Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-10-24

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 predicted that people may complete all the transactions using their phones or cards in the future. I personally do not believe this will ever happen because there is a major risk involved in it. However, some individuals in the world can struggle to cope with this change.

The major underlying reason is the security of funds. Although with the advancement of technology, life has become easier, it does involve risk of leaking data and online theft. Hackers can have access to confidential data which can later result into robbery of funds from bank accounts. Therefore, people do not trust online payments for their everyday use.

Another significant reason which does not promote the online transactions entirely is the unstability of network. While making online payments, it is mandatory for people to use their internet. For instance, if someone is not able to afford to pay internet services then they will not be able to pay for their products in the shop. Additionally, internet services can be disconnected due to bad weather conditions. Consequently, this will create challenges for businesses to not sell their products under certain conditions.

Nevertheless, elderly or uneducated people can also face problems in paying their bills. Individuals who do not have profound knowledge about technology or unable to read are used to traditional methods of handling their finances. As a result, they will be unable to satisfy their needs despite able to afford them.

In conclusion, it is irrefutable that the physical currency cannot be eliminated in the entire world. This is due to the fact that complete digital transactions not only involves risk of fraud but also is not reliable in some conditions. Additionally, online paying method cannot be used by senior citizens and illiterate people.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

Your position is clear: you doubt that cash will disappear, and you give relevant reasons involving fraud, unreliable internet access, and difficulties for older or less educated people. This addresses both parts of the question, including why some people may resist a cashless system. The security and connectivity points are explained with examples, such as hackers accessing bank details and bad weather disrupting service. However, the response focuses more on why cashless payments may be impractical than on why people might personally be unhappy to give up cash. The final point about older people is relevant but less developed, and the claim that cash cannot be eliminated worldwide is stated rather than fully supported. Develop this point with a specific example or explanation of the value people place on cash.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The essay has a clear overall progression: an introduction states your view, separate paragraphs present reasons, and the conclusion restates the position. Paragraphing is appropriate, and linking expressions such as “Although,” “For instance,” “Additionally,” and “Consequently” help show relationships between ideas. This gives the response a logical structure. At times, however, the links feel formulaic, and some references are not fully precise. For example, “this” in “Consequently, this will create challenges” could refer to the internet disconnection or the weather, so naming the cause would make the connection clearer. The transition “Nevertheless” also suggests a contrast that is not fully established. Use cohesive devices more selectively and make links between each example and its main point explicit.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

You use an adequate range of vocabulary for the topic, including “confidential data,” “online theft,” “traditional methods,” and “physical currency.” These choices communicate the main ideas, and you attempt some less common expressions. However, several word choices or collocations are inaccurate or unnatural, such as “unstability of network,” “result into robbery,” and “online paying method.” “Profound knowledge” is also not the most natural way to describe basic digital skills. These issues do not prevent understanding, but they limit precision and naturalness. Aim for familiar, accurate collocations rather than more elaborate wording: for example, “network instability,” “lead to theft,” and “online payment methods.” Proofread word forms and spelling, including “unstability,” to improve control.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, including subordinate clauses beginning with “Although,” “While,” and “if.” Most ideas remain understandable, and the sentence structures allow you to explain causes and consequences. Some grammatical errors persist, particularly with agreement and sentence construction. For example, “complete digital transactions not only involves risk” has a plural subject that requires “involve,” while “people who do not have profound knowledge about technology or unable to read” is missing a verb in the second part of the relative clause. In “despite able to afford them,” the structure also needs “despite being able.” Review subject–verb agreement and ensure parallel clauses contain the necessary verbs. More consistently accurate complex sentences would strengthen the response.

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.