The Subscription Economy: PTE Essay Question with Sample Answers

Your task

Read the essay question below, then write 200 to 300 words in response.

“Subscription-based models are now used in education, entertainment, and even fitness.Do you think this is a sustainable way of accessing services? Support your point of view with reasons and/or examples from your own experience.”

30 community answers with AI feedback

SCORE 26/26

Subscription-based models have become increasingly common in education, entertainment, and fitness. Instead of making a one-time payments, users pay a monthly or yearly fee to access services. In my opinion, this is a sustainable way of accessing services as long as the subscriptions provide value, flexibility, and affordability. One important reason is that subscriptions make high-quality services more accessible. For example, students can use online learning platforms without paying a large amount upfront. Similarly, fitness apps offer personalized workout plans and nutrition advice at a reasonable monthly cost. This allows more people to improve their skills and health without a significant financial burden. Another reason is that subscription models encourage companies to keep improving their services. Since businesses rely on retaining customers, they regularly introduce new features, update their content, and enhance the user experience. For instance, streaming platforms frequently add new movies and television shows, while educational websites update their courses to reflect current industry trends. These continuous improvements benefit subscribers and keep the services relevant. However, there are some drawbacks. Having multiple subscriptions can become expensive and many people end up paying for services they rarely use. Therefore, customers should review their subscriptions regularly and cancel those that are no longer necessary. In conclusion, subscription based models are a practical and sustainable approach to accessing services because they make quality resources more affordable and encourage continuous innovation. When managed wisely by both companies and consumers, this model can provide long- term benefits for everyone.

AI Feedback

Form:

Form score is 2

Content:

The essay fully addresses the prompt with a well-developed argument, using relevant examples and explanations.

Grammar:

The essay demonstrates consistent grammatical control with no noticeable errors.

Spelling:

Spelling is correct throughout the essay.

Vocabulary Range:

The essay shows a good command of a broad lexical repertoire, effectively dealing with the topic.

General Linguistic Range:

A wide range of expressions and vocabulary are used appropriately, conveying ideas with precision and clarity.

Development Structure Coherence:

The essay has a clear and logical structure, with well-organized paragraphs and effective use of connective devices.

SCORE 26/26

Subscription- based models have become increasingly popular in areas such as education, entertainment, and fitness, raising the question of whether they represent a sustainable way of accessing services. In many ways, they do offer long- term sustainability because they provide continuous access to high-quality content at an affordable monthly cost. For example, students can use online learning platforms that update their courses regularly, ensuring they always have the latest information without needing to purchase expensive textbooks. Similarly, streaming services make entertainment more convenient and reduce the need to buy or store physical media. However, subscription models also have drawbacks. When people subscribe to too many services, the combined monthly cost can become a financial burden. Additionally users do not own the content they pay for, meaning access is lost soon after they cancel the subscription. In my own experience, I found that subscribing to multiple fitness and entertainment apps became expensive over time, and I realized I was not using all of them regularly enough to justify the cost. Overall, subscription- based models can be sustainable if used wisely. Consumers need to choose services that genuinely add value to their lives and avoid subscribing to more platforms than they actually need in the future.

AI Feedback

Form:

Form score is 2

Content:

The essay fully addresses the prompt, reformulating the issue in the user's own words and providing specific examples and arguments.

Grammar:

The essay shows consistent grammatical control with rare errors.

Spelling:

Spelling is correct throughout the essay.

Vocabulary Range:

Good command of a broad lexical repertoire is demonstrated throughout the essay.

General Linguistic Range:

A variety of expressions and vocabulary are used appropriately, and ideas are formulated with ease and precision.

Development Structure Coherence:

The essay has a clear and effective structure with a well-developed introduction and conclusion, and ideas are cohesively organized into paragraphs.

