Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-01

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 the future, cash may no longer be accepted in shops, and people may have to use bank cards or mobile phones for all their payments. I believe this is likely to happen because digital payments are convenient and can save time. However, some people may be unhappy about this change because they are not familiar with modern technology.

One major advantage of cashless payments is that they are quick and convenient. People can use a bank card or mobile phone to pay for groceries and other necessities within a few seconds. This can also reduce queues in shops because customers do not have to count cash or wait for change. For example, when I recently visited a clothing store, I noticed a long queue at the cash counter, while customers using digital payments were able to complete their purchases much more quickly.

On the other hand, some people may not want to give up cash because they are unfamiliar with digital payment methods. This is particularly true for elderly people who may not know how to use smartphones or banking applications. They may feel stressed or embarrassed if they are unable to complete a digital payment, especially when other customers are waiting behind them. For instance, an elderly person may find it easier to pay with cash than to scan a QR code or enter a password on a smartphone.

In conclusion, I believe that cashless payments will become increasingly common because they are convenient and time-saving. However, cash should remain available as an alternative for people who are unable or unwilling to use digital payment methods.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position that a shift to digital payments is likely and provide two distinct reasons for why some people might be reluctant to adopt this change. The ideas are relevant and supported by logical explanations and personal examples, such as the observation of queues in a clothing store and the challenges faced by the elderly. The development is consistent throughout the essay, and the conclusion effectively summarizes your main points. To reach a higher band, you could further extend the discussion by considering broader societal implications, such as security concerns or the digital divide, to add more depth to your arguments.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between the advantages of digital payments and the concerns of specific groups is smooth. You use a range of cohesive devices, such as 'However', 'One major advantage', 'On the other hand', and 'For instance', which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is appropriate and contributes to the overall clarity of the response. The structure is consistent and easy to follow, meeting the requirements for a well-organized piece of writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'digital payment methods', 'necessities', and 'unwilling to use' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is functional and appropriate for the task, it is somewhat standard. To achieve a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated or less common collocations and idiomatic expressions, such as 'financial inclusion', 'technological barrier', or 'seamless transaction'. The spelling is accurate throughout, and your word choices effectively convey your meaning without any ambiguity.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a good control of grammar with a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use conditional structures ('if they are unable') and relative clauses effectively. The sentences are generally error-free, and your punctuation is accurate. The grammatical control is stable, and there are no significant errors that impede communication. To improve, you could experiment with a wider variety of complex structures, such as passive voice constructions or inverted sentences, to demonstrate greater flexibility and range in your writing.

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