In recent IELTS examinations, questions about banking automation and financial technology have become increasingly prevalent. Based on analysis of past papers and current trends, this topic appears in approximately 15% of Task 2 essays, particularly in advantages/disadvantages or discussion type questions. Let’s examine a recent IELTS question that highlights the impact of automation on banking service quality.
Task Analysis and Sample Question
Some people believe that the increased automation of banking services has brought more advantages than disadvantages to society. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
This question requires candidates to:
- Take a clear position on banking automation
- Evaluate both positive and negative impacts
- Support arguments with relevant examples
- Provide a balanced discussion
Band 8.5 Sample Essay
The widespread automation of banking services has revolutionized how people manage their finances, and I strongly agree that this transformation has yielded significantly more benefits than drawbacks for society. This essay will examine the substantial advantages while acknowledging some concerns.
The primary advantage of automated banking lies in its enhancement of efficiency and accessibility. Modern digital banking platforms enable customers to conduct transactions 24/7 from anywhere, eliminating the need for physical branch visits and reducing waiting times dramatically. For instance, how mobile banking apps enhance convenience is evident in how users can instantly transfer funds, pay bills, and monitor accounts through their smartphones, saving countless hours previously spent on manual banking processes.
Furthermore, automation has substantially improved financial security and accuracy. Digital systems employ sophisticated encryption technologies and multi-factor authentication, significantly reducing the risk of fraud compared to traditional banking methods. Additionally, automated processes minimize human error in transactions, ensuring greater precision in financial operations and record-keeping.
While some argue that automation has led to job losses and reduced personal interaction, these drawbacks are outweighed by the creation of new technological roles and improved service delivery. The importance of digital banking for businesses demonstrates how automation has enabled companies to operate more efficiently, leading to economic growth and new employment opportunities in fintech sectors.
In conclusion, despite minor drawbacks, banking automation has undeniably transformed financial services positively, offering unprecedented convenience, security, and efficiency that benefit society as a whole.
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
I agree that automated banking has brought more good things than bad things to our society. In this essay, I will talk about why I think this way.
First, automated banking makes everything faster and easier. People can use ATMs and mobile phones to do banking stuff anytime they want. For example, in my country, many people use banking apps to send money to family members who live far away, and it only takes a few minutes.
Also, automated banking is safer than old ways. Banks use special computer systems to protect people’s money and information. When we use online banking, the computer checks everything carefully, so there are fewer mistakes than when people do it by hand.
However, some problems exist with automated banking. Old people sometimes find it hard to use new technology, and some bank workers lost their jobs because of machines. But I think these problems are small compared to the good things automated banking brings.
To conclude, even though there are some problems, I believe automated banking helps society more than it hurts it because it makes banking faster, easier, and safer for most people.
Key Vocabulary
- Automation (n) /ˌɔːtəˈmeɪʃən/ – the use of machines and computers to do work that was previously done by people
- Encryption (n) /ɪnˈkrɪpʃən/ – the process of converting information into a code to prevent unauthorized access
- Multi-factor authentication (n) /ˌmʌltiˈfæktər ɔːˌθentɪˈkeɪʃən/ – security system requiring multiple forms of verification
- Fintech (n) /ˈfɪntek/ – financial technology
- Unprecedented (adj) /ʌnˈpresɪdentɪd/ – never having happened or existed before
Writing Practice Suggestion
Try writing your own essay response to this question, focusing on:
- Clear position statement
- Well-developed arguments
- Specific examples
- Appropriate vocabulary
- Coherent structure
Share your practice essay in the comments for feedback and discussion with fellow IELTS candidates.