Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-10-01

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)

In the upcoming years, cash transactions would no longer be available in the shops for payment. Cashless purchases through phones or cards would be the only option for all payments. I believe it would be possible in the future because of the advancement in technology. However, due to the difficulty in using technical devices, such as phone might upset some people and make them give up using cash.

Living in the technological era, almost every field have machines and advanced systems. Therefore, human beings are constantly advancing in technologies. As a result, I think that the current paper based payment system would be replaced by digital payment system. Many countries have introduced mobile applications in phones which can be use for all types of transaction with just one tap. For instance, Japan has introduced a phone application that can be use not only for public transportation but also in every shop around the country which has provided an immense level of convenient to citizen.

On the other hand, people who rely on cash might not be happy to replace their mode of payment because of unfamiliarity with digital applications. Especially old-age people who do not have better understanding of how to use technical devices or cards. Using this software's and cards might be tricky for them. Another prominent reason that can be upsetting is the fraudulent activities associated with this system. Anyone can do fraudulent activities while helping them for a payment or teaching them how to use the application.

In conclusion, Although, cashless payment methods would be generalised in the future because of advanced systems, it might upset the people who depend on cash because of difficulties with operating phones. I believe, the change has been already started as many countries have accepted this method.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response successfully addresses all parts of the task, presenting both an opinion on whether cash will disappear and reasons why some people might be unhappy about it. The position is clear throughout the essay. However, while the ideas are relevant, some are slightly under-developed or lack full extension. For instance, the example about Japan's mobile application is a good start, but it could be expanded further to fully demonstrate the convenience it offers. Similarly, the points regarding elderly citizens and fraudulent activities are introduced but remain somewhat general. To reach a higher level, the writer needs to fully develop every supporting idea with more specific, detailed explanations or extended examples, rather than moving quickly from one point to the next.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay presents a coherent overall arrangement with a clear logical progression of ideas from the introduction through to the conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the prompt, such as the future of cashless payments and the reasons for resistance. Cohesive devices are employed, though at times they feel a bit mechanical or repetitive, such as the transitions used to open body paragraphs. Additionally, referencing is occasionally imprecise, which disrupts the natural flow of information. To achieve a higher band, the writer should integrate cohesive devices more naturally and ensure that referencing between sentences is tighter and more seamless throughout the response.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The writer demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating topic-specific terms such as 'cashless purchases', 'digital payment system', and 'fraudulent activities'. There are clear attempts to use less common vocabulary, though this is sometimes accompanied by minor inaccuracies in word choice, form, or collocation, such as 'immense level of convenient to citizen' instead of 'convenience to citizens', or the misuse of the plural form with an apostrophe in 'software's'. Spelling and word choice errors are present, but they do not impede communication. To move up to the next level, the writer should refine their use of less common lexical items, ensuring precise word forms, collocations, and natural phrasing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The essay displays a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating an attempt to use varied structures. There are several grammatical errors and issues with tense and article usage, such as 'cash transactions would no longer be available' instead of 'will no longer be', and 'such as phone might upset' where an article or plural form is missing. Prepositions and subject-verb agreement also show occasional inaccuracies, such as 'almost every field have' instead of 'has'. However, these errors are not overly frequent and rarely impede communication, allowing the reader to follow the argument without difficulty. To reach a higher band, the writer needs to increase the proportion of error-free complex sentences and exercise greater control over articles, verb tenses, and pluralisation.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

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