Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-21

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 recent years, online payment apps have become increasingly common in many countries. While this development has few drawbacks, I believe the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages.

Nowadays, the world has become fast-paced and people prefer quick and convenient technology. One of the major advantages of payment by mobile phone apps is that they are a good replacement for cash and credit cards. For instance, if a person accidentally forgets their wallet on the way to the supermarket, they can use their online banking app to make the payment. As a result, the necessity of carrying a wallet at all times has reduced.

Another advantage is that the use of online apps for payment has made the management of finances easier. This is because the record of all payments received and the amount spent can be kept on the mobile banking apps. Due to this there has been a significant decline in incidents of theft and financial fraud. For example, if a store only accepts online payments then the owner does not require an employee for handling cash and the chances of theft reduce.

Although, there are many benefits to this development, there are also a few disadvantages. Poor internet connection or any glitch in the app can delay payments which can make this method an inconvenience. Therefore, credit cards and cash must be present as an alternative.

In conclusion, the payment for things through mobile apps is time efficient and convenient but can be the opposite if alternative payment methods are not considered as back up.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, clearly stating a position that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. The ideas are relevant, such as convenience and financial management, and are supported by examples like forgetting a wallet or reducing theft. However, the development is somewhat limited; the discussion on disadvantages is quite brief compared to the advantages, and the conclusion is a bit repetitive. To reach a higher band, you should aim to expand on the 'disadvantages' paragraph with more depth, perhaps discussing the digital divide or privacy concerns, to ensure a more balanced and thorough exploration of the topic.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central topic, such as convenience or financial management. Cohesive devices like 'For instance', 'As a result', and 'Although' are used effectively to link ideas. However, the transition between the second and third paragraphs could be smoother, and some linking phrases feel slightly mechanical. The progression of ideas is generally clear, but the overall structure would benefit from more sophisticated signposting to guide the reader through the argument more fluidly.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'fast-paced', 'financial fraud', and 'time efficient'. The meaning is consistently clear throughout the essay. However, the vocabulary is somewhat functional and lacks the variety of less common or idiomatic expressions that would elevate the response to a higher band. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors, but to improve, you should incorporate more precise collocations and academic synonyms to demonstrate a more sophisticated command of the language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as the conditional 'if a person accidentally forgets...' and the causal 'This is because...'. Most sentences are error-free, and the grammar does not impede communication. There are minor punctuation issues, such as the unnecessary comma after 'Although' in the fourth paragraph. To achieve a higher score, you should aim to incorporate a wider variety of complex grammatical structures, such as passive voice or inverted conditionals, while maintaining the current level of accuracy.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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