Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-27

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 6.5)

Cards or phones are going to replace the conventional means of buying things from stores in the near future. In my view, this will be true someday. However, a few traditional people will still use cash for payments.

The first reason for using credit cards or smartphones to make any sort of payment is the convenience it brings in a daily-life routine. People prefer shopping without the need to carry cash everywhere. For instance, if you accidentally forget to carry your wallet in a restaurant, you can still order anything with your credit card. The other reason is that it saves you a lot of time and prevents miscalculations when buying too much stuff. Some people often get confused while paying for the groceries. For example, having a digital wallet can save you from embarrassment, and on top of that, it is hassle-free too. Therefore, I believe that cash is going to be replaced by other smart options soon.

That being said, some conventional individuals still want the cash method to stay. Older generations may find it hard to use digital tools to pay for their things. For example, my grandmother is not used to a smartphone or a credit card; therefore, she simply prefers cash over these modern alternatives. Having access to the latest innovations may not be everyone's cup of tea. Furthermore, some might be afraid of online scams happening nowadays. For instance, if your account number or password has been hacked, all your money could be transferred to someone else in no time. These concerns keep people using cash over cards or digital tools.

In conclusion, while some people choose to pay through cards or use mobile phones for their convenience, others might consider it a difficulty.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses both parts of the prompt: the likelihood of a cashless future and the reasons for resistance to this change. The position is clear from the introduction and maintained throughout. Ideas are relevant, such as the convenience of digital payments versus the security concerns and technological barriers faced by older generations. However, the development is somewhat basic. While the examples provided (e.g., the grandmother, forgetting a wallet) are relevant, they could be expanded with more depth or broader societal context to reach a higher band. The conclusion is a bit brief and merely summarizes rather than synthesizing the arguments presented.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the benefits of digital payments and the reasons for retaining cash is smooth. Cohesive devices such as 'The first reason,' 'The other reason,' 'That being said,' and 'Furthermore' are used effectively to guide the reader. Paragraphing is appropriate, with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The flow is natural, and the relationship between sentences is generally clear, though some transitions could be more sophisticated to enhance the overall cohesion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task and allows for clear communication. There is some use of topic-specific vocabulary like 'digital wallet,' 'online scams,' and 'modern alternatives.' However, the range is somewhat limited, and the essay relies on fairly common phrasing. To achieve a higher band, the student should incorporate more precise or academic collocations. For instance, instead of 'buying too much stuff,' a more formal expression like 'excessive expenditure' or 'unnecessary purchases' would be more appropriate. The word choice is generally accurate, and there are no spelling errors that impede meaning.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There is good control over basic grammar, and the majority of sentences are error-free. Complex structures are attempted, such as 'If your account number or password has been hacked, all your money could be transferred,' which shows a good grasp of conditional forms. Punctuation is generally accurate. While the range of structures is sufficient, it lacks the variety and flexibility required for higher bands. The writing is clear and easy to follow, with no significant grammatical errors that cause confusion for the reader.

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