Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

In the digital era, technological advances in digital payment systems have allowed people to use their smartphones to pay for various goods and services. This trend dose comes with disadvantages, yet the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

The widespread adoption of digital payment systems offers several benefits, particularly in terms of convenience and security. With smartphone payments, people do not have to worry about carrying cash or forgetting to bring sufficient money with them. Additionally, digital payments are particularly useful when people need to make large transactions, as carrying a significant amount of cash can be both inconvenient and insecure. In contrast, payment apps allow users to transfer large sums of money securely, as they are generally protected by strong passwords and biometric authentication. For example, if a person needs to purchase a car, carrying a large amount of cash would be extremely inconvenient and risky, whereas the same transaction could be completed through a payment app without the need to handle physical money. Thus, digital payment systems provide greater convenience while also reducing the security risks associated with carrying large amounts of cash.

Admittedly, the increasing use of digital payment applications may encourage people to spend more than they normally would. As transactions can be completed instantly without physically handling cash, consumers may become less conscious of their spending, particularly when making frequent small purchases. For example, a person who regularly uses payment applications for online shopping may make several unnecessary purchases because the process is quick and effortless. Nevertheless, this issue can be controlled if users monitor their expenditure and set appropriate limits on their digital transactions. Therefore, although mobile payment systems may encourage excessive spending, responsible use can significantly reduce this disadvantage.

Overall, I believe that the advantages of using mobile payment applications outweigh their disadvantages. Although these systems may encourage excessive spending, their convenience and security make them a highly beneficial method of making payments.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly stated your position in the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The arguments regarding convenience, security, and the potential for overspending are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the car purchase scenario. The ideas are extended logically, and the conclusion effectively summarises your stance. To reach a higher band, you could further explore the nuance of the 'disadvantages' by discussing how these systems might exclude certain demographics, such as the elderly or those without reliable internet access, which would add even more depth to your analysis.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the benefits and the drawbacks is smooth, using phrases like 'In contrast' and 'Admittedly'. Cohesive devices are used effectively to link sentences and ideas without being repetitive. The paragraphing is appropriate, with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a concise conclusion. The flow of information is natural, making the text easy to follow throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for the topic, such as 'biometric authentication', 'expenditure', and 'digital payment systems'. The word choice is generally precise and natural. There is an occasional minor error, such as 'This trend dose comes', which is a grammatical slip rather than a lexical one. To improve, you could incorporate more sophisticated collocations or idiomatic expressions to elevate the tone further, though the current range is sufficient to convey your ideas clearly and effectively.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional clauses and subordinate clauses (e.g., 'if a person needs to purchase a car...'). Most sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly. There is a minor error in the first paragraph ('dose comes' instead of 'does come'), but this is a rare slip that does not impede communication. Your control over grammar is strong, and you maintain a consistent level of accuracy throughout the piece.

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