Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-07
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 5.5)
In the upcoming years, payment method will change drastically due to the new technology will invented. individuals might not able to use cash to purchase items in shops. May be online payment method will be use in the future instead of cash. However, few supporters might not appreciate to giving up cash. All the reasons and examples will be discussed further including my opinion.
The primary reason of cash payment system may no longer in the future. Because, online payment is convenient and effective for the people. For example, using card or phones to make payment is so easy and not worry about if they forget wallet or cash. Also they receive rewards through credit card payments.
While some people are not happy to give up cash because they are not aware of online payment method. Moreover, sometimes they afraid of using cards because of hidden charges and scammed by scammers by asking them CVV number of card. For Instance, uneducated person is not aware of using card or phone to make a payment in shops so they use cash and it is useful for them.
In my opinion, world is moving towards more digital in every ways. I think one day existence of cash payment method may be no longer and it will shift towards digital payment method. Because people are more facilitate with better option and it is easy to make a payment in shops for the public rather than using cash.
To conclude, There are some individuals who might not be happy to give up cash, but one day online payment method might get increase rapidly and cash may no longer use in shops to purchase things.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response addresses both parts of the prompt: the likelihood of a cashless future and the reasons why some people might resist this change. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited. While you mention convenience and security concerns, the arguments lack depth and specific, well-explained examples. For instance, the mention of 'uneducated persons' is a generalization that could be better supported by discussing the 'digital divide' or accessibility issues. To improve, ensure that each paragraph provides a clear, extended explanation of the point being made rather than just stating it.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow your argument. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate. For example, starting a sentence with 'Because,' as in 'Because, online payment is convenient...' is grammatically incorrect and disrupts the flow. Additionally, some transitions are repetitive or awkward, such as 'Also they receive rewards' and 'Moreover, sometimes they afraid.' Improving the variety and accuracy of linking words (e.g., 'furthermore,' 'consequently,' 'on the other hand') would significantly enhance the coherence of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is generally adequate to convey your meaning, but it lacks the range and precision required for a higher band. There are several instances of word-choice errors, such as 'new technology will invented' (should be 'will be invented') and 'people are more facilitate' (should be 'people are more facilitated' or 'find it more convenient'). You rely on basic vocabulary and struggle with collocations. To reach a higher band, focus on using more sophisticated synonyms and ensuring that words are used in their correct grammatical form.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The essay contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Common issues include subject-verb agreement ('payment method will change' vs 'methods will change'), missing auxiliary verbs ('they afraid of using cards'), and incorrect sentence structures ('payment method will be use'). While you attempt some complex sentences, they are often marred by errors. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, specifically the use of 'be' verbs and correct verb tenses, before attempting more complex structures.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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