Nowadays plastic money replacements such as credit and debit cards are extremely popular, even more than banknotes and coins. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this.

Same questionCompare 2 different answers (Band 7)

Sample Response

1

In recent years, there has been a shift in the way people use money, with card paymentsplastic money replacements such as credit and debit cards becoming increasingly popular. While these new forms of payment offer certain benefits, they also present several drawbacks. This essay examinesIn this essay, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of using plastic money replacements.

2

One advantage of using plastic money replacements like debit or credit cardscard is convenience. Unlike traditional banknotes and coins, credit and debit cards are small and easy to carry, allowing users to make purchases quicklyquickly and easily without carryingwithout having to worry about carrying large amounts of cash. Additionally, many credit and debit cards now offer contactless payment options, making transactions even faster and more efficient. Another advantage of using plastic money replacements is security. Traditional banknotes and coins are vulnerable to theft and loss, but credit and debit cards are often protected by advanced security features such as PIN codes and encryption, making them much more securemuch safer and more secure than traditional cash.

3

However, there are also several disadvantages to using plastic money replacements. One significant drawback is the risk of overspending. With traditional cash, users are limited to the amount of money they have on hand, but with credit and debit cards, users can spend beyond their means and accumulate debt. Another disadvantage of using plastic money replacements is the potential for fraud and identity theft. While credit and debit cards offer security features, they are still vulnerable to hacking and other cyberattacks, putting users' personal and financial information at risk.

4

In conclusion, plastic money replacements offer certain advantages such as convenience and security but also present several drawbacks including the risk of overspending and the potential for fraud and identity theft. To address these issues, it is important for users to be responsible with their spending and to take appropriate measures to protect their personal and financial information.

5

Advantages of using plastic money (i.e. credit and debit cards): 1. The convenience of makingdoing transactions from home. 2. They are accepted globally.Has global acceptance. 3. These cards fit easilyThese cards easily fit into our wallets. 4. Reduces the risk of carrying large sums of casha huge sum of money. 5. They facilitate online payments.Facilitates online payments. 6. Enables small business owners to run their businessesrun business 24/7. 7. They offer credit and instalment facilities.Offers credit facility and instalment facility. 8. The risk of theft and loss is minimised. 9. Supports the growth of eCommerce. 10. Requires less time to process the transaction. Disadvantages of using plastic money (i.e. credit and debit cards): 1. They are not accepted by some small vendors.Not accepted by small vendors. 2. Sometimes the payment is rejected due to technical problems. 3. Such cards may impose high interests on the owner. 4. Plastic cards often are responsible for the impulsive shopping habits of people. 5. Vulnerable to hacking, data theft, misuse and fraud. 6. High-value transactions are often not possible. 7. They sometimes impose additional service charges.Sometimes impose additional service charges.

Overall assessment

Why this response received Band 7.0

The core essay is clear, balanced, and develops four relevant advantages and disadvantages with logical explanations. Its main limitation is the large numbered notes section added after the conclusion: it repeats earlier points, introduces undeveloped claims, and breaks the essay's progression and formal finish. Remove that appended list and use the saved space to add one concrete example within each body paragraph.

Band score breakdown

IELTS Writing Criteria Scores

TR

Task Response

7.0
Scoring rule

The continuous essay addresses both sides with developed points on convenience, security, overspending, and fraud, but the appended list adds many undeveloped claims.

Next step

Remove the notes list and deepen the main essay with a specific example showing one benefit and one risk in practice.

CC

Coherence and Cohesion

6.5
Scoring rule

The introduction, two body paragraphs, and conclusion are logically organised, but the long post-conclusion list severely disrupts progression and creates repetition.

Next step

End the response at the conclusion and integrate only the most valuable additional point into a focused body paragraph.

LR

Lexical Resource

7.0
Scoring rule

Vocabulary is generally clear and appropriate for payments and financial risk, although "plastic money replacements" is repeated heavily and the list reduces stylistic flexibility.

Next step

Vary the central term with precise alternatives such as "card payments," "cashless transactions," and "payment cards."

GRA

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

7.5
Scoring rule

The main essay uses varied, mostly accurate structures, while the appended notes contain numerous fragments and occasional agreement or word-form errors.

Next step

Present all retained ideas as complete sentences and correct forms such as "high interest rates" and "cards can encourage impulsive shopping."

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IELTS Writing Task 2

Nowadays plastic money replacements such as credit and debit cards are extremely popular, even more than banknotes and coins. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this.

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