Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-05

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 6.0)

In recent times, majority of people think that there will be online payments instead of cash in future time. I believe that this remarkable progress might be possible in further time due to development in technology, while some people still believe that the system of cash should not be terminated permanently. I will discuss the reasons in this essay.

In this modern era, where top-notch technology is available, I believe that in future there will be no future transcations available by cash due to positive advancement in technology. For example, invention of online payments has increased the rate of transcations compare to past, which has become much easier and convenient for today's hectic schedule. Online payments such as through credit and debit card could be easier as it can be carry from one place to another.

Some people still believe that cash payment should not be permanently terminated due to affordability and awareness. For instance, older people are not aware about the cashless transcations which could be difficult for them to deal with the advancement in technology. However, it is believe that people often found affordability in cash payments compare to cashless. They are easily available. Hence, few people are not happy to give up on cash payments.

In conclusion, due to drastic change in the development of technology people can switch to card and phone payments rather than relying on cash, while others still think it should not be terminated permanently in future due to their adoptability and surety.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response addresses both parts of the prompt: the likelihood of a cashless future and the reasons for resistance to this change. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited. While you mention 'older people' and 'affordability' as reasons for resistance, these points are not fully explored or supported with detailed examples. The position is clear, but the essay lacks the depth required for a higher band. To improve, ensure that each body paragraph provides a more comprehensive explanation of the 'why' behind your arguments, rather than stating them briefly.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, and there is a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. You use some cohesive devices such as 'For example', 'However', and 'In conclusion' to link ideas. However, the flow between sentences is sometimes mechanical, and the use of referencing is occasionally unclear, such as in the phrase 'it is believe that people often found affordability in cash payments'. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that pronouns clearly refer back to their antecedents would help the text flow more naturally.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it lacks the precision and range expected at higher levels. There are several instances of awkward word choices or incorrect collocations, such as 'future transcations available by cash' and 'people often found affordability'. Additionally, there is a recurring spelling error with 'transcations' (transactions). To reach a higher band, focus on using more sophisticated vocabulary and ensuring that words are used in their correct context, rather than relying on basic or repetitive phrasing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede the reader's understanding. Examples include 'majority of people think' (missing article), 'it can be carry' (incorrect verb form), and 'it is believe' (incorrect passive voice). While the meaning is generally conveyed, these errors are persistent throughout the text. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement, correct verb tense usage, and ensuring that passive constructions are formed accurately.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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