IELTS Writing Task 2: Digital Currency - Band 9.0 Sample with Full Breakdown

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The Prompt

Some people believe that digital currencies will replace traditional currencies in the future. Others disagree. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

The use of digital currencies is increasing, but I do not think they will replace traditional money. There are several reasons for this.

Firstly, many people, especially older generations, are not comfortable with technology. They prefer using cash because it is familiar. For example, my grandmother always carries cash and does not trust online banking. Secondly, digital currencies can be hacked. There are many stories about people losing money because of hackers. This makes traditional money safer. Finally, not all countries have good internet access. In some places, people cannot use digital currencies because they do not have reliable internet.

In conclusion, while digital currencies are convenient, they will not replace traditional money. People need to feel safe and have access to technology for this to happen.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): Addresses the task but presents a one-sided argument. The response is limited and does not fully discuss both views.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are presented but not always logically connected. There is some use of cohesive devices, but the overall structure is weak.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Uses some appropriate vocabulary but lacks variety and sophistication. Some errors in word choice and collocation.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Sentence structures are simple and repetitive. Some grammatical errors affect clarity.

Band 7.0 Answer

The debate over whether digital currencies will replace traditional money is ongoing. Both sides have valid points.

On one hand, digital currencies offer many advantages. They are convenient and fast. For instance, transactions can be completed in seconds, and people can pay for things online easily. Additionally, digital currencies can reduce fraud. Every transaction is recorded, making it harder for people to commit crimes. Moreover, digital currencies can help people who do not have access to traditional banking. In many countries, a significant portion of the population is unbanked. Digital currencies can provide them with financial services.

On the other hand, traditional currencies have their benefits. They are widely accepted and trusted. People can use cash anywhere, and it is easy to understand. Furthermore, traditional currencies are regulated by governments, which can provide a sense of security. For example, if something goes wrong, people can seek help from their government.

In my opinion, digital currencies will not completely replace traditional money. They will coexist, and people will choose the method that suits their needs.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): Addresses the task and presents both views. The response is relevant and discusses the topic fully.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized and connected. Cohesive devices are used effectively.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a mix of appropriate vocabulary. Some sophisticated words are used, but there are still some errors in word choice and collocation.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Sentence structures are varied and generally accurate. Some errors affect clarity but do not impede understanding.

Band 8.0 Answer

The rise of digital currencies has sparked a debate about their potential to replace traditional currencies. This issue warrants a thorough examination of both perspectives.

Proponents of digital currencies argue that they offer numerous benefits. Firstly, they provide unparalleled convenience. Transactions can be completed instantaneously, regardless of geographical boundaries. For example, people can send money to family members in different countries within seconds. Secondly, digital currencies can enhance security. Blockchain technology ensures that every transaction is recorded and verified, reducing the risk of fraud. Additionally, digital currencies can promote financial inclusion. In many developing countries, a significant portion of the population lacks access to traditional banking services. Digital currencies can provide them with a means to participate in the global economy.

However, opponents contend that traditional currencies are here to stay. They argue that cash is universally accepted and trusted. People can use it anywhere, and it is easy to understand. Furthermore, traditional currencies are backed by governments, which can provide a sense of security. For instance, if a transaction goes wrong, people can seek recourse through legal channels. Additionally, traditional currencies are tangible, which can provide a sense of reassurance. People can hold and feel the money they have, which can be psychologically comforting.

In my view, digital currencies will not completely replace traditional money. Instead, they will coexist, and people will choose the method that best suits their needs. The future of currency will likely be a blend of both digital and traditional forms, each serving different purposes and catering to diverse preferences.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): Addresses the task fully and presents a clear position. The response is relevant, fully developed, and supported by appropriate examples.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized and connected. Cohesive devices are used effectively, and paragraphing is clear and consistent.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a wide range of appropriate vocabulary. Sophisticated words are used accurately, and there are few errors in word choice and collocation.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Sentence structures are varied and generally accurate. Errors are rare and do not impede understanding.

Band 9.0 Answer

The proliferation of digital currencies has ignited a contentious debate regarding their potential to supplant traditional currencies. A nuanced analysis of both viewpoints is essential to understanding this complex issue.