SCORE 25/26

In recent years, subscription-based models have become increasingly popular in areas such as education, entertainment, and fitness. This approach allows users to pay a recurring fee to access services instead of making a one-time purchase. While this system offers several advantages, its sustainability depends on how it is applied and managed. One major benefit of subscription models is affordability and accessibility. For instance, students can access online learning platforms like Coursera or Udemy at a lower cost compared to traditional courses. Similarly, entertainment platforms such as Netflix or Spotify provide unlimited content at a fraction of the price of buying individual movies or albums. This flexibility encourages people to explore more options without a heavy financial burden. However, there are drawbacks that raise concerns about sustainability. Over time, paying multiple subscriptions can become more expensive than owning products outright. For example, subscribing to fitness apps, streaming services, and educational platforms simultaneously can create financial strain. Additionally, companies may increase prices gradually, which forces users either to keep paying or lose access. In this sense, subscriptions can trap consumers into long-term commitments without offering permanent ownership. In conclusion, subscription-based models are convenient and beneficial for short-term access and flexibility, especially in education and entertainment. Yet, they may not be fully sustainable in the long run due to rising costs and lack of ownership. A balanced approach, where users carefully select essential subscriptions, can make this model more practical and effective.

AI Feedback

Form:

Form score is 2

Content:

The essay adequately addresses the prompt with relevant ideas and examples, but lacks some depth in the argument.

Grammar:

The essay demonstrates consistent grammatical control with rare errors.

Spelling:

Spelling is correct throughout the essay.

Vocabulary Range:

The essay exhibits a good command of a broad lexical repertoire.

General Linguistic Range:

A variety of expressions and vocabulary are used effectively to articulate ideas clearly and precisely.

Development Structure Coherence:

The essay is well-structured, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Ideas are logically sequenced and well-connected.

SCORE 25/26

In the modern era, subscription-based models have become common across education, entertainment, and fitness services. While some argue that recurring payments burden users, I strongly believe this approach is a sustainable way of accessing services because it ensures affordability, continuous improvement, and wider accessibility for individuals and society. Firstly, the primary reason is that subscription reduces upfront costs and makes premium services more affordable. Instead of paying large one-time fees, users can access platforms through small monthly payments. For example, online learning portals and fitness applications allow students and professionals to learn new skills and maintain health without financial strain. As a result, this model promotes equal access to quality resources regardless of economic background. Furthermore, subscription systems encourage service providers to regularly update content and maintain high standards. This occurs because customer retention depends on user satisfaction. For instance, streaming platforms frequently update new content, and educational apps update courses based on enhancing long-term value and relevance. In conclusion, although some drawbacks, such as recurring expenses, exist, subscription-based access remains beneficial overall. Therefore, it should be encouraged as a sustainable method for delivering modern services.

AI Feedback

Form:

Form score is 1

Content:

The essay fully addresses the prompt with depth, reformulating the issue in own words and supporting the argument with relevant examples.

Grammar:

The essay shows consistent grammatical control of complex language with rare errors.

Spelling:

Spelling is correct throughout the essay.

Vocabulary Range:

The essay demonstrates a good command of a broad lexical repertoire.

General Linguistic Range:

A variety of expressions and vocabulary are used appropriately, articulating ideas with precision and clarity.

Development Structure Coherence:

The essay has an effective logical structure with a clear, cohesive argument, well-developed introduction and conclusion, and effective use of connective devices.

SCORE 25/26

In recent years, subscription-based models have become increasingly popular across various sectors such as education, entertainment, and fitness. In my opinion, this model is a sustainable and effective way of accessing services, although it has some limitations. To begin with, subscription services provide affordability and flexibility. Instead of paying a large one-time fee, users can access services by paying smaller, regular amounts. For instance, many online learning platforms offer a monthly subscription, allowing students to explore multiple courses without significant financial pressure. From my own experience, subscribing to online educational platforms has helped me learn new skills at a lower cost compared to traditional institutions. Moreover, subscription models encourage continuous engagement and improvement. In the fitness industry, for example, gyms and fitness apps update their programs regularly to retain subscribers. This motivates users to stay consistent with their goals. Similarly, entertainment platforms constantly release new content, ensuring users remain interested and satisfied. In conclusion, subscription- based models are generally a sustainable way of providing services because they offer flexibility, affordability, and continous value.

AI Feedback

Form:

Form score is 1

Content:

The essay fully addresses the prompt with a well-developed argument and relevant examples.

Grammar:

The essay demonstrates consistent grammatical control with rare errors.

Spelling:

Spelling is correct throughout the essay.

Vocabulary Range:

The essay shows good command of a broad lexical repertoire appropriate for the topic.

General Linguistic Range:

The essay uses a wide range of expressions and vocabulary with precision and clarity.

