Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-03

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 6.0)

In recent years, technology has changed the mode of selling or buying anything by making digital methods of payment. Nowadays, most people use digital banking methods rather than carrying cash with them for all the time, but there are group of people who oppose this new advancement. This essay will discuss the benefits of cashless payment and why some people will not like this change.

Firstly, doing payments by using card or mobile is more convenient. People do not have carry large amount cash with them all the time. Secondly, it is one of secure mode of payment as they can add on fingerprints, face Id before proceeding any payment. For example, less risk of robbery and losing hard earned money. It will help teach people to manage their money wisely during their adulthood. Therefore, using digital modes of payment is more convenient and safe for people of all ages.

On the other hand, some people do not this change especially old aged people. Although, learning online payment is not hard, it is still difficult for elderly people. It is tough for them to learn a new skill at this age. That is why, they always prefer to their ancient method of buying or selling things even now.

To conclude, I think doing payments electronically is one the best innovation the science. We can buy or sell anything with just a one touch from our phone from anywhere. It helps to save time for the people who have busy working schedule and manage their personal and professional life simultaneously. Even if, some old age people are not familiar with it, it is still easy and safest way of money exchange.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response addresses both parts of the prompt: the likelihood of a cashless future and the reasons for resistance. The position is clear throughout. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited. For instance, the argument regarding security is mentioned but not fully explored with specific evidence beyond a brief mention of biometrics. The point about elderly people is relevant but could be extended with more depth regarding the 'digital divide' or social exclusion. To reach a higher band, ensure that each supporting point is fully explained with concrete examples or logical consequences rather than just stating the idea.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized into paragraphs, each with a clear focus. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'Firstly', 'Secondly', 'On the other hand', and 'To conclude', which help guide the reader. However, some transitions are mechanical or slightly awkward, such as 'That is why, they always prefer to their ancient method'. Additionally, some referencing is unclear, such as 'it is one of secure mode of payment' where the subject is missing. The progression of ideas is generally clear, but the flow between sentences could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words and better sentence-to-sentence cohesion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks sophistication. There are several instances of imprecise word choice or minor errors, such as 'mode of selling or buying' instead of 'methods of commerce' and 'old aged people' instead of 'the elderly'. Phrases like 'ancient method' are slightly hyperbolic in this context. While the student attempts to use topic-specific vocabulary like 'digital banking' and 'biometrics' (implied by fingerprints/face ID), the range is somewhat limited. To improve, focus on using more precise collocations and academic vocabulary to express ideas more fluently.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The essay contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are frequent grammatical errors, such as missing articles ('one of secure mode', 'one the best innovation'), subject-verb agreement issues ('some people do not this change'), and preposition errors ('prefer to their ancient method'). While these errors do not impede communication, they are persistent throughout the text. To achieve a higher band, the student needs to demonstrate better control over basic grammar, particularly articles and prepositions, and attempt more complex sentence structures with greater accuracy.

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

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