Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-10-10

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)

Nowadays, technology is changing the way people make payments, and many individuals prefer using debit cards or moblie phone instad of cash. I believe that a completely cashless society may become a reality in the future. However, some people may be unhappy about giving up cash for several reasons.

On the one hand, I think it is possible that cash will eventually disappear because digital payments are becoming increasingly popular. Paying by card or phone is quick, convenient, and secure. For example, people can purchase groceries, pay restaurants bills or shop online without carrying physical money. Futhermore, digital transaction can help businnes keep accurate financial records and reduce the risk of thefts. As technology continue to improve, more shops may stop accepting cash altogether.

On the other hand, not everyone would welcome this change. Firstly, some people, particuarly, elder people may find digital payment systems difficult to use. Secondly, people who have limited access to banking services or smartphones could face difficulties in a cashless society. In addition, cash allows people to control their spending more easily because they can physically see how much money they have left.

Digital payments may encourage some individuals to spend mor than they can afford. Finally, technical problems, such as internet outages or payment system failures, could prevent people from buying essential items.

In conclusion, I believe that society may become almost entirely cashless in the future because of technological advancements. Nevertheless, cash should remain avaible as an alternative source that everyone can make payments conveniently and independently

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response addresses both parts of the question and maintains a clear position: a largely cashless future is likely, but cash should remain available. The reasons are relevant and extended with examples, including convenience for shopping, difficulties for older people and those without banking access, spending control, and technical failures. This range of support gives the discussion good development. Some points remain general, however: for instance, the claim that digital payments are “secure” and that shops may stop accepting cash is not explained with a specific illustration. The conclusion reinforces the position, though its final point about cash as an alternative could be expressed more precisely. More specific support and fuller explanation of a few claims would strengthen the response further.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The essay has a clear overall progression: an introduction states the position, two body sections present the likelihood of cash disappearing and reasons for resistance, and a conclusion summarises the view. Paragraphing is appropriate, and signposts such as “On the one hand,” “On the other hand,” “Firstly,” and “Finally” help readers follow the argument. The separate sentence about digital payments encouraging overspending is slightly detached from the paragraph before it; integrating it with the point about spending control would make the relationship clearer. The transitions are sometimes formulaic, and the conclusion’s final clause is not smoothly connected to the recommendation. More varied linking and clearer connections between related points would improve the flow.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the topic and includes useful terms such as “cashless society,” “digital payments,” “banking services,” “financial records,” and “internet outages.” These choices allow the writer to discuss both convenience and potential disadvantages with reasonable clarity. There are, however, several spelling errors, including “moblie,” “instad,” “Futhermore,” “businnes,” “particuarly,” and “avaible,” which reduce accuracy. Some combinations are also unnatural or imprecise, such as “pay restaurants bills,” “risk of thefts,” and “elder people.” The response shows some range, but greater control of spelling, collocation, and precise phrasing is needed for more flexible and natural expression.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex structures, including a conditional clause (“As technology continue to improve, more shops may stop accepting cash”) and a relative clause (“people who have limited access to banking services or smartphones”). Many sentences are clear and grammatically controlled, and the argument remains easy to understand. A few errors persist in agreement and sentence construction: “As technology continue” should use a singular verb, and “cash should remain avaible as an alternative source that everyone can make payments” has an unclear clause structure. The sentence beginning “Digital payments may encourage…” is also separated from the preceding paragraph in a way that disrupts the sentence flow. More consistent agreement and careful editing of complex clauses would improve accuracy.

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