Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-26

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 6.0)

Nowadays, a significant number of people are using mobile phone apps for their purchases because it offers a better experience to the people in terms of convenience, security and transaction record. Although it a relatively new technological innovation, it has more advantages than a traditional mode of payment.

To begin with, a latest mode of payment using mobile phone apps offers shopping experience with convenience, security and transaction record. Firstly, if offers a simple tap method, where people have to just tap and pay for their purchases. For example, if an individual like to purchase a thing, they do not have to carry their wallets, instead a simple tap from a phone will make the payment. Secondly, mobile payments provides a secure mode of payment because a phone requires a security code every time during a payment. For example, while purchasing a stuff, people have to enter their unique code on their phone to complete a payment. As a result, people are more likely to use a mobile payments mode due to its convenience and security.

Although this method is recently launched, it has more advantages than a traditional mode of payment, because it offers a hassle-free shopping for both buyers and shopkeepers. Unlike the traditional payment mode when people had to carry their wallets when they went for shopping. People with latest mode of payment don't need to carry their cash, instead a mobile phone can be used while making any payment. For example, with a traditional mode of payments people struggled while keeping loose change. However, online payments allow people to pay the exact amount while shopping.

To conclude, payments using a mobile phone app provides a better experience to buyers and purchasers in terms of providing security, convenience and transaction record.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response addresses the prompt by discussing the advantages of mobile payments. You clearly state your position that there are more advantages than disadvantages. However, the development of ideas is somewhat repetitive. You mention 'convenience, security and transaction record' in the introduction, the first body paragraph, and the conclusion, but you do not actually explain or provide examples for the 'transaction record' aspect. To reach a higher band, ensure that every point mentioned in your introduction is fully explored in the body paragraphs with distinct, well-supported arguments rather than repeating the same points.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is organized into clear paragraphs, and there is a logical progression of ideas. You use cohesive devices such as 'To begin with,' 'Firstly,' 'Secondly,' and 'In conclusion' to guide the reader. However, some transitions are slightly mechanical, and the referencing is occasionally repetitive. For example, the phrase 'traditional mode of payment' is used frequently, which makes the flow feel a bit rigid. Improving the variety of linking words and using more sophisticated referencing (e.g., 'this conventional approach' or 'such methods') would enhance the overall cohesion of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'technological innovation,' 'hassle-free,' and 'transaction record.' However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation. For instance, you write 'purchasing a stuff' (should be 'purchasing items' or 'making a purchase') and 'latest mode of payment' (which sounds slightly unnatural; 'modern' or 'contemporary' would be better). The vocabulary is sufficient to convey your meaning, but it lacks the precision and flexibility required for higher bands. Expanding your repertoire of synonyms and collocations will help improve your score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While your meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors throughout the text. Examples include 'Although it a relatively new' (missing 'is'), 'mobile payments provides' (subject-verb agreement error), and 'if an individual like to purchase' (should be 'likes'). Additionally, there are some awkward phrasings, such as 'a latest mode of payment.' While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and article usage will significantly improve your accuracy.

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