Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-10-12

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 5.0)

In recent years, online payments have become increasingly common in many parts of the world. It is often argued that people may no longer be able to pay for things using cash, and I believe that day is not very far away. Although paying by card is more convenient, not everyone will be happy with it. This is because some people prefer using money. This essay will discuss these statements in detail.

In my opinion, there are many reasons why in the future all payments may have to be made by card or using mobile phones. One major reason is that everything is getting digital. This is because employers are paid online via their bank account, they have their money in bank which is convenient to use either by card or by mobile phone application. Moreover, all the big stores prefer payment via credit card because of this no one has to carry cash and keep the record manually. Everything will be easier and convenient.

Although, online payments are getting more common, there is a significant number of individuals who is not happy with this. This is primarily because a lot of people still prefer using cash, especially of older age group. They have habit of buying things through giving money by hand, rather than completely relying on technology. For instance, my grandfather still prefer cash, he does not have bank account and get his pension amount by hand. Moreover, he loves dealing with money. Therefore, it is evident that some individuals might not be happy to give up using cash.

In conclusion, I believe that day is not very far when people may no longer be able to pay for things using cash because everything is getting digital and all the stores also prefer online payments. This method is very easy for people. However, not everyone will be happy with it, because there is a certain group of people who prefer using cash amount.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You address both parts of the question and state a clear view: cashless payment is likely, while some people will resist it. The example of your grandfather, who receives his pension in cash and has no bank account, is relevant and helps explain why older people may prefer cash. However, the reasons for a future without cash are only partly developed. For example, saying that “everything is getting digital” and that stores prefer card payments does not explain why cash would become unavailable rather than simply less common. The point that some people “prefer using money” is also vague. Develop the causes and consequences more fully, and explain the likely future with greater precision.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

The response has a recognisable structure, with an introduction, separate paragraphs for the two main points, and a conclusion. The reader can generally follow the argument, and signposts such as “Moreover” and “In conclusion” indicate the direction of the essay. However, progression within paragraphs is sometimes weak: the first body paragraph moves from employers being paid online to stores preferring cards without clearly connecting these points to cash disappearing. Some linking is mechanical or repetitive, particularly the repeated use of “This is because” and “Moreover.” The conclusion largely repeats the introduction and body points rather than drawing them together. Use clearer links between each reason and the question, and vary referencing and transitions.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use enough topic vocabulary to communicate the main ideas, including “online payments,” “credit card,” “bank account,” and “relying on technology.” However, the range is limited and several expressions are repetitive or imprecise, such as “everything is getting digital,” “easy and convenient,” and “cash amount.” Some collocations are awkward, including “payment via credit card” and “pension amount by hand,” which make the writing less natural. Aim for more precise terms and avoid repeating broad words such as “people,” “prefer,” and “payments.” For example, you could distinguish between cashless transactions, access to banking services, and digital payment systems. More accurate collocations would make your ideas clearer and more fluent.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt a mixture of simple and complex sentences, including clauses beginning with “Although” and “because,” and the overall meaning is usually understandable. However, errors are frequent, especially in subject–verb agreement, articles, and sentence construction. Examples include “a significant number of individuals who is,” “my grandfather still prefer,” and “he does not have bank account.” The sentence “Moreover, all the big stores prefer payment via credit card because of this no one has to carry cash” joins ideas without correct punctuation or a suitable linking structure. There are also awkward constructions such as “employers are paid online via their bank account.” Practise checking agreement and articles, and divide or restructure sentences when connecting several ideas.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.