Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-28

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 6.0)

Many people think that they may no longer be able to use cash to purchase things in stores in the future. There is a high chance that people will make payments by card or use their phones instead. However, I firmly believe that some people might continue to use cash because they prefer paying with it, especially older people.

In my opinion, many people would like to use card in the future because it will be very easy, quick and convenient way of purchasing. Nowadays, people live a very busy life. As a result, it is very easier to use cards or phones instead of carrying cash. Sometimes, it is very risky to carry bills in crowded place because of pickpockets. Although there are several benefits of this development, some people would prefer to use traditional methods of payment. They believe that using cash is much safer in this generation rather than using a card. They are scared of online scams and unethical hackers.

According to me, there will some people who might use cash in the future too. There will be high technologies though they will prefer to use cash due to safety issues. I work as store supervisor in a convenience store. So, I asked to many customers that why you prefer to use cash instead of card in this generation?. They provided me a very logical answer that we will be more aware of our spending by using cash. Everyone has their thoughts on use of cash. As a result, I believe that some people would like to use cash.

In conclusion, many people think that everyone will use cards and phones to buy things in the future rather than cash for many reasons. However, I think some people might use cash because of safety problems.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The candidate addresses both parts of the task: whether people will stop using cash in the future, and why some people might not be happy to give up using cash. A clear position is maintained throughout the response. Ideas are extended and supported, such as mentioning convenience, pickpockets, online scams, and budgeting awareness. For example, the personal anecdote from working as a store supervisor adds a relevant perspective. However, some arguments remain slightly repetitive and could be more deeply developed with broader societal examples to reach the higher bands. Overall, the response meets all the core requirements of Task Achievement, earning a solid Band 6.5.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The essay displays a coherent overall arrangement with a clear paragraph-by-paragraph structure, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'However', 'In my opinion', and 'In conclusion'. However, referencing and transitions are at times slightly mechanical or repetitive, particularly with phrases like 'According to me' and 'As a result'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate ideas about the future of cards, safety concerns, and customer opinions. While the logical progression is generally clear, the cohesive links occasionally lack subtlety, placing this response firmly at Band 6.0.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully attempting less common items such as 'convenient', 'pickpockets', 'unethical hackers', and 'online scams'. However, there are noticeable word choice and collocation inaccuracies, such as 'use card' instead of 'use cards', 'carry bills' instead of 'carry cash', and 'I asked to many customers that why you prefer' which disrupt natural expression. Spelling is generally accurate, but the lexical control reflects a typical Band 6.0 level where the vocabulary is sufficient to communicate meaning despite some awkward phrasing and limitations in precision.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The writer uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, including conditional and subordinate clauses (e.g., 'Although there are several benefits of this development, some people would prefer...'). There are, however, several grammatical errors throughout the text, such as 'it is very easier' (comparative form error), 'there will some people' (missing verb), and direct speech framing issues in 'I asked to many customers that why you prefer'. Punctuation is mostly acceptable, and these errors rarely impede overall communication, placing the grammar performance at a consistent Band 6.0.

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