Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-28

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 many countries today, traditional shops and businesses are increasingly

accepting electronic payments instead of cash, leading towards a completely

cashless society.

Since the introduction of digital payment platforms, traditional shops and

businesses have increasingly started accepting electronic payments instead of

cash, leading towards a completely cashless society. This development is

considered a predominantly positive change because of the convenience and

efficiency it offers. The given statement is a positive development due to factors

discussed below in the subsequent paragraphs.

To begin with, one of the primary advantages of electronic payments is the ease

they provide to consumers. Because digital transactions can be completed within

seconds, consumers can save considerable time, and businesses can process

payments more efficiently. To elucidate, people can purchase goods and services

without carrying cash, which makes everyday transactions faster and simpler.

Contactless transactions allow customers to make payments within seconds by

simply using a card or smartphone, making purchases much more convenient. For

example, shoppers can use digital wallets such as Apple Wallet to pay for

groceries, transport, and other necessities without visiting an ATM. Hence, digital

payment methods can save considerable time and make daily financial activities

more practical.

Furthermore, electronic payment methods can improve financial security and

help people manage their money more effectively. As electronic payments are

extremely convenient, businesses can make them even more accessible by

providing multiple digital payment options, and this can encourage more

consumers to adopt a cashless lifestyle. To clarify, carrying large amounts of cash

increases the risk of theft, whereas digital transactions are generally protected by

passwords, PINs, and biometric authentication. Electronic records also enable

consumers to monitor their expenditure and keep track of their financial

activities. For instance, mobile payment applications such as PhonePe provide

detailed records of purchases and money transfers. Thus, moving away from cash

can offer both greater security and better financial management.

To encapsulate, it can be concluded that the increasing use of electronic

payments is predominantly a positive development. The convenience, security,

and efficiency of digital transactions provide substantial benefits to both

consumers and businesses. Therefore, a gradual transition towards a cashless

society would be the most practical approach in this modern world.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing mobile phone payment apps and clearly taking a position that they represent a predominantly positive development. Ideas are well-developed across body paragraphs, exploring specific advantages such as convenience, speed, financial security, and personal expense tracking. For example, the student explains how digital wallets like Apple Wallet simplify grocery shopping and transport without visiting an ATM. Although the introduction contains some repetitive framing ('Since the introduction of digital payment platforms...' and 'The given statement is a positive development...'), the overall stance and supporting arguments are clear, well-extended, and directly answer the task question.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, beginning with an introduction, moving through two well-defined body paragraphs about convenience and security, and ending with a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'Furthermore', 'To elucidate', and 'For instance' are used to connect ideas, although some transitional phrases feel slightly formulaic or repetitive. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, guiding the reader smoothly through the writer's line of argument. Referencing is generally clear, though minor overlaps in the introductory sentences create slight redundancy.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates an adequate to sufficient range of vocabulary appropriate for this task. Less common lexical items are attempted with some success, such as 'biometric authentication', 'cashless society', 'contactless transactions', and 'expenditure'. While there are occasional instances of repetitiveness—such as overusing terms like 'electronic payments' and 'convenience'—the vocabulary successfully conveys precise meanings without impeding communication. Minor stylistic clumsiness appears in the introduction, but overall the lexical resource is solid and supports the development of the arguments.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The writer uses a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating control over relative clauses and conditional structures (e.g., 'Because digital transactions can be completed within seconds, consumers can save...'). There are frequent error-free sentences, and punctuation is handled well throughout. While minor awkwardness exists in the introductory phrasing where ideas are restated redundantly, grammatical errors are minimal and do not impede communication. Complex structures are attempted with good accuracy, warranting a solid Band 7 rating for grammatical control.

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