Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-03

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)

I believe that in the future, cashless payments will become the main method of paying for goods and services. With the rapid development of technology, more people are using bank cards, smartphones, and digital wallets because they are faster and more convenient than carrying cash. However, I do not think cash will disappear completely, as many people still prefer or rely on it for different reasons.

One of the main reasons cashless payments are becoming more popular is convenience. People can pay for their purchases with a simple tap of a card or phone without having to count money or wait for change. Digital payments also make online shopping possible and allow customers to keep track of their spending through banking apps. Businesses benefit as well because electronic payments reduce the risk of theft and make accounting more accurate. For example, many supermarkets and coffee shops already encourage customers to use contactless payment methods because transactions are quicker and more efficient.

Despite these advantages, many people would not be happy if cash were completely removed. Older adults may find modern payment technology difficult to use, while some people may not own a smartphone or have access to banking services. In addition, cash offers a sense of privacy because purchases are not recorded electronically. Some people also prefer using cash because it helps them manage their budget more effectively. When they physically see the money leaving their wallet, they are less likely to overspend. Furthermore, electronic payment systems can fail because of power outages, internet problems, or technical issues, whereas cash can still be used in such situations.

In my own experience, I use my bank card or phone for most daily purchases because it saves time and is very convenient. However, I still carry a small amount of cash for emergencies, especially when visiting small businesses or during network outages.

In conclusion, I believe society will continue moving towards a cashless future, but it is unlikely that cash will disappear entirely. Although digital payments offer speed, security, and convenience, cash remains important for accessibility, privacy, and reliability in unexpected situations.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses both parts of the prompt: the likelihood of a cashless future and the reasons why some people might resist this change. The position is clear from the introduction and is maintained consistently throughout the essay. Ideas are well-developed, particularly the discussion on the benefits of digital payments and the counter-arguments regarding privacy, accessibility, and technical reliability. The inclusion of personal experience adds a relevant touch that supports the argument effectively. The response is balanced and covers all requirements of the task thoroughly.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the benefits of cashless systems and the reasons for retaining cash is smooth. Cohesive devices such as 'Despite these advantages', 'In addition', and 'Furthermore' are used effectively to link sentences and paragraphs. The paragraphing is appropriate, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The flow of information is natural, and the reader is guided through the argument without any confusion.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The vocabulary is precise and appropriate for the topic. The student uses a good range of topic-specific terminology such as 'contactless payment methods', 'digital wallets', 'electronic payment systems', and 'power outages'. The language is natural and demonstrates a good level of flexibility. While the vocabulary is not overly sophisticated, it is highly effective and accurate throughout the text. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the tone remains formal and academic throughout.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The student demonstrates a strong command of grammatical structures. There is a good mix of simple and complex sentences, such as the use of conditional structures ('if cash were completely removed') and subordinate clauses ('when they physically see the money leaving their wallet'). Punctuation is accurate, and the majority of sentences are error-free. The control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent. The writing is fluent and easy to follow, with no grammatical errors that impede communication.

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