Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-07-29

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

In the future, people may no longer be able to pay for things in shops using cash. All payments may have to be made by card or using phones. Do you think this will happen one day? Why do you think some people might not be happy to give up using cash?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

 

Student answer (Band 8.0)

In future ,people may no longer be able to pay for things in shops using cash . All payments may have to be made by card or using phones . Discuss both the view and i conclude with my own view .

Technology is changing the way people pay for goods and services. Nowadays, many people use debit cards, credit cards, or mobile payment apps instead of cash. I believe that cashless payments will become even more common in the future, but I do not think cash will disappear completely. Some people will continue to prefer using cash for various reasons.

On the one hand, digital payments are fast, convenient, and secure. People do not need to carry large amounts of money, and transactions can be completed within seconds. Moreover, governments and businesses encourage online payments because they reduce the risk of theft and make financial records easier to maintain. For example, in India, payment applications such as UPI have become extremely popular, allowing people to pay even small amounts using their smartphones.

On the other hand, not everyone is willing to give up cash. Elderly people may find it difficult to use modern technology, while people living in rural areas may not always have access to the internet or smartphones. In addition, some individuals prefer cash because it helps them control their spending and protects their privacy, as cash transactions are not digitally recorded.

In conclusion, I believe that cashless payments will continue to increase and may become the main method of payment in the future. However, cash is unlikely to disappear completely because many people still rely on it for convenience, accessibility, and personal preference.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position that while cashless payments will increase, cash will not disappear entirely. You provide relevant reasons for both sides of the argument, such as convenience and security for digital payments, and accessibility and privacy concerns for cash. The ideas are well-developed and supported with a relevant example from India. The introduction, however, includes an unnecessary instruction to 'discuss both views,' which is a common error in task interpretation; you should focus solely on the prompt's specific questions. Overall, the response is well-focused and meets the requirements of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the progression of ideas is easy to follow. You use cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand,' 'Moreover,' and 'In addition' to link your points effectively. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different arguments. The flow of information is smooth, and the relationship between ideas is clear throughout the text. To reach a higher band, you could experiment with a wider variety of cohesive devices to avoid relying on standard transition markers.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'financial records,' 'digitally recorded,' and 'modern technology' are used accurately. You attempt to use topic-specific vocabulary, which helps convey your ideas clearly. While the vocabulary is adequate and appropriate for the task, it is generally functional rather than sophisticated. To improve, try to incorporate more nuanced collocations or less common lexical items that demonstrate a higher level of control and stylistic awareness, such as 'financial inclusion' or 'technological infrastructure' instead of simpler phrases.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Your control over grammar is generally strong, and the majority of your sentences are error-free. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. Punctuation is mostly accurate, though there are some minor spacing issues before commas and periods in the opening paragraph. You use complex structures effectively, such as 'while people living in rural areas may not always have access to the internet.' To achieve a higher band, ensure that you maintain consistent accuracy in punctuation and aim for a greater variety of complex grammatical forms.

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