Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-21

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)

The use of mobile applications for making payments is becoming increasingly common worldwide. Although these applications can sometimes be unreliable and difficult for certain people to use, I believe their advantages outweigh the disadvantages because they provide greater convenience and make it easier for individuals to manage their finances.

The primary advantage of mobile payments is convenience. Consumers can complete transactions using the same phones that they already carry with them, eliminating the need to carry a separate purse or wallet containing cash. Moreover, banking applications allow users to access their transaction history and monitor their spending. As a result, individuals can keep track of their income and expenses and manage their monthly budgets more effectively. This is particularly useful for people who make numerous purchases and may otherwise find it difficult to remember where their money has been spent.

Despite these benefits, mobile payment applications have some drawbacks. One significant disadvantage is that they are not always reliable. Applications may occasionally experience technical problems or undergo unexpected system maintenance, preventing users from completing transactions. This can be particularly inconvenient when no alternative payment method is available. Furthermore, some older people and those with limited digital literacy may find these applications difficult to navigate. They may be more vulnerable to online scams because they are unfamiliar with digital payment systems. They may also fail to notice if a vendor charges them an incorrect amount.

In conclusion, although mobile payment applications can occasionally be unreliable and challenging for some people to use, they offer significant benefits in terms of convenience and financial management. Therefore, I believe that the advantages of this development outweigh its disadvantages.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The student fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both the advantages and disadvantages of mobile payment applications and clearly stating a position in the introduction and conclusion. The position that advantages outweigh disadvantages is well-maintained throughout the essay. Ideas are extended and supported with relevant examples, such as how mobile apps eliminate the need to carry separate wallets and help users monitor their spending history. The negative aspects, including technical unreliability and the digital literacy barrier for older populations, are also explored with good depth. The response satisfies the requirements of Band 7 well, presenting a clear overall argument backed by relevant reasoning.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to the primary advantage in paragraph two, the disadvantages in paragraph three, and a balanced conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'Moreover', 'As a result', 'Despite these benefits', and 'Furthermore' are used effectively to guide the reader through the arguments without being overly mechanical. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring the response is easy to follow and structurally sound, aligning closely with the Band 7 descriptors.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with good flexibility and precision, suitable for a Band 7 score. Phrases like 'eliminate the need to carry a separate purse', 'monitor their spending', and 'limited digital literacy' demonstrate an ability to use less common lexical items with an awareness of collocation and style. Word choice is generally natural and precise, as seen in 'technical problems', 'unexpected system maintenance', and 'online scams'. While there are no major lexical errors, the vocabulary remains somewhat standard rather than reaching the sophisticated, highly flexible range required for a Band 8.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates good control of grammar and punctuation, employing a variety of complex structures alongside simple ones. Sentences such as 'Although these applications can sometimes be unreliable and difficult for certain people to use, I believe their advantages outweigh the disadvantages' show a strong command of subordinate clauses. The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout. While complex structures are attempted and managed successfully with frequent error-free sentences, the range of complex syntactic structures is slightly restricted compared to higher bands, placing this securely at a solid Band 7.

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