Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-25

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)

Technological developments have transformed the way people pay for goods and services. Card and mobile payments are becoming increasingly popular because they are fast and convenient. I believe that digital payments will become the main method of payment in the future, although cash is unlikely to disappear completely. Some people may resist this change because they are unfamiliar with the technology or are concerned about privacy and security.

Firstly, the main reason for this change is the widespread availability of the internet and smartphones. People can now pay for almost anything within seconds by tapping a card or phone. Digital payments are also useful for online shopping, while businesses benefit from having less cash to count, store and protect. For example, in Canada, many customers use contactless payments even for inexpensive items such as coffee or groceries. As this habit becomes more common, some shops may eventually stop accepting cash.

However, not everyone would welcome a completely cashless society. Older people may struggle with banking applications, while individuals without smartphones or bank accounts could be excluded. People living in rural areas may also face unreliable internet connections. Furthermore, electronic payments create records of personal spending, which may cause privacy concerns. Technical failures, cybercrime and dead phone batteries could prevent people from buying essential goods. Cash is also helpful for budgeting because people can physically see how much money remains.

In conclusion, I expect card and phone payments to dominate in the future because of their convenience. Nevertheless, cash should remain available for people who lack access to digital technology or prefer a more private and reliable payment method.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position in the introduction, arguing that digital payments will dominate while acknowledging that cash will likely persist. Both parts of the question—the likelihood of a cashless future and the reasons for resistance—are well-developed. You provide relevant examples, such as the use of contactless payments in Canada, and offer a balanced view by discussing both the benefits of technology and the valid concerns regarding privacy, security, and social exclusion. The ideas are extended logically throughout the essay, demonstrating a clear understanding of the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, starting with the shift toward digital payments, followed by the counter-arguments regarding why some people resist this change. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Firstly', 'However', 'Furthermore', and 'In conclusion', which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points. The flow of information is smooth, and the relationship between sentences is clear, making the text easy to follow from start to finish.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the topic. Phrases like 'widespread availability', 'social exclusion', 'digital payments', and 'unreliable internet connections' show a solid command of topic-specific language. The vocabulary is used naturally and accurately throughout the response. While the range is sufficient and precise, it could be pushed further toward a Band 8 level by incorporating more sophisticated collocations or less common idiomatic expressions. However, the current usage is precise and contributes to a clear, professional tone that never impedes communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional clauses ('if...'), relative clauses, and subordinating conjunctions ('although', 'while'). The grammar is highly accurate, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used correctly to manage the flow of information. There are no significant grammatical errors that distract the reader or cause confusion. The control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence suitable for a strong band score.

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