Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-19

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 future, Humans are no longer be able to pay for things in every shop using the cash. However, all kind of payments has to be done with using the cards or phone. Moreover, I think this would take place one day. Nevertheless, some of them do not like to give up using cash. Furthermore, I will be discussing it in detail in the upcoming paragraphs.

To begin with , In future, we would see that mankind will start using the debit card and credit card for their payment in day to day shopping. I think this will take place one day as technology evolves quickly. Furthermore, it is more easy and fast method for everyone as they do not have to carry cash in their pocket. For example , According to the survey held by the shop owner, they took feedback from the public regarding payment through cards and they found approximately 90% of the public would like to pay it with the card as they found this more easiest and fast method.

Moreover, I think some of them would not be happy to give up using cash as they do not want to deal with the cards anymore as they found some technological error. Due to that reason, they could prefer to use the cash for daily shopping to get rid from the error. From instance, According to the recent survey from the general public in India , they are not happy to give up on cash as it helps them to prevent from the technological error in the system.

To conclude, some of them would like to use the card for their payment as it is most easiest way to use it. whereas, many of them do not want to give up on cash as it may create some technological error.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses both parts of the prompt: the future of cash and the reasons why some people might be reluctant to abandon it. However, the development of ideas is somewhat repetitive and lacks depth. For instance, the argument regarding 'technological error' is mentioned in both the second and third paragraphs without being fully explored or supported with nuanced reasoning. While the position is clear, the supporting examples—such as the vague reference to a 'survey held by the shop owner'—are not sufficiently detailed or convincing to reach a higher band. To improve, focus on expanding your arguments with more specific, logical explanations rather than repeating the same points.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical and sometimes inappropriate. For example, the phrase 'Furthermore, I will be discussing it in detail in the upcoming paragraphs' is unnecessary and clunky. Additionally, the transition words like 'Moreover' and 'Nevertheless' are used frequently but do not always connect ideas logically. The referencing is sometimes unclear, such as the use of 'some of them' without a clear antecedent. Improving the flow between sentences and using a wider variety of linking words would enhance the coherence of the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the range and precision required for a higher band. There is significant repetition of basic phrases such as 'technological error', 'give up using cash', and 'fast method'. The student attempts to use some topic-specific vocabulary, but word choices are often imprecise, such as 'mankind' to refer to general shoppers or 'get rid from the error'. To improve, you should aim to use more sophisticated synonyms and collocations, such as 'digital transactions', 'financial security', or 'technological glitches', and avoid repeating the same phrases throughout the essay.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The essay contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Common issues include incorrect article usage ('the cash', 'the cards'), subject-verb agreement errors ('all kind of payments has to be done'), and awkward phrasing ('more easiest and fast method'). While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of these errors prevents the essay from reaching a higher band. Focusing on basic sentence construction, correct verb forms, and the proper use of articles would significantly improve the accuracy of your writing.

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

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