Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-02

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 7.0)

I believe that cash may eventually disappear from everyday shopping, although I do not think this will happen completely near future. As the advancement of technology, paying by card or mobile phone is becoming increasingly common, convenient, and many shops already prefer electronic payments.

One reason why cashless payments are likely to become more common is hat they are fast and practical. People can pay for their purchases simply by tapping a bank card or using a smartphone, without needing to carry a wallet full of notes and coins. Electronic payments also make it easier for businesses to record their transactions and reduce the risk of theft. For example, in many large cities, customers can now use contactless payments even for small purchases such as coffee or public transport.

However, some people would still prefer to keep cash with them and they would not be happy if cash disappeared completely. Older people, in particular, may find digital payment system difficult to use or may not own a smartphone. Some people also use cash because it helps them control their spending. When using physical money, it is easier to see exactly how much is being spent. Additionally, electronic payment system can stop due to internet outage or technical issues, whereas cash transactions can still be processed.

In conclusion, I think due to the convenience and efficiency of digital payment system we will switch to cashless society not swiftly but slowly. Nevertheless, cash should probably remain available for people who prefer it or cannot easily use electronic alternatives.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, including the likelihood of a cashless future and the reasons for resistance to this change. The position is clear throughout the essay. The ideas are relevant and supported by logical reasoning, such as the mention of elderly populations and the psychological control of spending. To reach a higher band, the development could be more nuanced; for example, exploring the security implications of digital payments or the role of government policy in mandating cash availability would add depth. Overall, the response is well-focused and directly answers the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the progression of ideas is easy to follow. Cohesive devices such as 'One reason why', 'However', and 'Additionally' are used effectively to link sentences and ideas. While the flow is generally smooth, some transitions could be more sophisticated to avoid a slightly mechanical feel. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the arguments for and against the shift to a cashless society, ensuring the reader can navigate the writer's argument with ease.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The vocabulary is sufficient and appropriate for the task. The student uses relevant terms such as 'electronic payments', 'contactless payments', 'transactions', and 'cashless society'. There is an attempt to use less common vocabulary, though some phrasing is slightly repetitive. For instance, 'electronic payment system' is used multiple times. To improve, the student should vary their word choice by using synonyms or more precise collocations. The errors present, such as 'as the advancement of technology' (which should be 'with the advancement of technology'), do not impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some grammatical slips, such as 'hat they are fast' (missing 't' in 'that') and 'not completely near future' (missing 'in the'). Additionally, there are minor errors with articles and pluralization, such as 'digital payment system' instead of 'digital payment systems'. Despite these errors, the meaning is always clear, and the punctuation is generally accurate. The student shows a good grasp of complex structures, but more consistent accuracy in basic grammar would be required for a higher band score.

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

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