Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-11
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 todays modern world, this is highly believed that in future people will pay from card or phones through online banking system rather than using cash. As far as I am concerned, I would say yes this will be going to happen soon because this is very easy and safe method. However, some people still believe that cash is easier method for paying that makes them unhappy with this new approach.
In my opinion, people in future will prefer paying from ATM cards or through online mobile banking applications. This is very convenient and protected method because robbery is very common nowadays, keeping too much cash could be a risk. For instance, we can easily pay high cost bills through card or transfer it from phone instantly. However, if we rely on cash but the high billing cost is not known and we have not enough money to pay. Here, we can easily pay from card.
On the other hand, some people might feels disappointed due to this new method because they think that paying cash is more reliable. For example, sometime due to online technical issues, cards and phones shows error while paying. On that time, cash is the only method they can use. So, if this method will no more be used than what will they do in this situation. These thoughts makes them doubt full about whether the method is reliable and safe or not.
In conclu
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response addresses both parts of the prompt: the likelihood of a cashless society and the reasons for public resistance. However, the essay is incomplete, ending abruptly at 'In conclu', which significantly impacts the development of the final argument. Because the response is under the 250-word minimum, it fails to fully develop the ideas, leading to a penalty. While the position is clear, the lack of a conclusion and the brevity of the supporting arguments prevent a higher score. To improve, ensure you fully develop your paragraphs and complete the essay structure.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay uses basic paragraphing and some cohesive devices like 'However', 'For instance', and 'On the other hand'. However, the progression of ideas is somewhat mechanical. The abrupt ending disrupts the overall coherence of the piece. Referencing is generally clear, but the flow between sentences could be more sophisticated. To improve, use a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence and a logical conclusion before moving to the next point.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks range and precision. Phrases like 'paying from card' and 'high billing cost' are repetitive and slightly unnatural. There are some minor errors in word choice, such as 'doubt full' (doubtful) and 'shows error'. The range is sufficient to communicate basic ideas, but it does not demonstrate the flexibility or control required for higher bands. Focus on learning collocations and more precise terminology related to finance and technology.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures. There are frequent grammatical errors, such as 'this is highly believed', 'paying from card', and subject-verb agreement issues like 'cards and phones shows error' and 'these thoughts makes'. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are persistent throughout the text. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement, correct preposition usage, and proofreading for basic grammatical accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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