Advocates of digital currencies posit that they offer a myriad of advantages. Primarily, they provide unparalleled convenience. Transactions can be executed instantaneously, transcending geographical boundaries. For instance, remittances can be sent to family members in different countries within seconds, circumventing the delays and fees associated with traditional banking systems. Moreover, digital currencies can enhance security. Blockchain technology ensures that every transaction is recorded and verified, mitigating the risk of fraud and ensuring transparency. Furthermore, digital currencies can foster financial inclusion. In many developing countries, a significant portion of the population lacks access to traditional banking services. Digital currencies can provide them with a means to participate in the global economy, empowering them to conduct transactions and access financial services that were previously inaccessible.

Conversely, detractors argue that traditional currencies are deeply entrenched and unlikely to be replaced. They contend that cash is universally accepted and trusted. People can use it anywhere, and it is easily understandable. Additionally, traditional currencies are backed by governments, which can provide a sense of security. For example, if a transaction goes awry, people can seek recourse through legal channels. Furthermore, traditional currencies are tangible, which can provide a sense of reassurance. People can hold and feel the money they have, which can be psychologically comforting. Lastly, the infrastructure for traditional currencies is well-established, and transitioning to digital currencies would require significant investment and effort.

In my opinion, digital currencies will not completely replace traditional money. Instead, they will coexist, and people will choose the method that best suits their needs. The future of currency will likely be a blend of both digital and traditional forms, each serving different purposes and catering to diverse preferences. This hybrid system will allow for the benefits of both digital and traditional currencies to be realized, ensuring that people have access to the financial tools they need to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): Addresses the task fully and presents a clear, supported position. The response is relevant, fully developed, and supported by appropriate, extended, and supported examples.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized and connected. Cohesive devices are used effectively, and paragraphing is clear and consistent. The use of cohesive devices is sophisticated and varied.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a wide range of appropriate vocabulary. Sophisticated words are used accurately, and there are few errors in word choice and collocation. The vocabulary is precise and nuanced.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Sentence structures are varied and generally accurate. Errors are rare and do not impede understanding. The use of complex sentence structures is sophisticated and varied.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Proliferation: rapid increase in the number or amount of something.

• Example: The proliferation of digital currencies has sparked a debate.

1. Supplant: to take the place of something or someone.

• Example: Digital currencies may supplant traditional currencies in the future.

1. Nuanced: characterized by subtle differences or distinctions.

• Example: A nuanced analysis of both viewpoints is essential.

1. Ignited: to cause something to start or begin.

• Example: The rise of digital currencies has ignited a contentious debate.

1. Circumventing: to find a way around a problem or difficulty.

• Example: Digital currencies can circumvent the delays and fees associated with traditional banking systems.

1. Mitigating: to make something less severe, dangerous, or painful.

• Example: Blockchain technology can mitigate the risk of fraud.

1. Foster: to encourage the development of something.

• Example: Digital currencies can foster financial inclusion.

1. Empowering: to give someone the authority or power to do something.

• Example: Digital currencies can empower people to conduct transactions.

1. Detractors: people who criticize or speak against something.

• Example: Detractors argue that traditional currencies are deeply entrenched.

1. Entrenched: firmly established and difficult to change.

• Example: Traditional currencies are deeply entrenched and unlikely to be replaced.

1. Awry: not going as planned or intended.

• Example: If a transaction goes awry, people can seek recourse through legal channels.

1. Hybrid: a thing made by combining two different elements.

• Example: The future of currency will likely be a hybrid of both digital and traditional forms.

1. Interconnected: closely connected or interrelated.

• Example: In an increasingly interconnected world, people need access to diverse financial tools.

1. Transcending: to go beyond the limits of something.

• Example: Digital currencies can transcend geographical boundaries.

1. Inaccessible: not able to be reached or obtained.

• Example: Digital currencies can provide access to financial services that were previously inaccessible.

1. Thrive: to grow, develop, or be successful.

• Example: People need access to the financial tools they need to thrive.

1. Contentious: causing or likely to cause an argument.

• Example: The debate over digital currencies is contentious.

1. Instantaneously: happening or done immediately.

• Example: Transactions can be executed instantaneously.

1. Transparency: the quality of being done in an open way without secrets.

• Example: Blockchain technology ensures transparency.

1. Recourse: a person or thing that can be turned to for help or advice.

• Example: People can seek recourse through legal channels.

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. One-Sided Arguments: Presenting only one side of the argument without discussing the opposing view.
2. Lack of Examples: Failing to provide relevant examples to support the arguments.
3. Poor Organization: Not organizing the essay in a logical and coherent manner.
4. Vocabulary Errors: Using inappropriate or incorrect vocabulary that affects the clarity of the response.
5. Grammatical Errors: Making frequent grammatical errors that impede understanding.

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