This IELTS Task 2 question asks you to answer two very specific questions about a cashless society. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to answer both questions fully, organise your response, use high-level vocabulary and avoid generalisations (you’ll practise ‘hedging’). You’ll also practise answering questions on this topic in the Speaking Test.
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In the future, individuals may no longer do transactions for paying goods in stores with cash and all payments may be done online using mobiles and cards. In my opinion, I believe this will be fulfilled one day because cash attracts robberies and it is convenient to use cards and phones, while certain people will not be pleased to surrender cash due to environmental status.
In the coming time, people may no longer utilise cash in the shops and this will be fulfilled. Firstly, plastic money does not attract thieves. In other words, no one knows how much cash is carried in the phone or card. Factually, people can carry load of money in their accounts anywhere they want to go. For example, humans can purchase goods using cards in the stores instead of cash. To be specific, 80% majority of people find it easier to carry monies on cards and phones.
Secondly, it is convenient to purchase things using online banking. In other terms, human beings can do transfer in their comfort of their homes. Truthfully, people can buy assets online without visiting the marketplace. To exemplify, individuals can do purchase imported cars through online banking. To be exact, 75 % of humans use this innovation way of trading.
However, online and plastic money use can be convenient to certain people. To rearticulate, the environmental setup tends to limit individuals from utilising modern way of purchasing things. Genuinely, in remote areas they are way behind technology due to lack of resources. For instance, there are poor networks. Statistically, 90 % of banks are located in developed towns where there is proper network. Therefore, this forced people to use cash on buying goods.
To conclude, in my point of view, I believe all payments may be done online using mobile phones and cards will be fulfilled one day, even though certain individuals might not be pleased to surrender the utilisation of cash.
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Hi Lyanai
Thank you for your hard work on this essay. You’ve made a great effort to answer both parts of the question clearly, and I can see that you’re thinking carefully about structure and vocabulary. You’re definitely on the right track — well done. My 3 action points are:
1. Make the introduction shorter – don’t go into too much detail – see How to write a Task 2 introduction
2. Answer the question more closely by using just 2 main paragraphs, one for each question.
3. Simplify your language – avoid too many linking words at the start of sentences: ‘Firstly’ ‘In other words’ ‘Factually’ ‘For example’ ‘To be specific’ ‘Secondly’ etc. [Use PEEL paragraphs to avoid this]
Suggested answer:
In the future, it is possible that people will stop using cash in shops and switch entirely to digital payments. In my view, this change is likely to happen, though some people may not welcome this change.
One major reason digital payments may replace cash is that they are generally more secure. Cash can easily be lost or stolen, whereas money stored on a phone or card is protected by passwords and security systems. In addition, many people already prefer using contactless payments because it saves time and allows them to carry less. For example, most young adults today rarely carry cash and use their phones or cards for almost every transaction. One final advantage of using digital methods is convenience. People can transfer money or shop online without leaving their homes, which is especially useful for busy people or those who live far from shopping centres.
However, some people may find it difficult to stop using cash. In many rural areas, poor internet access and a lack of banking infrastructure make it hard to rely on digital systems. Older generations may also feel uncomfortable with new technologies or worry about security. As a result, while digital payments are increasing, cash still plays an important role for certain groups.
In conclusion, I believe that most payments will eventually be made using phones or cards, but governments and businesses should ensure that vulnerable groups are not left behind as this transition continues.
Dear Fiona, may I ask if this suggested answer is close to a band 9 one? Thanks in advance.
Hi Marie!
Many thanks for your question. 😊
I don’t focus too much on grading the model essays – I just try to show what constitutes a good basis for an IELTS essay i.e. answering the question, giving your opinion, discussing the issue, using appropriate language, linking words etc.
As most of my students are not aiming for Band 9, I think it’s important to give model answers that most students would be able to write themselves.
When I submitted this to ChatGPT, it gave a Band 8, but ChatGPT can be a little harsh.
It then gave a Band 9 model that you might like to compare (but it would be difficult to write this in 40 minutes I think!)
It is increasingly likely that physical cash will disappear from shops as digital transactions become the dominant method of payment. In my opinion, this shift is inevitable, although it may create challenges for certain segments of society.
The growing use of digital payments is driven by both convenience and security. Paying by card or mobile phone is fast, efficient and widely accepted, especially in urban areas. It also reduces the risks associated with carrying cash, such as theft or loss. Furthermore, digital systems allow for better tracking of spending, which is useful for both individuals and businesses. For instance, mobile banking apps enable users to monitor their expenses in real time, something that is impossible with cash.
However, despite these advantages, some people may resist the complete removal of cash. One group likely to be affected is the elderly, who may not be comfortable with new technologies or may lack access to smartphones and internet banking. In addition, people living in remote areas with poor internet connectivity might find it difficult to rely entirely on digital infrastructure. There is also a concern about privacy and surveillance, as digital payments can be monitored by banks or governments, unlike anonymous cash transactions.
In conclusion, although I believe that digital payments will eventually replace cash in most situations, it is important to ensure that this transition is inclusive. Governments should take steps to support vulnerable groups and maintain some level of access to cash until everyone is able to adapt to a fully cashless economy.
Why this is Band 9:
Task response: Fully answers both parts with developed, nuanced ideas and examples.
Coherence and cohesion: Smooth progression of ideas with excellent paragraphing and varied linking devices (despite these advantages, furthermore, although, one group likely to be affected).
Lexical resource: High-level and topic-specific vocabulary (dominant method, infrastructure, surveillance, inclusive, transition).
Grammatical range and accuracy: Wide range of structures used with complete control (e.g. complex clauses, modal verbs, passive constructions, concessive clauses).