Paying for Things Using Mobile Phone Apps – IELTS Writing Task 2

Advantage Disadvantage essays, like ‘Paying for Things Using Mobile Phone Apps’, are an integral part of IELTS Writing Task 2. Usually, in this kind of essay, you have to note down the benefits and drawbacks of a particular aspect, like studying abroad, tourism, school systems, etc.

Let’s have a look at the Advantages and Disadvantages essay, Paying for Things Using Mobile Phone Apps from Cambridge IELTS 15 General Training Test 4 Writing Task 2 with three expert-curated sample answers ranging from Band 7 to 9. 

Question

Outline

Paying for Things Using Mobile Phone Apps - Sample Answer 1

Payment apps are getting more and more common in many nations across the world. This essay explains why people’s occasional technical troubles are not as detrimental as they may be given the benefits of this occurrence, which include convenience and safety.

To begin with, people find it more convenient to use bank applications rather than actual cash. For instance, a lot of people no longer carry cash because they might require more than they have on hand. Therefore, they have more freedom to spend the money they need or want when they choose to use paid apps. Additionally, using phone apps is safer. This is because cash or cards can be lost or stolen, but these applications have security built in case they fall into the wrong hands. For example, Apple Pay uses biometric authentication, adding an extra layer of security to transactions, thereby reducing the risk of fraud.

Nevertheless, there is a drawback to making mobile applications your primary mode of payment, which is the lack of internet access. Officers typically advise travelers to bring some cash in case their phones’ batteries die or their mobile data runs out. On such occasions, people would find themselves in a foreign nation without any financial means, which could lead to significant problems and a waste of time.

In conclusion, the benefits of utilising bank applications for payments, such as their practicality and security, far exceed the drawbacks of occasionally experiencing technical issues with internet connections or running out of battery life. These problems can also be resolved by searching for locations with free wifi and portable chargers. (266 words)

Paying for Things Using Mobile Phone Apps - Sample Answer 2

The practice of using mobile phone banking to make payments has gained popularity. This strategy 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 issuers’ smartphones. Put it in another way, 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, such biometric authentication, and encryption 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 credit or cash.

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. (269 words)

Paying for Things Using Mobile Phone Apps - Sample Answer 3

Technological advancement has impacted every industry and opened up new opportunities. It has also changed the way that we currently make payments. Due to its accessibility and ease, mobile phone applications like digital wallets are seeing a rise in popularity for transactions. This essay will discuss how the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

Making the transition to online payments has a number of benefits. Firstly, this method of payment is easy to use and convenient. Anyone with a bank account and a debit card can complete the easy-to-understand payment procedures. Secondly, it lessens the necessity of carrying actual currency when venturing outside. Finally, it gives users access to an audit feature that allows them to monitor transactions on a daily basis. For example, the GooglePay mobile app keeps a passbook that can be viewed at any time to see the payments made from the account, which lessens the likelihood of disputes arising from transactions between parties.

On the other hand, the main problem of digital payment is the rise in fraud and cybercrime. These days, thieves are highly creative and constantly coming up with new ways to take advantage of people’s money. To exemplify, many incidents have been reported where lakhs of rupees were swiped from people’s accounts by tricking them into sharing their unique authentication PIN. Moreover, the possibility of technical malfunctions that could cause payment procedures to be disrupted is a serious drawback. For instance, software faults or network connectivity problems could momentarily make mobile payment apps unusable, which would be inconvenient for consumers and might even result in financial disruptions.

To sum up, using a phone to make payments has several advantages that improve people’s daily lives. But when making payments, one should be cautious and aware of the risks. (291 words)

Paying for Things Using Mobile Phone Apps - IELTS Vocabulary 

Have a look at the IELTS Vocabulary used in the sample answers for ‘Paying for Things Using Mobile Phone Apps - IELTS Writing Task 2’.

• Detrimental

Meaning: causing harm or damage; having a negative effect

Example: Drinking junk food on a daily basis is detrimental to health.

• Biometric Authentication

Meaning: a security process that relies on unique biological characteristics, such as fingerprints or facial features, to verify a person’s identity

Example: Scientists are using multiple levels of biometric authentication to protect the secret code.

• Fraud

Meaning: wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain

Example: Nowadays, people become victims to various kinds of frauds.

• Wrong hands

Meaning: a situation where something falls into the possession or control of someone who should not have it, often with negative consequences

Example: Make sure that this document does not fall into wrong hands.

• Practicality

Meaning: the quality or state of being practical; the degree to which something is useful, feasible, or suitable for a particular purpose

Example: While purchasing something, considering the practicality is very important.

• Portable

Meaning: easily carried or moved, especially because of being relatively small or compact

Example: Mr. Hooda always carries a portable chair with him.

• Likelihood

Meaning: chance of something happening; how likely it is for something to occur

Example: There is no likelihood that he will attend the seminar.

• Cybercrime

Meaning: criminal activities carried out using computers or the internet, typically involving theft, fraud, hacking, or other illegal activities

Example: Social media and cybercrime go hand in hand.

• Malfunction

Meaning: failure to function or operate correctly; a defect or breakdown in the proper functioning of a machine, system, or process

Example: Due to the malfunction in the machine, the project was stopped.

Paying for Things Using Mobile Phone Apps - Connectors Used 

Connectors or Linking words helps to bring coherence to your writing and increase your chances of scoring a high band. So, check out the list of connectors/linking words used in the sample responses for the IELTS Writing Task 2 – Paying for Things Using Mobile Phone Apps.

• To begin with/First and foremost
• For instance/For example/To exemplify
• Therefore/As a result
• Additionally/ In addition/Moreover
• Nevertheless/However
• In conclusion/In summary/To sum up
•  Put it in another way
• Because of this
• Firstly…Secondly…Finally
• On the other hand

Mastering the Advantages and Disadvantages essay in IELTS Writing Task 2 requires clarity, critical thinking, and a well-organized response. By analyzing sample answers and understanding how to present a strong viewpoint, you can enhance your writing skills and aim for your desired IELTS Band Score. Remember to proofread your essay for grammar, vocabulary, and spelling errors. These tips, combined with practice, will help you write well-structured and coherent IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay like the ‘Paying for Things Using Mobile Phone Apps.’

Also Check:

• Every Country Should Have a Free Health Service- IELTS Writing Task 2
• Some People Say Government Should Give Health Care The First Priorities- IELTS Writing Task 2 Discursive Essay
• Nations Should Spend More Money On Skills And Vocational Training For Practical Work- IELTS Writing Task 2 Advantage/Disadvantage Essay
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Advantage and Disadvantage Essay Topic: Many university students live with their families
• Globalization has Both Advantages and Disadvantages – IELTS Writing Task 2
• Some students take a year off between school and university – IELTS Writing Task 2 Advantage/Disadvantage Essay
• People decide to have children later in their life – IELTS Writing Task 2 Advantage/Disadvantage Essays
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Government Providing Free Healthcare – IELTS Writing Task 2