IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer (band score 8-9)
IELTS Essay # 1248 - Paying using mobile phone apps is becoming increasingly common
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
In many countries, paying for things using mobile phone (cellphone) apps is becoming increasingly common.
Does this development have more advantages or disadvantages?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1: [It has more advantages]
In recent years, paying for goods and services through mobile phone apps has become a widespread phenomenon in many countries. While there are some disadvantages associated with this development, I believe that the advantages outweigh them.
One possible disadvantage of paying using mobile phones is the potential risk of fraud and cybercrime. Hackers and cybercriminals can steal personal information and access people's accounts, leading to financial losses and other serious consequences. For example, a person using a mobile payment app might receive a phishing email that looks like it’s from the app provider, prompting them to click on a link and enter their login details. If they fall for this scam, hackers could gain access to their account and make unauthorized transactions, leading to financial loss and potential identity theft.
On the contrary, the key benefit of using mobile phone apps for payment is convenience and swiftness. With this method, customers no longer have to carry cash or cards with them, which eliminates the risk of losing them. The process of paying using a mobile phone is very fast and can be done from anywhere. This can save people a lot of time and hassle, especially in busy cities where carrying a lot of cash or credit cards can be inconvenient or risky. For example, when travelling on public transport in a busy city, a person can simply use their phone to scan a QR code and pay for their fare instantly, without needing to fumble through their wallet for cash or cards. This quick and hassle-free transaction not only saves time but also reduces the chances of losing cash or cards while navigating crowded areas.
In conclusion, the advantages of using mobile phone apps for payments far outweigh the disadvantages. This method of payment is convenient, secure, and provides benefits for people. As technology continues to advance, it is likely that mobile phone payments will become even more popular in the future.
Model Answer 2: [It has more disadvantages]
In many countries, paying for things using mobile phone apps is becoming increasingly common. While there are certainly some advantages to this development, I believe that the disadvantages outweigh them.
One advantage of paying with mobile phone apps is convenience. It eliminates the need to carry cash or cards, which can be lost or stolen. Mobile payment apps can offer a faster and easier checkout experience as well. For example, by scanning a QR code or tapping an NFC-enabled terminal, the payment can be made quickly.
However, the disadvantages are more significant. Firstly, security is a major concern. While mobile payment apps have security features in place, such as encryption and two-factor authentication, they are not foolproof. Hackers can still find ways to exploit vulnerabilities and steal personal and financial information. Moreover, not everyone has access to mobile payment technology, particularly in developing countries or among older generations. This creates an inequitable situation where those without mobile payment capabilities are unable to participate fully in the economy. For example, in many rural areas of developing countries, people still rely on cash for transactions because they may not have access to smartphones or the internet. Older generations, unfamiliar with mobile payment systems, might also struggle to use such technology, limiting their ability to make purchases online or in places that only accept mobile payments. This digital divide can exclude certain groups from the benefits of modern economic activities.
In conclusion, while there are some advantages to paying with mobile phone apps, such as convenience and ease of use, the disadvantages, such as security concerns, lack of accessibility for some populations, and the possibility of system failures, are too significant to ignore. Therefore, I believe that this development has more disadvantages than advantages.
Idea Generation for this IELTS Essay:
Essay Question:
In many countries, paying for things using mobile phone (cellphone) apps is becoming increasingly common.
Does this development have more advantages or disadvantages?
Essay Type:
Advantages & Disadvantages Essay.
Main Question of This Essay:
Does the increasing use of mobile phone payment apps have more advantages or disadvantages?
Advantages of paying with mobile phones (/ cellphones):
1. Convenience and Speed:
Mobile payments are fast and can be done anywhere, eliminating the need for carrying cash or physical cards. For example, in busy urban environments, people can easily pay for their groceries or transportation with a quick tap on their phone, saving time and effort.
2. Enhanced Security:
Mobile payment apps often use encryption and biometric authentication, such as fingerprint scanning, making transactions more secure than traditional card payments. For example, many people feel safer using mobile apps to pay rather than carrying cash, which can be lost or stolen.
3. Easy Access to Transactions:
Users can easily track and manage their expenses through mobile payment apps, providing a better overview of their financial habits. For instance, apps like PayPal and Venmo allow users to quickly review their transaction history and keep their spending in check.
4. Reducing Cash Dependency:
As mobile payments become more widespread, dependence on cash is reduced, benefiting economies by creating a more efficient and streamlined system. For example, mobile payment systems are crucial in countries with high crime rates, as they provide safer alternatives to carrying cash.
5. Boosting Digital Economy:
Mobile payment apps promote a digital economy by making transactions more accessible to consumers, encouraging more people to participate in online commerce. For instance, apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay help expand online shopping, particularly in regions with limited access to traditional banking.
Disadvantages of paying with mobile phones (/ cellphones):
1. Risk of Cybercrime:
One of the major risks of using mobile payment apps is the potential for cybercrime, such as hacking or identity theft. For example, if a user's phone is compromised, their bank account information could be exposed, leading to financial loss.
2. Limited Access in Certain Areas:
Mobile payments are not universally accessible, especially in rural or underdeveloped areas where smartphones and internet access are limited. For instance, many people in low-income countries cannot access mobile payment systems, which may result in exclusion from the digital economy.
3. Technology Dependency:
With the rise of mobile payments, people become increasingly dependent on technology. If the mobile payment system experiences technical issues or outages, users could be left unable to make payments. For example, a power outage could prevent people from completing transactions in stores or markets that rely solely on mobile apps.
4. Privacy Concerns:
Mobile payment apps collect a vast amount of personal data, raising concerns about privacy and data security. For instance, apps often track purchasing habits, location, and even personal preferences, which can be misused if hacked or mishandled.
5. Inability for Some to Adapt:
Not everyone is comfortable with using mobile payment technology, particularly older generations or those with little experience with smartphones. For example, some elderly people may prefer cash or traditional bank cards and may feel overwhelmed by the complexity of mobile payment apps.
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