Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · 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 8.0)

In recent years, card and mobile payments have become increasingly common, raising the possibility that cash may eventually disappear from shops. I believe that this is likely to happen because digital payments are convenient and efficient; however, some people may be reluctant to give up cash due to familiarity and concerns about technology.

I believe that cashless payments will eventually become the main method of payment because they are faster and more convenient. Consumers can purchase goods simply by tapping a card or using their smartphones, which eliminates the need to carry physical money. For example, many supermarkets and restaurants now allow customers to make contactless payments within seconds. As a result, transactions can be completed more efficiently for both customers and businesses. Furthermore, the increasing popularity of online shopping encourages people to use digital payment methods. Consequently, society is becoming less dependent on cash, and it is possible that physical money will eventually become unnecessary for everyday purchases.

However, some people may be unwilling to give up cash because they are familiar with it and find it easier to manage their spending. This is particularly true for elderly people who may not feel comfortable using smartphones or digital banking services. For instance, some individuals prefer to keep a certain amount of cash with them because it allows them to see exactly how much money they have left. Moreover, digital payments depend on technology, and technical problems or internet failures can occasionally prevent transactions. Therefore, some people may consider cash a more reliable and secure option.

In conclusion, I believe that cash could eventually be replaced by cards and mobile payments because these methods are convenient and efficient. Nevertheless, some people may resist this change because they are accustomed to using cash and may have concerns about relying entirely on technology.

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 individuals might resist this transition. The position is clear from the introduction and maintained throughout the essay. Ideas are well-developed, such as the mention of elderly demographics and the reliance on technology, which provides a balanced view. The arguments are supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of supermarkets and the potential for technical failures. The response is well-structured and covers all requirements of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay demonstrates a clear logical progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the benefits of digital payments and the concerns regarding them is smooth. Cohesive devices such as 'furthermore', 'consequently', 'however', and 'nevertheless' are used effectively to link sentences and paragraphs. The paragraphing is logical, with a clear introduction, two 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 sufficient and appropriate for the task. The student uses a range of topic-specific terms such as 'digital payments', 'contactless payments', 'transactions', and 'technological failures'. The language is natural and precise, allowing the writer to convey their ideas clearly. While the vocabulary is functional and accurate, it could be elevated further by incorporating more sophisticated collocations or less common lexical items to reach the highest band. However, the current range is more than adequate for a high-scoring response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a good command of grammatical structures. There is a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as the use of conditional and relative clauses (e.g., '...which eliminates the need to carry physical money'). Punctuation is accurate, and the majority of sentences are error-free. The control over verb tenses and subject-verb agreement is consistent throughout the text. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication, and the writing style is formal and appropriate for an IELTS task.

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