Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

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

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 recent years, whether cash will eventually be replaced by digital payment methods has become an increasingly debated issue. While people have different views on this matter, I believe that digital payments may become dominant in the future, although cash is unlikely to disappear completely. This essay will examine the main aspects of this issue.

To begin with, one important point is that digital payments are becoming increasingly popular because they are fast, convenient and widely available. This can have a significant impact on people's lives and future opportunities. For example, customers can use their phones or bank cards to pay for groceries within seconds. Therefore, this factor should be carefully considered.

Furthermore, another significant point is that some people may prefer cash because it helps them control their spending and does not require technology. This can affect both individuals and the wider community. For instance, elderly people may find cash easier to use because they are less familiar with smartphones and digital banking. Consequently, this aspect also deserves careful consideration.

However, it is also important to consider that completely removing cash could create difficulties because electronic payment systems can occasionally fail. Although this may present certain challenges, a balanced approach can help address these concerns effectively.

In conclusion, I believe that digital payments may become dominant in the future, although cash is unlikely to disappear completely. This is mainly because digital payments offer greater convenience and some people still find cash easier to manage. Overall, these factors should be carefully considered when evaluating this issue.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response addresses all parts of the task. It provides a clear position regarding the future dominance of digital payments and discusses why some people might not be happy to give up cash, such as control over spending and familiarity with traditional methods, exemplified by elderly people. However, some of the supporting ideas feel a bit repetitive and formulaic, particularly the recurring concluding sentences within the body paragraphs such as 'Therefore, this factor should be carefully considered.' While the main prompt questions are answered, the ideas could be extended further with more specific, concrete examples rather than relying on generalised statements. Consequently, the performance aligns well with Band 6.5 descriptors, rounding to 6.5 based on standard practice or falling comfortably into Band 6 for under-developed support in places.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay displays a coherent overall arrangement with a clear introduction and conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct ideas, such as the advantages of digital payments, the reasons people prefer cash, and the potential risks of system failures. Cohesive devices are employed, including transition markers like 'To begin with', 'Furthermore', and 'However'. However, some of the cohesive elements and referencing feel slightly mechanical or repetitive, such as the formulaic phrasing at the end of body paragraphs. Progression is generally logical, but the overarching connection between paragraphs could be smoother and less reliant on template-like structures. Therefore, the response fits the Band 6 descriptor well.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, allowing the writer to communicate their ideas clearly. There are attempts to use less common vocabulary and phraseology, such as 'increasingly debated issue', 'dominant in the future', and 'electronic payment systems'. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there is a noticeable reliance on repetitive language patterns and safe, everyday words. Word choices are generally accurate and do not impede communication, but true flexibility and precision are lacking. Spelling and word formation are error-free throughout the text. These characteristics correspond directly to the criteria for Band 6.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a satisfactory mix of simple and complex sentence forms, successfully employing subordinate clauses and modal verbs (e.g., 'While people have different views on this matter, I believe that...'). There are frequent error-free sentences, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout the essay. Grammatical accuracy is quite high, with only minor issues related to sentence variety rather than persistent errors. The structures used are clear and communication is never impeded. Because the control of grammar is solid and errors are minimal, the response meets the requirements for a Band 7 in this category.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.