Sample response & feedback

Paying for Goods Using Mobile Phone Apps

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.

Annotated response

12 correction notes

Showing 12 correction notes.

The practice of using to make payments has gained popularity. has its pros and cons, but in my opinion, the advantages exceed the disadvantages. I’ll go into greater depth about the reasons in the following paragraphs.

First and foremost, convenience is undoubtedly a major benefit of making payments online. As long as there is an Internet connection, it is indisputable that this payment method can be used anytime, anyplace, and with only a few easy taps on the smartphones. , it simplifies the payment process, allowing customers and businesses to save time and make purchases more quickly. In addition, the security aspect is responsible for the widespread use of e-transactions. Many mobile apps use advanced security measures, to safeguard users’ financial data and lower the possibility of financial fraud. As a result, a lot of customers think that using an online payment method offers them more security and comfort than using .

However, accessibility is a major drawback of cashless payment methods. Recognising that not everyone has access to smartphones or dependable Internet connectivity is crucial, especially in remote or underdeveloped areas. Because of this, relying only on online payment may exclude people who cannot afford to use these technologies, hence widening the socioeconomic divide.

In summary, although using smartphone apps to make payments offers several advantages in terms of security and convenience, there are significant accessibility-related disadvantages associated with this trend. How users, companies, regulators, and technology providers handle the drawbacks and optimize the benefits will determine how effective this strategy is overall.

Overall assessment

Why this response received Band 7.0

The response presents a clear position, addresses both sides, and develops ideas with relevant explanation, though supporting examples are general rather than specific. Language is accurate and varied, with occasional imprecision and a somewhat formulaic conclusion that softens the stated position.

IELTS criteria

How each score was decided

TR Task Response

7.0

The response addresses all parts of the task with a clear opinion and extended, relevant support, though examples remain general and the conclusion is slightly hedged.

CC Coherence and Cohesion

7.0

Ideas progress logically across clear paragraphs with a range of cohesive devices used mostly naturally, though some linking is mechanical.

LR Lexical Resource

7.0

Vocabulary is flexible and topic-appropriate, with occasional imprecision: “issuers’ smartphones” misidentifies the people using the apps, and “mobile phone banking” narrows the question’s broader focus on payment apps.

GRA Grammatical Range and Accuracy

7.0

A variety of complex structures is used with good control, and errors such as 'such biometric authentication' are minor and rare.