Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-18

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 7.5)

I believe that, in the near future, all payments would have to be made by card or phones. Current trends shows that many retailers have already started shifting to electronic payments exclusively. The old adage of "Cash is king" is slowly becoming obsolete and irrelevant in the face of companies adopting modern payment mechanisms.

There are many benefits and nuances to this shift in general preference. The most obvious benefit is that people would not need to carry huge sums of money with them. This would also result in noticable reduction in thefts, like pick-pocketing. By simply relying on card-based or phone-based payments, people would not need to visit ATMs or banks to withdraw cash when planning purchases. Another advantage of this approach is that all transactions could be tracked on bank websites and mobile applications, thereby helping general public become more self-aware of their spendings and budget limits. Moreover, if any fraudulent transactions occur in credit card or debit card account, it is easier to file claims with the bank when compared to cash-based transactions. Also, the speed of electronic payments at most locations, like retail shops, toll booths, etc. would be much faster when compared to cash-based system because the cashier would not have to count physical cash and would not need to give back any change money to the customers.

On the contrary, adopting purely card-based and phones-based payment systems has some drawbacks. Most companies would be charged a card processing fee by the issuer bank, which would be simply relayed to the end-consumer to pay. Purely electronic payment system would also remove the option to offer cash discounts to consumers. Additionally, a research study concluded that, when people use credit cards or phones for making all purchases, they end up spending much more than they planned originally. The study observed that having to pay with physical cash has a tangible neural response which triggers self-awareness in shoppers to spend less. Also, people from older generation generally feel financially secure when having physical cash in their possession. Most credit card companies also charge hefty interest rates on unpaid balances if consumers do not make payments in full each month. All these reasons could contribute in making people dislike the electronic payment systems altogether.

I think that the shift to card-based and phones-based payments is an overall positive change. Banks are continuing to add more security features to these systems, thereby vastly reducing risks of financial loss to customers. Not having to print physical paper money would also have a positive impact on the environment in the long run.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. The writer clearly presents a position on whether cashless societies will happen ('I believe that, in the near future, all payments would have to be made by card or phones') and thoroughly answers why some people might not be happy to give up cash. Ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples and explanations, such as the psychological impact of physical cash spending and security considerations. The response maintains a clear focus throughout, demonstrating a strong understanding of the prompt and delivering a well-reasoned argument without wandering off-topic.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

Ideas are logically sequenced and paragraphing is managed well, with a clear introduction, separate body paragraphs addressing benefits and drawbacks, and a distinct concluding summary. Cohesive devices are used effectively and generally naturally, such as 'The most obvious benefit', 'Another advantage', and 'On the contrary'. While referencing and transitions are mostly smooth, there is occasional slight repetition in how points are introduced, placing it firmly at a solid band 7.0 level where logical organisation and progression are clearly demonstrated throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The writer uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision, incorporating less common items and subject-specific terms such as 'obsolete', 'fraudulent transactions', 'toll booths', and 'card processing fee'. There are occasional minor word choice and collocation slips, such as 'noticable reduction' (spelling typo: noticeable) and 'spendings' (spending is generally uncountable in this context). However, the vocabulary is varied enough to allow precise conveyance of meaning, easily meeting the criteria for a band 7.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The writer demonstrates a good variety of complex structures alongside simple forms, showing good control over punctuation and syntax. Examples of successful complex structures include conditional clauses and relative clauses, such as 'if any fraudulent transactions occur in credit card or debit card account...'. The majority of sentences are error-free, though a few minor errors persist, such as subject-verb agreement slips ('Current trends shows') and minor article omissions ('in credit card or debit card account'). These errors do not impede communication, placing the response comfortably in the band 7 range.

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.