Development Structure Coherence:

The essay is well-structured with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion, and uses connective devices effectively.

SCORE 24/26

Subscription-based models have become increasingly common across various sectors such as education, entertainment, and fitness. In my opinion, this model is a largely sustainable way of accessing services, as it offers affordability, flexibility, and continuous value to both users and providers. One major advantage of subscription services is cost-effectiveness. Instead of paying a large one-time fee, users can spend the cost over monthly or yearly payments, making high-quality services more accessible. For example, online learning platforms like Coursera or Udemy provide subscriptions that allow learners to access multiple courses at a reasonable price. This encourages continuous learning without financial pressure. Similarly, entertainment platforms such as Netflix or Spotify offer unlimited content for a fixed fee, which is more economical than purchasing individuals movies or albums. Another reason why subscription models are sustainable is flexibility and convenience. Users can usually cancel or upgrade plans according to their needs, which gives them control over their spending. In the fitness sector, many apps provide subsription-based workout plans that can be accessed anytime from home. From my own experience, using a fitness app subscription helped me maintain a regular exercise routine without the need to visit a gym daily, saving both time and money. However, sustainability depends on responsible usage. If users subscribe to too many services without regular use, it can become financially burdensome. Despite this limitation, when used wisely, subscription based models provide more long-term value and convenience.

AI Feedback

Form:

Form score is 2

Content:

The essay fully addresses the prompt with depth, reformulating the issue and providing specific examples.

Grammar:

Consistent grammatical control with rare errors.

Spelling:

Contains exactly one spelling error ('subsription').

Vocabulary Range:

Good command of a broad lexical repertoire.

General Linguistic Range:

A variety of expressions and vocabulary are used appropriately, with only occasional minor errors.

Development Structure Coherence:

The essay has an effective logical structure with a clear argument, well-developed introduction and conclusion, and cohesive paragraphs.

SCORE 24/26

Subscription-based models are now used in education, entertainment and even fitness. I think it is a sustainable way of accessing services as with subscription based models, you only have to pay till the time you wish to access the services. Once you don't want to access them anymore, you can just stop the subscription. It saves you from the higher prices that you might have to pay for the permanent purchase of products or services. Also, with subscription based products and services, you get multiple packages and options that you can choose from for the same product or service. Hence, people with high spending power can purchase premium packages and people with low spending power can go for cheaper packages. For example, when I was the only one to watch Netflix in my family, I used to pay for the single screen package which was the cheapest. But slowly, as my whole family started to shift towards streaming services from regular cable TV, we opted for the premium Netflix package which gave us access to around four screens at one time. Another example would be the Amazon Prime discount for students, where Amazon offers fifty percent discount on Amazon Prime subscription for students, which is a great initiative as students do not have heavy spending power. Hence, this helps them to receive the same premium benefits at a lower price.

AI Feedback

Form:

Form score is 2

Content:

The essay fully addresses the prompt with a convincing argument and relevant examples.

Grammar:

The essay shows consistent grammatical control with rare errors.

Spelling:

Spelling is correct throughout the essay.

Vocabulary Range:

Good command of a broad lexical repertoire, with precise expression throughout.

General Linguistic Range:

A variety of expressions and vocabulary are used appropriately, with minor errors.

Development Structure Coherence:

The essay has a clear structure with a logical flow, though some transitions could be smoother.

SCORE 23/26

In today's revolutionary world, subscription-based models are widely used in education, entertainment, and even in the fitness sector. It is widely trusted as a sustainable way of accessing services because it is considered more convenient and offers more financial profits to the customers as well as creators. Individually, if we talk about education, as a student, they get more confident to ask doubts because they understand that the price is paid for that reason only. It makes their day-to-day life easy, whether they have to revise or ask a doubt, or retake a session. There are several services available, and Byju's is one of them. On the other hand, the entertainment sector is well organised now for both consumers and makers. Consumer pays for what exactly they have to watch, not for the entire connection, as in the traditional television era. The most relevant service is Netflix. Moreover, if we look into the fitness sector, it is more sustainable than others. Nowadays, people get their workout sessions, training sessions, and diet plans, or better tips at home via subscription model services available in the market. There is no need to physically consult a trainer or a dietician and pay extra fees to them for their services because subscription models have minimal charges and are more cooperative than humans. Overall, in my research opinion, subscription-based models, which are used in education, entertainment, and even in the fitness sectors, are more convenient than previous methods available, and they are easy to use, cost-effective, and time-saving. This shows clear evidence that these models are a sustainable way of accessing services.

