Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-14

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 6.5)

In the future, cash may gradually disappear as people increasingly use bank cards and mobile phones to pay for goods and services. I believe that a completely cashless society is possible one day, although some people may strongly oppose this change.

There are several reasons why cashless payments are likely to become more common. First, paying by card or phone is convenient and saves time. People do not need to carry a wallet full of notes and coins, and transactions can be completed within seconds. Moreover, digital payments are becoming increasingly popular because of the development of smartphones and online banking. For example, in India, applications such as UPI allow people to pay for almost everything, from groceries to restaurant bills, simply by scanning a QR code. Therefore, as technology continues to develop, cash may become less necessary.

However, some people may not be happy about giving up cash. One important reason is that not everyone is comfortable with technology, particularly elderly people who may find digital payment systems difficult to use. Another concern is privacy. Cash transactions do not usually create a digital record, whereas card and phone payments can be tracked. In addition, people may prefer cash because it helps them control their spending and does not depend on electricity, internet access or a working device.

In conclusion, I believe that society may eventually become almost completely cashless because digital payments are convenient and efficient. Nevertheless, cash is likely to remain important for some people who value privacy, simplicity and financial independence.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. The writer clearly gives a position on whether a cashless society will happen ('I believe that a completely cashless society is possible one day') and discusses why some people might oppose it, such as elderly people struggling with technology, privacy concerns, and control over spending. Ideas are well developed and supported with a relevant example from India using UPI. The position is maintained throughout the response, meeting all the requirements of Band 7 or higher.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay presents a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: introduction, reasons for cashless payments, reasons people might oppose it, and conclusion. Cohesive devices are used appropriately, such as 'First', 'Moreover', 'For example', 'However', and 'In addition'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, resulting in a coherent overall arrangement that guides the reader smoothly from one idea to the next.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student uses an adequate and natural range of vocabulary suitable for the task. Less common lexical items are attempted with general success, such as 'gradually disappear', 'completely cashless society', 'digital record', and 'financial independence'. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. While the range is slightly restricted to comfortably achieve a Band 8, the vocabulary used is precise and effective for a Band 7 score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The writer demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms. Complex structures are handled with reasonable accuracy, such as conditional and concessive clauses ('although some people may strongly oppose this change' and 'whereas card and phone payments can be tracked'). There are frequent error-free sentences, and punctuation is well controlled. Although the range of complex structures could be slightly wider for a higher band, the grammar is generally strong and does not impede communication.

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

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