Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-10-05

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)

It is widely acknowledged that electronic and card payments will be the future of any transaction in various parts of the world. It is becoming popular that many companies and even government agencies are starting to phased-out their traditional over-the-counter payments. I believe the reason for this is because online payments offer convenience and generally safer. On the other hand, others feel that merchants should still accept cash as a payment method. This is mainly because they feel more secured on this option and it is not vulnerable to technical disruptions.

One of the most compelling reasons why I believe that in the near future online payments using smart phones and credit cards will replace cash is because this method simplified transactions, thereby making it easier for people to pay for anything. This is largely because electronic payment transactions allow individuals to pay for something without having to having to carry large amount of money, thus avoiding possible issues associated with it, such as robbery, thefts, etc. By paying for things using phones and cards, people can transact with various merchants regardless of their location, which consequuently enable them to fulfill their various needs in life. For example, people can pay for taxes without leaving their houses or without bringing a cash to the government agency, effectively saving travel time and promoting a more secure transaction.

On the other hand, others maintain that cash should stil remain as option when paying for things. This is due to the fact that certain people are more comfortable using cash as a payment method. Another significant factor is that people feel that this method is safer since this is not vulnerable to online attacks. Additionally, people argue that there are certain limitations associated with online payment, such as technical glitches, which can have negative impact on them. For example, unforeseen event happen when buying essential medicines, wherein the merchant cannot accept online payment, thus directly affecting people.

In conclusion, although the probabiity that online payment will be the new mode of payment is high due to the benefits it can offer, such as a more convenient transaction, other still prefer cash method because it more reliable.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The response successfully addresses all parts of the prompt, exploring both whether a cashless future will happen and why some individuals might be reluctant to give up cash. The writer maintains a clear position throughout the essay, introducing their stance in the introduction and reinforcing it in the conclusion. Ideas are extended and supported well, such as when discussing the safety and convenience of online payments in the second body paragraph, and the potential issues of technical glitches in the third. However, there is a slight tendency to over-generalise or repeat points slightly, which places the response firmly within this performance band. To reach a higher tier, the ideas could be developed with even greater depth and specificity, ensuring that every supporting point introduces distinct analytical angles rather than echoing previously stated advantages or disadvantages.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout, fully meeting the lower band descriptor while showing glimpses of the next. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with distinct sections for the introduction, body paragraphs focusing on each part of the prompt, and a conclusion. Cohesive devices are employed to connect ideas, such as "On the other hand," "One of the most compelling reasons," and "Additionally." However, cohesion is occasionally somewhat mechanical, and referencing or linking is at times slightly repetitive or faulty. For instance, transitional phrases feel formulaic in places rather than seamlessly integrated. To achieve a higher band, the writer needs to ensure that paragraph transitions are more fluid and that cohesive devices are used with greater flexibility and subtlety.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully attempting less common items such as "compelling reasons," "vulnerable to online attacks," and "technical glitches." There is a sufficient grasp of vocabulary to communicate the central arguments clearly. However, there are some noticeable word choice, word form, and spelling errors that prevent the response from achieving a higher score. Examples of these inaccuracies include "starting to phased-out" (should be 'phase out'), "generally safer" (missing 'are'), "consequuently" (spelling error), "stil remain" (spelling error), and "probabiity" (spelling error). To move up to the next band, the writer should refine their proofreading to eliminate minor mechanical spelling mistakes and demonstrate greater precision and naturalness in lexical collocations.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating an ability to construct multi-clause sentences such as "One of the most compelling reasons why I believe that in the near future online payments using smart phones and credit cards will replace cash is because this method simplified transactions..." Some errors in grammar and punctuation persist, but they rarely impede communication. Examples of grammatical inaccuracies include tense and form inconsistencies like "this method simplified transactions" (should be 'simplifies'), "without having to having to carry" (repetitive error), and "without bringing a cash" (article error). The presence of these frequent minor structural and agreement lapses means the sentences are not consistently error-free. To reach a higher band, the writer should aim for greater control over complex sentence patterns and polish grammatical accuracy across all verb forms and article uses.

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