AI Feedback

Form:

Form score is 2

Content:

The essay adequately addresses the prompt with relevant ideas and examples, but lacks in-depth expansion on some points.

Grammar:

Shows consistent grammatical control with rare errors.

Spelling:

Spelling is correct throughout the essay.

Vocabulary Range:

Good command of a broad lexical repertoire, suitable for the topic.

General Linguistic Range:

A variety of expressions and vocabulary are used appropriately, with clear communication of ideas.

Development Structure Coherence:

The essay has a conventional structure with clear paragraphs and logical flow, though some transitions could be smoother.

SCORE 23/26

Over the years, companies have come up with various marketing models to attract more customers. One such strategy is the subscription-based model where consumers pay for a certain service for a particular period of time. In my opinion, this is a sustainable way of using these services. People are often drawn towards maximising their profit while purchasing any item. Since OTT platforms are widely becoming an essential part of the entertainment industry, we are provided with options to use it in ways more suitable to our tastes. For example, if I am signing up for a platform X, which provides entertainment option in multiple languages and have content from multiple countries, I am given options only to pay for the movies/shows that I prefer watching in my preferred language. This reduces the burden of paying for something that I am fully aware I am never going to use. In another example, a person starting out their fitness journey will be confused where to start. For him/her, it makes more sense to choose a beginner package at a lower cost and slowing moving towards the higher option if they keep up their journey and are interested, rather than choosing a generic one which is common to everybody. This encourages people to be more mindful about how they manage their finances thus reducing unnecessary spendings. In conclusion, the traditional way of pay for a platform is slowing being replaced by pay for a service, which ensures maximum customer satisfaction and wider consumer range. Thus encouraging people to pick a more sustainable way of accessing services. This method should be widespread on a global level in the coming decades.

AI Feedback

Form:

Form score is 2

Content:

The essay adequately addresses the prompt with persuasive arguments and relevant examples, though some points could be more developed.

Grammar:

Demonstrates consistent grammatical control with rare errors.

Spelling:

Spelling is correct throughout the essay.

Vocabulary Range:

Good command of broad vocabulary relevant to the topic.

General Linguistic Range:

Uses a variety of expressions and vocabulary appropriately with clear communication, minor errors present.

Development Structure Coherence:

The essay has a clear structure with a logical flow and effective use of paragraphs, though some transitions could be smoother.

SCORE 23/26

With rapid advancements in technology and social media, there are a number of applications that are created in areas of education, entertainment, fitness, health and so on. While some of these platforms are free of cost, most of them are charged and have subscription-based models. In my opinion, I do not think subscription-based models are a sustainable way of accessing information and services, as these are essential applications, which are widely accessed even by the rural populations. As internet is accessible to global audiences and even reach rural parts of the nations, it is essential to keep applications relating to education, health, and such important services free of charge. Charging such important applications would mean many people not being able to access these platforms. For example, the application 'Stardust' tracks monthly menstrual cycle and each menstrual phase in women, and even keeps track of their mood and various dietary habits that they can follow during their period cycle. This kind of applications are very useful, and should be accessible by everyone, as it is able to gather important information which may not be possible manually. Furthermore, there are also platforms that drive social change, like the search engine Ecosia, that plants a tree with every search made by people. Innovative platforms like these drives change, while also giving access to important information to the general public. To conclude, subscription-based models are not an efficient way to make information accessible to the public, as this model might information unaccessible to a lot of people.

AI Feedback

Form:

Form score is 2

Content:

The essay adequately addresses the prompt with a persuasive argument and relevant examples, but lacks some depth in discussing sustainability.

Grammar:

The essay showcases consistent grammatical control with rare errors, maintaining clarity throughout.

Spelling:

Spelling is correct throughout the essay.

Vocabulary Range:

Good command of a broad lexical repertoire is evident, suitable for the topic.

General Linguistic Range:

A variety of expressions and vocabulary are used appropriately, with clear communication and minor language errors.

Development Structure Coherence:

The essay has a clear structure with a logical flow, using paragraphs effectively and a variety of connective devices, though some transitions could be smoother.

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