The topic of cashless payment systems has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations, particularly over the past 2-3 years. Based on analysis of recent exam patterns, questions related to digital payments and cashless societies appear approximately once every 4-5 months, making it a crucial topic for IELTS candidates to prepare for. Pros and cons of cashless society? is one of the most common question types in this domain.
The increasing prevalence of cashless payment systems in modern society
Recent Exam Question Analysis
Here is one of the most recent questions that appeared in the IELTS exam:
Some people believe that in the future, cash will become obsolete as all payments will be made digitally. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your own experience.
Task Analysis
- Question type: Opinion (Agree/Disagree)
- Key elements to address:
- Future of cash payments
- Digital payment systems
- Personal stance with reasoning
- Real-world examples
Band 8 Sample Essay
The rapid advancement of digital payment technologies has led many to predict the eventual disappearance of physical currency. While I largely agree that digital payments will become increasingly dominant, I believe that cash will continue to serve certain essential functions in the foreseeable future.
On one hand, the transition towards a cashless society seems inevitable due to several compelling factors. How cashless payments improve customer convenience is evident in daily transactions, where digital payments offer unprecedented speed and convenience. Mobile payments and contactless cards have revolutionized how we conduct transactions, eliminating the need to carry physical currency and reducing transaction times significantly. Moreover, digital transactions create automatic records, making it easier for both individuals and businesses to track expenses and manage finances effectively.
However, complete elimination of cash faces several significant challenges. Impact of mobile payment systems on banks shows that while digital infrastructure is robust in urban areas, many rural regions still lack reliable internet connectivity and technological infrastructure. Additionally, certain demographic groups, particularly elderly individuals and those in developing nations, may find it challenging to adapt to purely digital systems. Privacy concerns also persist, as some people prefer the anonymity that cash transactions provide.
In conclusion, while digital payments will undoubtedly become more prevalent, cash is likely to retain its place in society, albeit in a diminished role. The key lies in developing payment systems that can accommodate both digital and traditional methods, ensuring nobody is left behind in this technological transition.
Digital payment adoption trends across different demographics worldwide
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
Nowadays, many people think cash will disappear in the future because of digital payments. I partly agree with this idea, but I think cash will still be important for some people.
Digital payments are becoming more popular because they are easy to use. People can pay quickly with their phones or cards, and they don’t need to carry lots of money. Many shops and restaurants now prefer digital payments because it’s safer and cleaner. Also, governments like digital payments because they can track money better and stop illegal activities.
But there are some problems with going completely cashless. Some old people don’t know how to use digital payments, and they still need cash. Poor people might not have smartphones or bank accounts. Sometimes the internet doesn’t work, so people can’t make digital payments. Also, some small shops in villages only accept cash because they don’t have payment machines.
In conclusion, I think digital payments will become more common, but cash will still be needed. Both systems should exist together so everyone can use what works best for them.
Analysis of Essays
Band 8 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “unprecedented,” “revolutionized,” “infrastructure”
- Complex sentence structures
- Clear, logical organization
- Well-developed arguments with specific examples
- Coherent paragraphing
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Basic but clear vocabulary
- Simpler sentence structures
- Good organization but less sophisticated
- Basic examples
- Some repetition
Key Vocabulary
- obsolete (adj) /ˌɒbsəˈliːt/ – no longer used or needed
- infrastructure (n) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/ – basic systems and services
- unprecedented (adj) /ʌnˈpresɪdentɪd/ – never known or done before
- demographic (adj) /ˌdeməˈɡræfɪk/ – relating to population groups
- diminished (adj) /dɪˈmɪnɪʃt/ – reduced or lessened
For further practice, consider writing about how digital currency improves cross-border payments and share your essays in the comments section below for feedback.
