GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 227
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
In many countries, paying for things using mobile phone (cellphone) apps is becoming increasingly common.
Does this development have more advantages or more disadvantages?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1: [View: This development has more advantages.]
As more merchants offer customers the option to pay through cell phone applications at the point of sale, mobile payment via digital wallets is becoming increasingly prevalent. This essay argues that despite the main disadvantage of this trend is the lack of a universal software application, mobile wallets reap more benefits as they offer unprecedented convenience of making payments to purchase things.
To commence with, paying for things has never been more convenient than using a mobile payment system. In simple words, people can carry out cash transactions to merchants without carrying hard cash or cards. For instance, payment apps like Apple Pay, Android Pay, and Google Pay are particularly popular apps, which consumers use on a daily basis to make their payments whenever they purchase something. Moreover, cell phone payment applications offer an extra layer of biometric authentication like a fingerprint scan or facial recognition, helping businesses in ensuring payments are not fraudulent. Finally, most mobile payment applications are tokenized during transactions, which means that sensitive account information is replaced by tokens so that fraudsters cannot use it if hacked during payment sessions, enhancing security for both customers and businesses.
However, some believe that the drawback of mobile payment apps is that not all businesses accept this payment method. Moreover, even if they accept it, they do not support all kinds of mobile payment applications. As a result, people still need to carry cash or cards and cannot use mobile payment in all shops or online stores. Put simply, an outlet may accept digital payments, but it does not accept all of them. A case in point is Walmart Pay. Walmart accepts digital payments, but only from its own Walmart Pay application. Besides, mobile networks and internet connectivity are other major impediments to digital payments. To put it another way, you must have a good internet connection and updated mobile network infrastructure so as to process mobile payments. Furthermore, digital payments make some people worried about their privacy. This is because each transaction leaves a digital record. Although the records are not posted publicly, there is a constant fear of hackers.
To conclude, the abovementioned arguments make it clear that although cell phone payment apps have some limitations, the overall benefits of mobile wallets clearly outweigh the drawbacks.
Model Answer 2: [This development has mode advantages]
Mobile payment using apps is a rapidly growing trend worldwide. While some see it as a highly convenient method of payment, others question its safety and reliability. This essay will explore the advantages and disadvantages of paying for things using mobile phone apps and conclude that this development has more advantages than potential disadvantages.
Undeniably, the rise of mobile payment apps has many advantages. Firstly, it is highly convenient as users can make payments at any time, anywhere. This eliminates the need to carry cash or credit cards, making the process of payment faster and simpler. Secondly, mobile payment apps provide a higher level of security than traditional payment methods, as they often use advanced encryption technology to protect users’ personal and financial information. Finally, mobile payment apps can also help users to keep track of their expenses by providing digital receipts and transaction history.
It is also true that there are also several disadvantages to mobile payment apps. One major concern is the potential for security breaches, including the risk of hackers gaining access to users’ personal and financial information. Furthermore, mobile payment apps may not be accessible to everyone, particularly those who do not have access to a smartphone or reliable internet connection. Lastly, some people may prefer to use traditional payment methods due to concerns about the reliability and stability of mobile payment apps. However, it is undeniable that paying using mobile phone apps will become a common trend in the future. So rather than being scared, we should develop ways to reduce its demerits and embrace this technological development.
In conclusion, while there are both advantages and disadvantages to paying for things using mobile phone apps, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. As technology continues to evolve, it is likely that mobile payment apps will become even more secure and accessible, making them an increasingly popular method of payment in the future. We should adapt to this change and find ways to mitigate its disadvantages.
Model Answer 3: [This development has mode disadvantages]
In many parts of the world, using mobile phone applications to make payments is becoming more prevalent. While this trend may have some benefits, I firmly believe that it has more disadvantages than advantages.
There are certain benefits of mobile phone payment methods. First, it eliminates the need for carrying a large amount of cash. Moreover, paying using mobile phone apps is convenient and the transactions are done in seconds. For instance, a customer can pay using the mobile phone app while in a cue in a super shop and it takes just a few seconds, thus reducing the waiting time.
However, this development has many disadvantages. Firstly, the use of mobile apps for payments can be problematic due to security concerns. Cybercriminals have developed sophisticated methods of stealing users’ personal information, including bank account details and passwords. If a person’s mobile device is hacked, their personal and financial information could be compromised, resulting in a significant loss of money. Furthermore, mobile apps are vulnerable to fraud, and hackers may find it easy to tamper with transactional data.
Secondly, mobile app payments are not always reliable, as there is a risk of technical glitches that may cause problems during transactions. If a transaction fails, it can be challenging to track and recover the money. Additionally, mobile app payments may not be accepted by all merchants, and this can be frustrating for users who rely on this method of payment. Finally, the use of mobile payments can lead to excessive spending, as it is easier to lose track of one’s expenses when payments are made electronically. Consumers may also be tempted to spend more than they can afford, as mobile app payments are quick and convenient.
In conclusion, while mobile payments have some benefits, I believe that the disadvantages outweigh the benefits. The potential security risks, technical issues, and the temptation to overspend make mobile app payments a less desirable option for consumers. It is essential to exercise caution while making payments through mobile apps and to be aware of the risks involved.