficient,' or 'user-friendly' to demonstrate a wider lexical range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The grammar is generally accurate, and your sentences are easy to follow. You demonstrate control over simple and compound sentence structures. However, there is a lack of complex grammatical structures, such as conditional sentences, passive voice, or relative clauses, which are necessary for higher band scores. The writing is mostly error-free, but the limited range of structures keeps the score in the mid-range. To improve, try to incorporate more complex sentence forms, such as 'While some argue that security is a concern, the efficiency provided by these apps is undeniable,' to show greater grammatical flexibility.

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

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