Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-13

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 8.0)

The concept of purchasing things using smartphones with the help of digital wallets has sparked significant discussion. Although this development has several advantages, it also has some disadvantages. This essay will discuss both the positive and negative impacts of the digitalization of money before explaining why I believe that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

One major advantage of the latest innovation of digital payments is that they can reduce the risk of theft. This is because carrying cash in public can make people vulnerable to pickpockets and can even threaten their safety. For example, there is a high chance of losing cash from wallets when attending public functions, as it can be difficult to identify the person who stole it in a crowded place. The introduction of mobile payment apps such as Google Pay and other digital wallets ensures the safety of money because they are password protected. As a result, people's hard-earned money can be better safeguarded.

Another vital advantage is that digital payments can help to improve the saving habits of people. This is particularly important because banking apps on mobile phones allow us to manage money for different purposes through different accounts, such as savings and chequing accounts. This can help people ensure that they spend money within their income limits. Handling cash can lead to a tendency to spend more, and it is difficult to remember all the cash transactions we make because they are not automatically recorded. Digitalization is also one of the fastest methods of making financial transactions, as it allows people to transfer money to another account within seconds.

Despite these benefits, digital payments also have some disadvantages. One major concern is that people can become too dependent on technology. For instance, if a person's phone is lost, the battery dies, or there is no internet connection, they may not be able to make a payment when needed. In addition, some people may spend more than they can afford because digital payments make purchasing goods extremely convenient. However, these disadvantages can be managed by keeping alternative payment methods available and monitoring spending carefully.

In conclusion, although the digitalization of money can cause problems such as dependence on technology and excessive spending, its advantages are more significant. Digital payments provide greater security, help people manage their finances and make transactions faster and more convenient. Therefore, I believe that the advantages of digital wallets outweigh their disadvantages.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position in the introduction and maintain it throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the points regarding security and financial management. You provide relevant examples, such as the mention of Google Pay, which grounds your argument in reality. The discussion of disadvantages is balanced and effectively countered, demonstrating a strong ability to develop a coherent argument. The response is well-structured and directly answers the question of whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between the advantages and disadvantages is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices, such as 'This is because', 'As a result', and 'Despite these benefits', which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct ideas. The flow is natural, and the relationship between sentences is clear, meeting the criteria for a high band score in this category.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for the topic, such as 'digitalization', 'financial transactions', 'vulnerable', and 'safeguarded'. The language is precise and natural, allowing for a clear expression of your ideas. While the vocabulary is effective, it could be further elevated by incorporating more sophisticated collocations or less common academic terms to reach the highest band. However, the current range is sufficient to convey complex ideas with precision and flexibility, and there are no significant errors in word choice.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional clauses and subordinate clauses (e.g., 'Although this development has several advantages, it also has some disadvantages'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is strong. There are no major grammatical errors that impede communication. To reach a higher band, you could aim for even greater structural variety and more sophisticated use of modal verbs or passive voice constructions to enhance the academic tone.

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