Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-01

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 upcoming era, individuals may no longer be able to pay for things in stores using cash. Each payment may have to be made by cards and mobile devices. i totally agree , it will happen, due to high usage of technology and experiments. while, few masses may not happy , because are not interseted to use the apps.

To Begin with, In every year, science find new discoveries and make life easier. Mobile apps and cards helps busy people. Especially, for brining cash, not willing to spend time in ATM lines. For example, During peek hours, it is always rush on the roads and so, people can transfer by phones, save time. In addition, it will provide proof of all payments. The money a person deposits in account, not only help use for paying the shopping bills provides information but also provide the proof of income. such as, if a person want to buy a house or car, these bills will be the helps to get loans from banks.

On the other hand, it is not suitable for all ages. some people do not believe to pay online or they do not enough knowledge to use the electronic devices. For instance, senior citizen , who born and spend whole life in small towns, never used phone in life, it is difficult to learn on old age for e- devices and payments. Hence, they prefer cash for any kind of usage.

After pondering over the information, i conclude that, although payments from phoner save time, however, harder to people who do not have enough knowledge of apps.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses both parts of the prompt: the likelihood of a cashless future and the reasons for resistance. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited. While you mention the convenience of technology and the difficulty for senior citizens, the arguments lack depth and specific, well-explained examples. For instance, the point about bank loans is a good idea but is not clearly connected to the main argument. To improve, ensure that each paragraph fully explores the 'why' behind your claims rather than just stating them. Your position is clear, but the overall development is basic.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate. Phrases like 'After pondering over the information' are somewhat unnatural in this context. Additionally, some transitions are missing or awkward, such as the start of the second paragraph ('In every year, science find...'). The logical flow between sentences is occasionally interrupted by grammatical errors, which makes the progression of ideas feel a bit disjointed at times. Improving the variety and accuracy of linking words will help your ideas connect more smoothly.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the range and precision required for a higher band. You rely on simple, repetitive language (e.g., 'things', 'use', 'help'). There are also several word-choice errors, such as 'few masses' instead of 'some people' or 'brining cash' instead of 'carrying cash'. Spelling errors like 'interseted' and 'peek hours' (instead of 'peak') also detract from the quality. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise vocabulary related to finance and technology, and pay closer attention to word forms and collocations.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The essay contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Common issues include subject-verb agreement ('science find', 'apps helps'), missing articles ('in ATM lines'), and awkward sentence construction ('it is always rush on the roads'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with unnecessary spaces before commas. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of errors in basic grammar prevents the essay from reaching a higher band. Focusing on sentence structure and proofreading for basic errors will be very beneficial.

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

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