Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-19

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)

Task-2

Debate exists over whether paying by mobile phones is a beneficial or a limitation, as it is gaining popularity in multiple nations. This essay attempts to elucidate both perks and drawbacks of this trend with justified examples.

Convenience and speed are the foremost advantages of this approach. since people can make payments quickly and easily using their smartphones, they do not need to carry cash or cards. consequently, this saves time and make everyday transactions more convenient. The ability to track spending is another significant merit. To explain it, digital payment platforms keep a proper record of financial activities, making it easier for users to track their expenditure and manage their income. Moreover, mobile payments are particularly useful during emergencies. For instance, if someone forgets their wallet while shopping, they can simply use their smartphone to make the payment.

Security risks represent one major concern associated with this approach. To clarify, smartphone applications store personal and financial information, hackers may steal sensitive data or access user's bank details which therefore, create privacy threat. Technical problems are another possible drawback. To elaborate it, if the phone's battery dies orthe internet connection is unavailable, individuals may be unable to checkout. As a result, it creates an issue for the buyer to make instant payment. Moreover, it is not ideal for everyone. To exemplify, older people may struggle to use mobile payment apps because they are less familiar with modern technology.

In conclusion, although, electronic payment offer ease of use, rapidity, easy expense tracking, and usefulness in emergencies, they also have drawbacks such as privacy concern, technical difficulties, accessible to limited people. Therefore, both the benefits and limitations of this approach should be considered.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the task, providing both advantages and disadvantages. The position is clear throughout, and the ideas are extended with relevant examples, such as the mention of forgetting a wallet or the challenges faced by older generations. However, the essay could be improved by explicitly stating a clear position in the introduction regarding whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, rather than just stating it will 'elucidate' both sides. The conclusion also lacks a definitive stance, which is necessary for a higher band score in task response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the advantages from the disadvantages. Cohesive devices are present, such as 'consequently', 'moreover', and 'for instance', though some transitions are slightly mechanical. There are minor issues with referencing and punctuation, such as the run-on sentence in the second paragraph ('...smartphones, they do not need to carry cash or cards. consequently, this saves time...') and the lack of proper capitalization after periods. Despite these minor mechanical errors, the overall flow remains clear and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task and allows for clear communication. You use some topic-specific terms like 'digital payment platforms', 'financial activities', and 'privacy threat'. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there are occasional inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'a limitation' instead of 'a disadvantage' in the introduction, and 'accessible to limited people' in the conclusion, which is grammatically awkward. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more precise collocations and a wider variety of academic vocabulary to express your ideas with greater sophistication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The essay demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While you attempt complex sentences, there are frequent errors in punctuation and capitalization, such as starting sentences with lowercase letters after a period ('consequently', 'to elaborate it'). There are also minor grammatical slips, such as 'electronic payment offer' (should be 'offers') and 'privacy concern' (should be 'privacy concerns'). While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on proofreading for subject-verb agreement and sentence boundaries will significantly improve your accuracy.

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.