The topic of a cashless society has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends and expert predictions, this theme is likely to appear more frequently in future tests. Its relevance to modern economic shifts and technological advancements makes it a prime candidate for assessment. Let’s explore a real IELTS question on this subject and analyze sample essays across different band scores.
Some people think that in the future there will be no need to use cash when shopping for goods and services. Others believe that cash will always be necessary. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that cash will become obsolete in the future
- Discuss the opposing view that cash will always be necessary
- Provide their own opinion on the matter
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score. Let’s examine sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In an era of rapid technological advancement, the debate over the future of cash in our society has gained significant traction. While some argue that digital transactions will completely replace physical currency, others maintain that cash will remain an indispensable part of our economic system. In my opinion, while cashless transactions will undoubtedly become more prevalent, cash is unlikely to disappear entirely in the foreseeable future.
Proponents of a cashless future argue that digital payment methods offer unparalleled convenience and security. With the widespread adoption of smartphones and the increasing sophistication of financial technology, transactions can be completed instantly and securely from virtually anywhere. Moreover, digital transactions create a clear paper trail, potentially reducing tax evasion and other financial crimes. Countries like Sweden have already made significant strides towards becoming cashless societies, demonstrating the feasibility of this transition.
On the other hand, those who believe cash will always be necessary point to several compelling reasons. Firstly, cash provides a level of privacy and anonymity that digital transactions cannot match, which many people value highly. Secondly, cash is universally accessible and does not require any technological infrastructure, making it indispensable in emergency situations or in areas with limited internet connectivity. Furthermore, cash transactions are not subject to system failures or cyberattacks, providing a reliable backup when digital systems falter.
In my view, while the trend towards cashless transactions will continue to grow, cash is likely to coexist with digital payment methods for the foreseeable future. The advantages of digital transactions in terms of convenience and efficiency are undeniable, and they will likely become the dominant form of payment in many contexts. However, the unique properties of cash – its universality, privacy, and independence from technology – ensure that it will retain a place in our economic system.
To strike a balance, governments and financial institutions should work towards creating robust digital payment infrastructures while also preserving the option to use cash. This approach would allow society to reap the benefits of cashless transactions while maintaining the flexibility and security that physical currency provides. Ultimately, the goal should be to create an inclusive financial system that caters to the diverse needs and preferences of all members of society.
(Word count: 365)
Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)
This essay demonstrates excellence across all four marking criteria:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed response with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is cohesive with clear progression throughout. Paragraphing is well-managed, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
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Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips’.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free with only very occasional minor ‘slips’.
Key strengths:
- Clear introduction setting out the essay’s structure
- Balanced discussion of both viewpoints
- Personal opinion clearly stated and supported
- Relevant examples (e.g., Sweden’s progress towards a cashless society)
- Sophisticated vocabulary (e.g., “unparalleled convenience”, “indispensable”, “universality”)
- Complex sentence structures used accurately
- Strong conclusion summarizing the main points and offering a balanced perspective
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
These days, many people think that in the future we won’t need to use cash when we go shopping. However, others believe that cash will always be important. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
On the one hand, those who think cash will disappear have some good reasons. Digital payments are becoming more popular because they are convenient and fast. We can use our phones or cards to pay for things without carrying a lot of cash. Also, digital payments can be safer because if we lose our phone or card, we can block it quickly. Some countries are already using less cash, like Sweden, where many shops don’t accept cash anymore.
On the other hand, people who think cash will always be necessary also have valid points. Cash is easy to use and doesn’t need any special technology. This is important for older people who might not be comfortable with digital payments. Cash is also useful in emergencies, like when there’s a power cut or internet problem. Moreover, some people prefer cash because it’s more private and they don’t want their purchases to be tracked.
In my opinion, while digital payments will become more common, cash will still be around for a long time. I think it’s important to have both options available. Some people will prefer digital payments for their convenience, while others will still want to use cash for various reasons. Also, not everyone in the world has access to the technology needed for digital payments, so cash remains important for them.
To conclude, both cash and digital payments have their advantages. While we will probably use less cash in the future, I don’t think it will disappear completely. The best solution is to have a system where people can choose the payment method that works best for them.
(Word count: 309)
Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates good performance across the marking criteria, but with some limitations:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but some aspects are covered more thoroughly than others. The ideas are relevant but could be more fully extended and supported.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear overall progression. Paragraphing is logical, and basic cohesive devices are used effectively, though more sophisticated linking could improve the flow.
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Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used appropriately, with some awareness of style and collocation. There are no major errors, but greater precision in word choice could enhance the essay.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used with good control. There are no major grammatical errors, but minor errors occur in more complex structures.
Key strengths and areas for improvement:
- Clear structure with introduction, body paragraphs for each view, and conclusion
- Personal opinion is stated, but could be more fully developed
- Relevant examples provided, but could be more specific
- Vocabulary is appropriate but could be more sophisticated
- Grammar is generally accurate, but more complex structures could be used
- Conclusion summarizes main points but could offer more insight
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Cashless society (noun) – A society where financial transactions are conducted without the use of physical cash
Pronunciation: /ˈkæʃləs səˈsaɪəti/ -
Digital transaction (noun) – A payment made using electronic means rather than physical cash
Pronunciation: /ˈdɪdʒɪtl trænˈzækʃn/ -
Financial technology (Fintech) (noun) – Technology and innovation that aims to compete with traditional financial methods in the delivery of financial services
Pronunciation: /faɪˈnænʃl tekˈnɒlədʒi/ or /ˈfɪntek/ -
Cybersecurity (noun) – The practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks
Pronunciation: /ˈsaɪbəsɪˌkjʊərəti/ -
Contactless payment (noun) – A secure method for consumers to purchase products or services using a debit, credit, or smartcard by using RFID technology or near-field communication
Pronunciation: /ˈkɒntæktləs ˈpeɪmənt/ -
Financial inclusion (noun) – The availability and equality of opportunities to access financial services
Pronunciation: /faɪˈnænʃl ɪnˈkluːʒn/ -
Cryptocurrency (noun) – A digital or virtual currency that is secured by cryptography, making it nearly impossible to counterfeit or double-spend
Pronunciation: /ˈkrɪptəʊˌkʌrənsi/ -
Digital divide (noun) – The gap between demographics and regions that have access to modern information and communications technology, and those that don’t or have restricted access
Pronunciation: /ˈdɪdʒɪtl dɪˈvaɪd/
These vocabulary items are crucial for discussing the topic of cashless societies and can significantly enhance the lexical resource aspect of your essay.
Conclusion
The topic of cashless societies is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams due to its global significance and ongoing technological advancements. To prepare for this and similar topics, practice writing essays that discuss both sides of the argument and clearly express your own opinion. Remember to use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and always address all parts of the question.
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The impact of digital currencies on traditional banking systems
- The role of government in regulating cashless transactions
- The potential effects of a cashless society on different socioeconomic groups
We encourage you to write your own essay on the topic provided in this article and share it in the comments section. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and receive feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam.