Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-29

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 7.0)

It is possible that, in the future, people will no longer be able to use cash in shops and will have to pay by card or mobile phone. I believe that this could happen one day because digital payments are becoming increasingly common. However, some people may not be happy about a completely cashless society for several reasons.

One reason why cash may eventually disappear is the convenience of electronic payments. People can pay for goods quickly by tapping a bank card or using a smartphone, without needing to carry notes and coins. Digital payments can also make it easier for businesses to keep records of their transactions. For example, many shops and restaurants already accept contactless payments, and customers often prefer this method because it is fast and simple.

However, not everyone would welcome the disappearance of cash. Some elderly people may find digital technology difficult to use and may feel more comfortable paying with notes and coins. In addition, people who do not have bank accounts or smartphones could face difficulties if cash were no longer accepted. Another concern is that electronic payments depend on technology. If there is a power cut, internet problem or banking-system failure, people might not be able to buy essential items.

In my opinion, a completely cashless society is possible in the future, but cash should remain available for people who need or prefer it. Digital payments offer many advantages, but they should not completely replace a payment method that is still important to many members of society.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. The student clearly states their position in the introduction, arguing that a cashless society is a distinct possibility due to technological trends, and then logically explores why this might happen. Furthermore, the second prompt question—why some people might be unhappy about giving up cash—is thoroughly addressed in the third paragraph, citing reasons such as elderly citizens struggling with technology, unbanked populations, and technological vulnerabilities like power cuts. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as contactless payments and potential system failures. The response achieves the requirements of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay displays clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: introduction, advantages of digital payments, counter-arguments regarding why people dislike the shift, and a balanced conclusion. Cohesive devices are used appropriately to guide the reader through the arguments, as seen in transitions like 'One reason why...', 'However...', and 'In addition...'. Paragraphing is used logically and sufficiently, ensuring that information flows smoothly from one point to the next without causing any confusion for the reader.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary with good flexibility and precision, suitable for an IELTS Band 7 response. Words and phrases like 'increasingly common', 'convenience of electronic payments', and 'essential items' show an ability to use appropriate vocabulary fluently. There are also less common lexical items attempted, such as 'cashless society' and 'banking-system failure'. Word choice and collocations are generally accurate, and spelling is correct throughout, allowing communication to take place smoothly and without impediment.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The essay exhibits a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, with frequent error-free sentences. The student demonstrates good control of grammar and punctuation, successfully employing complex structures such as conditional ideas ('If there is a power cut...') and noun clauses ('...that electronic payments depend on technology'). Grammatical accuracy is high, with only very minor or occasional errors. Punctuation is used correctly to separate clauses and structure lists, meaning the reader can follow the arguments with ease.

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