Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-21

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)

The rapid advancement of digital technology has transformed the way people conduct financial transactions. Some believe that cash may eventually disappear, with cards and smartphones becoming the only means of payment. Although a completely cashless society is possible in the future, concerns about accessibility, privacy and financial independence may prevent many people from welcoming this change.

There are several reasons why cashless payments could become the norm. Firstly, digital transactions are generally faster and more convenient than handling physical money. Consumers can pay for goods using contactless cards or mobile applications, eliminating the need to carry cash or wait for change. Secondly, businesses benefit from digital payments because they can streamline transactions and maintain accurate financial records. As internet access, smartphones and digital banking become increasingly widespread, cashless systems are likely to expand further. For example, many shops and restaurants in urban areas already accept payments through QR codes, making digital transactions a routine part of daily life. Nevertheless, the complete elimination of cash would depend on reliable technology and inclusive access to banking services.

Despite these advantages, some individuals may be reluctant to abandon cash for several important reasons. One major concern is digital exclusion, particularly among elderly people, those living in remote areas and individuals who lack access to smartphones or banking facilities. These groups may find electronic payment systems difficult to use or unavailable during technological disruptions. Furthermore, cash provides a sense of privacy because transactions do not necessarily require personal financial data to be shared with payment providers. Some people also prefer cash because it helps them monitor their spending and avoid excessive dependence on banks or digital platforms. For instance, individuals with limited technological knowledge may feel more comfortable paying with physical currency, especially in small local shops.

In conclusion, I believe that cashless payments will become increasingly prevalent and may eventually dominate retail transactions. However, the complete disappearance of cash is not inevitable, as concerns about digital accessibility, privacy and personal preferences may continue to influence consumer behaviour. Therefore, maintaining a choice between cash and digital payments could be important during the transition to a more technologically advanced society.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task prompt. It clearly explores both whether a cashless society will happen one day and why some people might be unhappy to give up using cash. The student maintains a clear position throughout the essay. Ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of QR codes in urban areas and the specific groups affected by digital exclusion, like the elderly and those living in remote areas. The progression of arguments is logical, satisfying the requirements for a Band 8 level by covering all parts of the task well with fully developed ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to the arguments for digital payments, the concerns regarding cash loss, and a balanced conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively and flexibly without being intrusive, as seen with transition phrases like 'Firstly', 'Secondly', 'Nevertheless', and 'Furthermore'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring the structure supports the flow of ideas seamlessly and meets the criteria for Band 7 or 8; a score of 8.0 reflects the well-managed and skilful application of cohesion.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The student uses a sufficient and wide range of vocabulary appropriate for an IELTS General Training Task 2 essay. Less common and topical items are used with good awareness of style and collocation, such as 'rapid advancement', 'financial transactions', 'contactless cards', 'streamline transactions', and 'digital exclusion'. Word choice is generally precise, and there are no noticeable spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. While it occasionally borders on standard phrasings rather than exceptionally sophisticated idioms, the overall lexical control comfortably places the response at a Band 7.5 level, rounded to 7.5.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response exhibits a wide variety of complex sentence structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, featuring well-constructed conditional and subordinate clauses such as 'Although a completely cashless society is possible in the future, concerns about accessibility...' and 'As internet access, smartphones and digital banking become increasingly widespread...'. Punctuation and grammatical control are maintained at a high level throughout the text, with only very occasional minor slips, justifying a Band 8 score under the official descriptors.

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