Credit cards and debt: IELTS Task 2 essay #3, band 6.5

A student’s answer to this repeated IELTS question, shared without their name and marked by Axiom on the four criteria. Select a highlighted passage to see how it could be revised, and why.

275 words. Marked by Axiom on 29 October 2026. Estimated by AI. It isn’t an official IELTS score.

Task 2275 words

In many countries, it is very easy to apply for and be given a credit card. However, this causes some people to have problems with debts they cannot pay back. Do you think the advantages of credit cards outweigh the disadvantages?

The issue of using credit cards has been extensively debated in the last decade. While there certainly exist valid arguments to the contrary, I am convinced that the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.

I consider it absolutely pivotal that using a credit card is easier than using a cash. Nowadays, many people use credit cards instead of cash, as they are easier to carry and do not require an effort.

Lexical resource
Close revision note
RevisedI consider it absolutely pivotal that using a credit card is easier than using cash.
The correct preposition to use with 'easier' is 'than', not 'using'.
Grammar & accuracy
Close revision note
RevisedNowadays, many people use credit cards instead of cash, as they are easier to carry and do not require much effort.
The phrase 'do not require an effort' is awkward. It would be more natural to say 'do not require much effort'.

For example, in countries like Uzbekistan. the modern use of credit cards has made online payments much more convenient than cash transactions

Coherence & cohesion
Close revision note
RevisedFor example, in countries like Uzbekistan, the modern use of credit cards has made online payments much more convenient than cash transactions.
The sentence should be connected with a comma instead of a period.

Further and equally importantly, another benefit of using a credit card is convenience. If people forget their cash somewhere, they just can pay online immediately, as there are apps for withdrawing money online. Additionally, applying a credit card can have far-reaching consequences for fulfilling people's needs, by providing convenient facilities and regardless of distance people can pay for products at any time.

Grammar & accuracy
Close revision note
RevisedAdditionally, having a credit card can fulfill people's needs more efficiently, as it provides convenient facilities and allows people to pay for products at any time, regardless of distance.
The correct term to use is 'can' instead of 'applying' and the construction 'regardless of distance people can pay' is awkward. A more natural phrasing would be 'regardless of distance, people can pay'.

However, this subject can be viewed from a different perspective. Although it is convenient and easy to use, it can pose safety problems. For example, when people unintentionally make a mistake in putting card numbers, it immediately will be paid for another card, which they cannot get back money again, thereby their money will be wasted. Another drawback is the threat of hackers. Many hackers try to withdraw money, by attempting to lock people's card and breaking down their password. Therefore, it is unsafe to use a credit card.

Grammar & accuracy
Close revision note
RevisedAnother drawback is the threat from hackers.
The correct preposition to use is 'from', not 'to'.

In conclusion, the matter of using a credit card seems to be rather complex, nevertheless, I belong to those people who claim that it is much more convenient and easy to apply

Select a highlighted passage to see its suggested revision.

Estimated by AI. It isn’t an official IELTS score.

What Axiom wrote for each criterion: why the answer earned its band, and what to work on next.

Coherence & cohesion

Band 6.0/ 9

The essay is logically organized and the ideas are connected, but there are some areas where the flow of ideas could be improved. The essay follows a logical structure, but transitions between paragraphs and within paragraphs could be smoother. The introduction sets up the topic well, but the connection between different points could be enhanced with more explicit linking phrases. Clearer topic sentences at the beginning of each paragraph and more explicit linking phrases would help guide the reader through the essay. Ensuring consistent punctuation and spacing will also improve readability.

Suggestions

Improve the flow of ideas between sentences and paragraphs.
Use a wider range of linking words to connect ideas more effectively.

Sentence revisions 1

RevisedFor example, in countries like Uzbekistan, the modern use of credit cards has made online payments much more convenient than cash transactions.
The sentence should be connected with a comma instead of a period.

Grammar & accuracy

Band 7.0/ 9

The essay uses a variety of complex structures. However, there are a few grammatical errors and awkward constructions. For example, "it immediately will be paid for another card" should be "it can immediately result in another payment," and "by providing convenient facilities and regardless of distance people can pay for products at any time" should be "by providing convenient facilities, people can pay for products at any time, regardless of the distance." Paying closer attention to grammatical accuracy, including correct verb forms and preposition usage, will improve the overall quality of the essay.

Sentence revisions 3

RevisedNowadays, many people use credit cards instead of cash, as they are easier to carry and do not require much effort.
The phrase 'do not require an effort' is awkward. It would be more natural to say 'do not require much effort'.
RevisedAdditionally, having a credit card can fulfill people's needs more efficiently, as it provides convenient facilities and allows people to pay for products at any time, regardless of distance.
The correct term to use is 'can' instead of 'applying' and the construction 'regardless of distance people can pay' is awkward. A more natural phrasing would be 'regardless of distance, people can pay'.
RevisedAnother drawback is the threat from hackers.
The correct preposition to use is 'from', not 'to'.

Lexical resource

Band 7.0/ 9

The essay uses a good range of vocabulary and there is evidence of some less common and idiomatic language. However, there are a few instances of awkward or incorrect word choice. For example, "applying a credit card" should be "obtaining a credit card," and "it immediately will be paid for another card" should be "it will immediately result in a payment for another card." Improving word choice and using more precise language will enhance the clarity and professionalism of the essay. Additionally, ensuring correct spelling and grammar usage will improve overall readability.

Sentence revisions 2

RevisedI consider it absolutely pivotal that using a credit card is easier than using cash.
The correct preposition to use with 'easier' is 'than', not 'using'.
RevisedIf people forget their cash somewhere, they can just pay online immediately.
The position of 'just' should be after 'can'.

Task response

Band 7.0/ 9

The essay addresses the task effectively, presenting a clear position throughout. The essay addresses the prompt by discussing the advantages and disadvantages of credit card use. The writer presents a clear stance that the advantages of credit cards outweigh the disadvantages and provides relevant examples to support this position. However, the essay could be improved by providing a more thorough analysis of the disadvantages and how they can be mitigated. Additionally, the conclusion could be more comprehensive in summarizing the main points and reinforcing the writer's stance.

Suggestions

Provide a more thorough analysis of the disadvantages and how they can be mitigated.
Ensure that the conclusion effectively summarizes the main points and reinforces the position.

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