Mobile banking and its effect on personal savings has become an increasingly relevant topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. As digital financial services continue to reshape our economic landscape, this subject is likely to appear more frequently in future IELTS exams. Based on recent trends, we’ve identified a pertinent question that addresses this theme:
Some people believe that mobile banking apps encourage people to save money, while others think they lead to increased spending. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Let’s analyze this question and explore sample essays for different band scores.
Analyzing the Question
This question presents a balanced argument about the impact of mobile banking apps on personal finance. It requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that mobile banking apps promote savings
- Explore the opposing view that these apps increase spending
- Provide a personal opinion on the matter
A well-structured response should address all three aspects, providing a balanced discussion before concluding with a clear personal stance.
Mobile banking benefits and risks are central to this topic, making it crucial for test-takers to understand both perspectives thoroughly.
Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9
The proliferation of mobile banking applications has sparked a debate about their influence on personal financial habits. While some argue that these apps encourage savings, others contend that they lead to increased spending. In my opinion, mobile banking apps have the potential to promote responsible financial behavior, but their impact largely depends on the user’s financial literacy and self-discipline.
Proponents of mobile banking apps argue that they facilitate savings by providing easy access to financial management tools. These applications often include features such as automatic savings plans, spending trackers, and investment options, which can help users monitor their finances more effectively. For instance, some apps allow users to set savings goals and automatically transfer a portion of their income into dedicated savings accounts. This seamless integration of banking services into daily life can make saving money a more habitual and less cumbersome process for many individuals.
On the other hand, critics argue that the convenience of mobile banking apps can lead to increased spending. The ease of making transactions and the constant visibility of one’s account balance might tempt some users to make impulsive purchases. Furthermore, the integration of mobile banking with online shopping platforms can streamline the buying process, potentially encouraging unnecessary expenditures. This perspective suggests that the accessibility provided by these apps might undermine financial discipline for some users.
In my view, the impact of mobile banking apps on savings behavior is largely contingent on the individual’s financial awareness and self-control. For those who are financially literate and committed to budgeting, these apps can be powerful tools for managing and growing their savings. The real-time insights and automated features can support better financial decision-making. However, for individuals lacking financial education or prone to impulsive spending, the convenience of mobile banking might indeed pose a risk to their savings goals.
In conclusion, while mobile banking apps offer significant potential for promoting savings, their effectiveness ultimately depends on the user’s approach to personal finance. To maximize the benefits of these technologies, it is crucial to combine their use with strong financial literacy and disciplined spending habits. As these apps continue to evolve, it is important for developers to incorporate features that not only facilitate transactions but also actively encourage responsible financial behavior.
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7
Mobile banking apps have become very popular in recent years, and people have different opinions about how they affect our savings habits. Some think these apps help us save money, while others believe they make us spend more. In this essay, I will discuss both views and share my own thoughts on this topic.
Those who support mobile banking apps say they make it easier for people to save money. These apps often have features that help users track their spending and set savings goals. For example, some apps can automatically transfer a small amount of money to a savings account every time the user makes a purchase. This can help people save without even thinking about it. Also, these apps usually show users their account balance and spending history, which can make them more aware of their financial situation and encourage them to save more.
On the other hand, some people argue that mobile banking apps can lead to more spending. They say that because it’s so easy to check your balance and make payments with these apps, people might be tempted to spend money more often. For instance, when shopping online, it’s very quick and simple to make a purchase using a mobile banking app, which could lead to impulse buying. Additionally, some apps offer cashback or rewards for spending, which might encourage users to spend more than they normally would.
In my opinion, whether mobile banking apps help or hinder savings depends on how people use them. For those who are careful with their money and use the apps’ features wisely, these tools can be very helpful for saving. However, for people who struggle with self-control when it comes to spending, the convenience of mobile banking might make it harder to save money.
To conclude, mobile banking apps have both positive and negative effects on savings habits. While they offer useful tools for managing money, they can also make it easier to overspend. I believe that the key to benefiting from these apps is to use them responsibly and to be aware of one’s own spending habits.
Sample Essay 3: Band 5-6
Nowadays, many people use mobile banking apps on their phones. Some people think these apps are good for saving money, but others say they make people spend more money. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
People who like mobile banking apps say they help save money. These apps have many tools to help users save. For example, you can see how much money you have and where you spend it. Some apps can even move money to your savings account automatically. This makes it easy for people to save without thinking about it too much.
But other people think these apps are bad for saving. They say it’s too easy to spend money with these apps. When you can see your money and pay for things quickly, you might buy things you don’t need. Also, some apps give rewards for spending, which might make people spend more.
In my opinion, mobile banking apps can be good or bad depending on how people use them. If someone is careful and uses the app to track their money, it can help them save. But if someone likes to buy things without thinking, the app might make it harder to save money.
To sum up, mobile banking apps have good and bad points for saving money. I think they can be helpful if people use them carefully and try to save money.
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
- Task Response: It fully addresses all parts of the task, providing a well-developed response with relevant, extended and supported ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is cohesive with clear progression throughout. It uses a range of cohesive devices and effective paragraphing.
- Lexical Resource: It uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: It uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy.
Band 6-7 Essay:
This essay shows competent writing skills:
- Task Response: It addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but it may not always be well-maintained. Cohesive devices are used, but not always appropriately.
- Lexical Resource: It has an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, with some attempt at less common vocabulary.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: It uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, with some errors that do not impede communication.
Band 5-6 Essay:
This essay demonstrates modest writing abilities:
- Task Response: It addresses the task only partially, with limited development of ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: The overall progression is there, but not always clear. Basic cohesive devices are used, but with some inaccuracies.
- Lexical Resource: It has a limited range of vocabulary, adequate for basic communication but lacking precision.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: It uses mainly simple sentences with limited accuracy in more complex structures.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Proliferation (noun) – /prəˌlɪf.əˈreɪ.ʃən/ – rapid increase in the number or amount of something
- Impulsive (adjective) – /ɪmˈpʌl.sɪv/ – acting suddenly without careful thought
- Contingent (adjective) – /kənˈtɪn.dʒənt/ – depending on something else in the future
- Streamline (verb) – /ˈstriːm.laɪn/ – to make a system or organization more effective and efficient
- Cumbersome (adjective) – /ˈkʌm.bə.səm/ – slow or complicated and therefore inefficient
- Habitual (adjective) – /həˈbɪtʃ.u.əl/ – done regularly or repeatedly
- Undermine (verb) – /ˌʌn.dəˈmaɪn/ – to gradually weaken or destroy something
- Prone (adjective) – /prəʊn/ – likely to suffer from something or do something bad
- Facilitate (verb) – /fəˈsɪl.ɪ.teɪt/ – to make an action or process possible or easier
- Integrate (verb) – /ˈɪn.tɪ.ɡreɪt/ – to combine two or more things to make something more effective
In conclusion, the impact of mobile banking on savings is a complex and relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. Understanding both perspectives and being able to articulate a balanced view is crucial for success in this task. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, consider practicing with similar topics such as digital banking vs physical bank branches or how digital wallets change spending habits. These related subjects can help broaden your understanding and vocabulary in this area.
To further enhance your writing skills, try composing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will not only help you improve but also allow you to receive feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam. Remember, consistent practice and exposure to various perspectives are key to achieving a high band score in IELTS Writing Task 2.