Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-18

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 5.5)

It is often seen that in app purchases have became very popular in several nations. Although there are some demerits, i believe the the advantages are rather more significant. both the views along with my firm opinion are mention in further peragraphs.

changing people for certain apps are indeed beneficial and much needed for many reasons. Firstly, in-app purchases helps the app developers to earn what an application is actually worth and motivates them to thrive in their career. because an individual tends to work efficiently, when one sees the outcome. Not only does it assists them to stay motivated but it enables them to utilise the excess resources available that costs ample amount of money. That is why it is necessary to charge the users, enabling them use the best application.

on the other hand there are some disadvantages with the in app purchase, the applications might face various challenges by the users. in other words, despite how good the app is, it will be difficulty for the app developers to attract the users. As there are some countries with less stable economy might not be easy for their residents to spend on applications that re optional for their lives. Also in some cases the citizings maybe interested in the resourses availabe in the app; however, with the excess cost it is hard get the perineum verson.

to conclude, both the points has advantages as well as disadvantages; however, as per my knowledge, in app purchaes gets the motivation if the users pay which enables them to make more advance and user friendly applications as it assisnts the overall populations

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response5.5
Coherence and Cohesion5.5
Lexical Resource5.0
Grammatical Range and Accuracy5.0
Overall5.5

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses the prompt by discussing both advantages and disadvantages of in-app purchases. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited and repetitive. While you state your position clearly in the introduction, the supporting arguments in the body paragraphs lack depth and specific examples. For instance, the argument regarding 'excess resources' is vague and difficult to follow. To improve, ensure that each point is fully extended with clear, logical reasoning and concrete examples, rather than just stating the point. The conclusion is also quite brief and does not fully synthesize the arguments presented.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate, such as 'both the views along with my firm opinion are mention in further peragraphs.' There are also issues with referencing and logical flow between sentences. Some transitions, like 'in other words,' are used incorrectly to introduce a new point rather than clarify a previous one. Improving the variety and accuracy of linking words will help the ideas flow more naturally and logically.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary range is limited and there are frequent errors in word choice and spelling, such as 'citizings' for 'citizens', 'perineum verson' for 'premium version', and 're' for 'are'. These errors occasionally impede the reader's understanding. While you attempt to use some topic-specific vocabulary like 'app developers' and 'in-app purchases', the overall control is inconsistent. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise vocabulary and ensuring correct spelling and collocations. Avoid repetitive phrasing and try to incorporate more sophisticated synonyms.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The essay contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that affect clarity. Common issues include subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'in-app purchases helps'), incorrect verb forms (e.g., 'have became'), and missing articles. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with capitalization at the start of sentences. While the meaning is generally conveyed, the high frequency of errors in basic grammar limits the score. Focusing on proofreading for subject-verb agreement and verb tense consistency would significantly improve the quality of your writing.

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.