Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-23

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)

Nowadays, people are increasingly using cards and mobile phones to make payments instead of using cash. I believe that cash may eventually disappear in the future, although some people may not be comfortable with a completely cashless society.

There are several reasons why cash might disappear. Firstly, digital payments are usually quick and convenient. People can pay for goods using their phones or cards without carrying a wallet or looking for exact change. In addition, digital payment systems are becoming more widely available in shops, restaurants and public transport. For example, many people in India now use mobile payment applications such as UPI for everyday purchases, even when buying inexpensive items. As this technology becomes more common, people may gradually stop relying on physical money.

However, some people may not be happy about living in a cashless society. One important reason is that not everyone is comfortable using digital technology. Older people, in particular, may find mobile applications and online payment systems difficult to use. Another concern is privacy and security. Some people may prefer cash because they do not want every transaction to be recorded electronically. They may also worry about fraud, hacking or losing access to their money if their phone or bank account has a problem. For instance, if there is a power cut or a problem with the internet, people may not be able to make digital payments, whereas cash can still be used.

In conclusion, I believe that cash may eventually disappear as digital payments become more convenient and widely used. However, some people may continue to prefer cash because they find it easier to use and have concerns about technology, privacy and security.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by expressing a clear position on whether cash will disappear and discussing why some people might be unhappy about this change. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the use of UPI mobile payment applications in India and practical considerations like power cuts and internet issues. The student successfully tackles both components of the prompt in a balanced manner, providing clear reasoning for both the transition to digital payments and the reluctance of certain groups to abandon cash entirely. This corresponds well to the requirements for Band 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving smoothly from the introduction to arguments supporting the disappearance of cash, counter-arguments regarding why people might be unhappy, and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'In addition', 'For example', 'However', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to guide the reader through the text, although they are occasionally a bit standard. Paragraphing is used logically and appropriately to separate different main ideas, ensuring the writing is coherent and easy to follow from start to finish.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary for the task, allowing for some flexibility and precision with phrases like 'cashless society', 'relying on physical money', 'digital payment systems', and 'electronically recorded'. There are successful attempts to use less common vocabulary items such as 'relying', 'inexpensive', and 'transactions'. Word choice is generally appropriate and collocation is natural, though it tends towards standard everyday vocabulary rather than highly sophisticated or nuanced academic phrasing. Spelling and word formation are accurate throughout, meaning communication is never impeded.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The writer uses a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating control over subordinate clauses and conditional structures, such as 'For instance, if there is a power cut or a problem with the internet, people may not be able to make digital payments, whereas cash can still be used.' There are frequent error-free sentences, and grammar and punctuation are handled with good overall accuracy. While the range of complex structures is somewhat standard rather than highly ambitious, the minor errors are very few, allowing for clear and fluent reading of the text.

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