Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-16

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 7.5)

Absolutely. For this question, a Band 8 answer should be **clear and natural rather than overloaded with difficult vocabulary**. I'd aim for around 280–300 words.

There is an ongoing debate about whether cash will eventually disappear from everyday transactions, with people relying entirely on bank cards and mobile phones to make payments. I believe this is a realistic possibility in the future, mainly because digital payments are becoming increasingly convenient and widely accepted.

One major reason why cash may become obsolete is the rapid development of digital payment systems. Consumers can now pay for goods and services within seconds using contactless cards, mobile wallets and online banking applications. These methods are particularly convenient because people do not need to carry large amounts of cash or visit a bank to withdraw money. Businesses also benefit from digital transactions because they can keep accurate records of sales and reduce the costs and security risks associated with handling physical currency. As a result, both consumers and retailers have strong incentives to adopt cashless methods.

Another factor is the growing preference of younger generations for technology-based services. People who regularly use smartphones for shopping, banking and communication are likely to find mobile payments more convenient than traditional cash. In addition, governments and financial institutions in many countries are encouraging digital transactions because they can make financial activity easier to monitor and potentially reduce tax evasion and illegal transactions. For example, contactless payments have become a routine part of everyday shopping in many developed economies.

However, I do not believe that cash will disappear completely in the immediate future. Some elderly people, individuals without access to smartphones or bank accounts, and those living in areas with unreliable internet connectivity may continue to depend on physical currency. Furthermore, cash can be useful when electronic payment systems experience technical failures.

In conclusion, I believe that a largely cashless society is likely to emerge because digital payments are fast, convenient and increasingly accessible. Nevertheless, physical currency may continue to exist for people who cannot easily access digital alternatives or when electronic systems are unavailable.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

You have fully addressed all parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position that a cashless society is likely to emerge, and you provide a well-reasoned explanation for why some people might be reluctant to abandon cash, such as the elderly, those without digital access, and the need for a backup during technical failures. Your ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of tax evasion and the specific needs of different demographic groups. The response is balanced and maintains a clear focus throughout, meeting all the requirements of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, starting with the likelihood of the transition, moving to the benefits, and concluding with the counter-arguments regarding those who may struggle with the change. You use cohesive devices effectively, such as 'One major reason', 'In addition', 'Furthermore', and 'Nevertheless', which guide the reader smoothly through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points, and the overall structure is coherent and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the topic. You use precise terms such as 'obsolete', 'contactless cards', 'financial institutions', and 'digital alternatives' with ease. The language is natural and sophisticated without being forced. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation, and your ability to use topic-specific terminology contributes to the clarity and professional tone of the essay. The vocabulary is well-suited to the task and shows a high level of control.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

Your control of grammar is excellent. You use a variety of complex sentence structures, such as conditional clauses ('if electronic payment systems experience...') and relative clauses ('people who regularly use...'), with high accuracy. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your punctuation is precise. There are no noticeable grammatical slips that impede communication. The range of structures used is sufficient to convey complex ideas clearly, and the overall grammatical quality is consistent with a high-level performance.

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

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