Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-02
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 6.5)
Most of the countries are transforming into digital mode of payments, where with a simple taping people can buy goods. Some people believe that in the future, almost every country will adapt this cashless payment mode where old school method of payment such as using cash will be vanished. Whereas, some argue that paying through cash is more suitable for them. I personally believe that digital payments will take over completely in future.
To begin with, in this competitive world where every country is trying to adapt advancement in technology. The payment modes will be totally changed to card or mobiles. Digital payment is the convenient way of shopping, where buyers do not have to worry about carrying change, instead with simply tapping they can buy their goods. Moreover, it has been years now since people are using digital payments and they are really into it. Hence, transforming fully into it is not so far.
On the other hand, others argue that old mode of payment was more suitable and secured for them. In recent times when everybody in encouraging cashless payments, still there are people who prefer to do shopping through cash. For instance, In some countries where old people are still not familiar with mobile, choose to buy their items via cash. They consider that paying through cash is more easier for them. Moreover, some banking professionals claim that digital payments are affecting their jobs, since customers are no longer visiting banks for the services such as, cash withdrawals and transferring.
In conclusion, despite that fact that cash payments are secure, online payments save a lot of time of people, where they are so occupied to visit banks for a small transaction. Therefore, the individuals are adapting a culture in mode everything in getting advanced.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
The response addresses both parts of the prompt: the likelihood of a cashless future and the reasons for resistance. The position is clear throughout. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited. For instance, the argument regarding banking professionals is a bit tangential and could have been better linked to the core issue of why people are reluctant to abandon cash. The ideas are relevant but could be extended with more specific examples or deeper analysis to reach a higher band. Overall, the task is fully addressed, but the depth of argument is moderate.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0
The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the two main points. Cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion' are used to guide the reader. However, some transitions are slightly mechanical, and there are minor issues with referencing and flow, such as in the final sentence where the phrasing 'in mode everything in getting advanced' is unclear and disrupts the logical progression of the conclusion.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, allowing the writer to express their ideas clearly. There are attempts to use topic-specific vocabulary like 'digital mode of payments' and 'cashless payment mode'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'with a simple taping' (should be 'tap') and 'more easier' (a grammatical error that also affects lexical precision). The range is sufficient for the task but lacks the sophistication and flexibility required for higher bands.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0
The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are frequent grammatical errors, such as 'Most of the countries are transforming into digital mode' (missing article), 'old school method... will be vanished' (incorrect passive voice), and 'everybody in encouraging' (preposition error). The sentence 'the individuals are adapting a culture in mode everything in getting advanced' is grammatically incoherent. These errors are noticeable but do not consistently impede communication.
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