Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-16

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)

In several countries, purchasing items using mobile phone apps is becoming more popular. This development has more advantages than disadvantages. This essay will discuss both the pros and cons of this advancement.

Purchasing items using mobile phones allows for convenience and limits theft. In the past, individuals will need to pay for items strictly using cash and once this cash is stolen, the individual becomes stranded. Using a mobile phone app prevents individuals from carrying cash around and provides security for them. Mobile phone app payment also allows for convenience. Individuals can make payment for items in the comfort of their homes, place of work or even church. Individuals can also order items from a foreign country without having to travel just by using the mobile phone app. This helps to save the time and cost for individuals with busy schedule. For instance, a doctor who needs to be at work all day, can make payment for items using the mobile phone app and have it delivered.

Moreover, purchasing things using the mobile phone app also has its disadvantages. Older adults who use cash for payment, may find using these apps difficult. This makes purchasing items difficult for them. Furthermore, mobile phone apps are also at risk of being hacked by fraudsters. This leaves the affected person stranded and out of cash. Individuals may also struggle to make payment using the phone app in cases when there is poor network supply and when the battery is low. This makes payment almost impossible. For example, an individual needing to purchase an important item but the app network is unavailable. Payment in this situation becomes impossible and the person will be left stranded.

In conclusion, payment of items using mobile phones puts individuals at risk of hackers and other scam related activities but the advantages it possesses outweighs the risk.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

You have addressed all parts of the prompt by discussing both the advantages and disadvantages of mobile payment apps and clearly stating your position. Your ideas are relevant and supported by examples, such as the doctor scenario and the challenges faced by older adults. To reach a higher band, ensure your development is more balanced; the advantages section is slightly more detailed than the disadvantages. Additionally, while your position is clear, you could strengthen the conclusion by briefly summarising why the advantages outweigh the risks rather than just stating that they do. Overall, the response is well-focused and directly answers the question asked.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central theme, and you use basic cohesive devices like 'Moreover', 'Furthermore', and 'In conclusion' to link your ideas. However, the flow between some sentences is slightly mechanical. To improve, try to use a wider range of cohesive devices and ensure that referencing (e.g., 'this development', 'these apps') is always precise. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the progression of ideas is easy to follow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'advancement', 'fraudsters', and 'scam related activities'. The language is generally natural and conveys your meaning clearly. To achieve a higher score, try to incorporate more sophisticated or less common lexical items to express your ideas with greater precision. For example, instead of repeating 'purchasing items' or 'make payment', you could use 'financial transactions', 'digital payments', or 'procuring goods'. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While most of your sentences are clear, there are some grammatical slips, such as 'individuals will need to pay' (should be 'need to pay' or 'would need to pay') and 'the advantages it possesses outweighs' (should be 'outweigh'). You also have some minor punctuation and article usage inconsistencies. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and ensure that your complex sentences are constructed accurately. Despite these errors, the meaning is always clear, and the grammar does not hinder the reader's understanding.

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.