Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

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

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)

This recent years, different countries around the world are developing ways on how to purchased item more safer and less hassle. Due to some issue regarding the safety of individuals that is why different payment scheme are develop.

Cashless payment such as using different kinds of bank cards and using mobile phone were developed this pass few years to give the consumer benefit of safety. It is currently happening in different nation around the world due to its demand. Costumer can do different things like buying different furnitures, buying luxury watches and different items without needing to have a cash. Furthermore, they can pay different types of bills such electricbill, waterbill and internet connection bill in the palm of theri hand. There is no need to spend time to go to their sites to pay.

Other people like in the third world country who are not familiar using this kind of technology are not able to coupe with this kind of system. They normally use the traditional way ofbusing cash as a payment. In addition to that, some country for example like in the Phillipines there certain location where they do not have electricity or internet connections. Locals there normally do not have the knowledge on using this advance method especially the elderly. The only way this consumer knows how to pay is only a cash basis system.

I conclude that not every country or every individual can ride this kind of payment using advance technology. Not everyone have equal opportunity to learn this kind of system.

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 why some people might be reluctant to adopt it. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited. While you mention the convenience of cashless payments and the challenges faced by people in developing nations or the elderly, the arguments remain at a surface level. To improve, you should expand on your points with more specific examples or deeper analysis. For instance, you could discuss the security risks of digital fraud or the psychological comfort of physical money to provide a more comprehensive answer.

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 slightly inaccurate, such as 'This recent years' or 'Due to some issue... that is why'. The transition between ideas is sometimes abrupt, and the logical flow could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words (e.g., 'consequently', 'nevertheless', 'in contrast'). Referencing is generally clear, but the overall progression of the argument feels a bit disjointed at times.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks precision and variety. There are several instances of word-choice errors and non-standard collocations, such as 'purchased item more safer', 'coupe with' (likely meaning 'cope'), and 'ofbusing'. You rely on basic vocabulary and repeat terms like 'different' and 'payment'. To reach a higher band, you need to use a wider range of vocabulary, including less common lexical items, and ensure that your word choices are accurate and appropriate for the context of a formal essay.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The essay contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include subject-verb agreement issues ('different payment scheme are develop'), incorrect verb tenses ('were developed this pass few years'), and awkward phrasing ('Not everyone have equal opportunity'). While you attempt some complex structures, they are often faulty. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, subject-verb agreement, and correct tense usage. Proofreading for common errors like pluralization ('furnitures' is uncountable) and article usage would also significantly enhance the quality of your writing.

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

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