IELTS Writing Correction Service
Writing Samples
Band 6

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. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

In recent years, the widespread of
plastic
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money
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-particularly
credit
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 and debit cards-has significantly surpassed the use of physical
cash
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 in many societies.
While
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this
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 shift brings numerous advantages in terms of convenience and security, it
also
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 raises concerns
around
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about
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 financial discipline and access.
This
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 essay will explore both the benefits and drawbacks of
this
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 trend. On the positive side, the most obvious advantage of
plastic
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money
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 is convenience. Carrying a small
card
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 is far more practical than handling bulky notes and coins. It allows for swift, contactless payments, making transactions faster and more efficient, especially in urban environments where speed is valued.
Additionally
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, debit and
credit
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 cards enable online shopping, which has become an integral part of modern consumer culture. Without
plastic
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money
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, e-commerce would be severely limited. Another key benefit is security. If
cash
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 is lost or stolen, it is virtually impossible to recover. Cards,
on the other hand
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, can be immediately blocked and replaced. Many banks
also
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 offer fraud protection, shielding consumers from unauthorized transactions.
Furthermore
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, electronic records of all
card
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 transactions promote financial transparency, making it easier for individuals to track their spending and for authorities to combat illicit activities
such
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 as
money
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 laundering.
However
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, there are notable disadvantages. One major issue is the risk of overspending, particularly with
credit
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 cards. The ease of swiping a
card
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 can lead people to make impulsive purchases, accumulate debt, and fall into financial difficulties. Unlike
cash
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, which offers a tangible sense of how much
money
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 one has,
plastic
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money
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 can create a false sense of affluence.
Moreover
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, accessibility remains a challenge. Not everyone has a bank account or qualifies for a
credit
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card
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, especially in developing countries or among older generations who may lack digital literacy. Over-reliance on
plastic
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money
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 may exclude these populations, leading to a form of financial inequality.
Additionally
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, electronic payments are dependent on technology, which can fail- during a power outage or system crash,
cash
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 remains the only reliable fallback. In conclusion,
while
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plastic
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money
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 offers undeniable convenience and security benefits, it
also
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 introduces challenges
such
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 as overspending and accessibility issues. A balanced approach that promotes financial literacy and maintains
cash
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 as an alternative can help societies transition smoothly
while
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 minimizing the drawbacks.

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coherence and cohesion
Improve the flow of ideas between paragraphs by using more linking words and phrases.
task achievement
When discussing disadvantages, try to give more specific examples to strengthen your points.
coherence and cohesion
The introduction and conclusion clearly state the topic and summarize the main points well.
task achievement
The essay covers both the advantages and disadvantages of plastic money in a balanced way.

Fully explain your ideas

To get an excellent score in the IELTS Task 2 writing section, one of the easiest and most effective tips is structuring your writing in the most solid format. A great argument essay structure may be divided to four paragraphs, in which comprises of four sentences (excluding the conclusion paragraph, which comprises of three sentences).

For we to consider an essay structure a great one, it should be looking like this:

  • Paragraph 1 - Introduction
    • Sentence 1 - Background statement
    • Sentence 2 - Detailed background statement
    • Sentence 3 - Thesis
    • Sentence 4 - Outline sentence
  • Paragraph 2 - First supporting paragraph
    • Sentence 1 - Topic sentence
    • Sentence 2 - Example
    • Sentence 3 - Discussion
    • Sentence 4 - Conclusion
  • Paragraph 3 - Second supporting paragraph
    • Sentence 1 - Topic sentence
    • Sentence 2 - Example
    • Sentence 3 - Discussion
    • Sentence 4 - Conclusion
  • Paragraph 4 - Conclusion
    • Sentence 1 - Summary
    • Sentence 2 - Restatement of thesis
    • Sentence 3 - Prediction or recommendation

Our recommended essay structure above comprises of fifteen (15) sentences, which will make your essay approximately 250 to 275 words.

Discover more tips in The Ultimate Guide to Get a Target Band Score of 7+ »- a book that's free for 🚀 Premium users.

Topic Vocabulary:
  • Plastic money
  • Credit and debit cards
  • Banknotes
  • Coins
  • Transactions
  • Convenience
  • Security
  • Unauthorized transactions
  • Budget management
  • Financial apps
  • Acceptance
  • Global reach
  • Versatile
  • Dependence on technology
  • Technology malfunction
  • Privacy concerns
  • Data privacy
  • Data breaches
  • Overspending
  • Accumulating debt
  • High-interest rates
  • Fees
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