In recent years, the IELTS Speaking test has frequently featured questions about money, payment methods, and the transition to a cashless society. To achieve a Band 9.0, you must demonstrate not only lexical precision but also the ability to discuss abstract economic concepts with fluency.
Part 1: Warm-up Questions
In Part 1, the examiner is looking for fluency and naturalness. Avoid robotic, one-word answers.
1. Do you usually carry cash with you?
“To be perfectly honest, I rarely have any hard currency on me these days. I’ve become almost entirely reliant on mobile payments and digital wallets, as they are infinitely more convenient than fumbling with coins and notes.”
2. When was the last time you paid for something in cash?
“Let me think… it must have been last weekend at a local farmers’ market. Many of the smaller vendors there still prefer physical tender over card payments, so I had to make a quick detour to an ATM beforehand.”
3. Is it important to teach children how to manage money?
“Absolutely. I believe that fostering financial literacy from a young age is crucial. It helps children understand the value of things and develops responsible spending habits that will serve them well in the long run.”
Part 2: The Long Turn (Cue Card)
Topic: Describe a time when you forgot to bring cash or your credit card.
Model Answer Fragment (Band 9.0 level):
“I’d like to talk about a rather embarrassing incident that occurred a few months ago, back in December when the city was bustling with holiday shoppers.
I had invited an old high school friend out for a lavish dinner to celebrate his recent promotion. We had decided on this upscale, slightly traditional French bistro located in the heart of the historic district—a place renowned for its exquisite cuisine but also its somewhat old-fashioned approach to business.
The evening was going swimmingly; we were caught up in deep conversation, reminiscing about our school days while enjoying a three-course meal. However, the atmosphere shifted abruptly when the bill finally arrived.
As I reached into my coat pocket, my heart skipped a beat. To my absolute horror, I realized my wallet was nowhere to be found—I must have left it sitting on my hallway table in the frantic rush to leave the house.
At that moment, I felt a massive wave of anxiety wash over me. My face must have turned bright red as I tried to maintain my composure in front of my guest. It was incredibly mortifying to be in such a high-end establishment without any means of payment.
Fortunately, just as I was about to apologize to the waiter, I remembered that I had recently linked my credit card to a digital wallet on my smartwatch. To my immense relief, the restaurant had an updated contactless terminal. I simply tapped my watch, the transaction went through instantaneously, and it was a total lifesaver.”
Part 3: Discussion
For Part 3, we highly recommend using the OREO method (Opinion, Reason, Example, Opinion) to ensure your answers are sufficiently developed and coherent.
1. Do you think we will live in a completely cashless society in the future?
Opinion: In my estimation, a truly cashless world is more of a ‘when’ than an ‘if’.
Reason: The sheer efficiency of digital transactions coupled with the declining overhead costs for banks makes the transition almost inevitable.
Example: Take Scandinavia for instance, where many businesses have already ceased accepting physical coins entirely.
Opinion: Therefore, while there may be some resistance from the older generation, I believe the extinction of physical money is looms on the horizon.
2. What are the disadvantages of a cashless society?
Opinion: While digital payments are convenient, they are not without significant drawbacks.
Reason: The primary concern is digital exclusion, especially for the elderly or those in rural areas who may not be tech-savvy or have stable internet access.
Example: If a country’s power grid or banking server fails, as happened in several major outages recently, people are left unable to purchase even basic necessities.
Opinion: Consequently, I feel it’s imperative to maintain a hybrid system to ensure no one is left behind.
3. How has technology changed the way we handle our finances?
Opinion: Technology has completely revolutionized our financial landscape, making it more dynamic yet also more complex.
Reason: We now have instantaneous access to our accounts, which facilitates rapid transactions but also increases the risk of impulsive spending and cybercrime.
Example: Through banking apps, I can invest in global markets with a single tap, which was unthinkable just a decade ago.
Opinion: Thus, while technology empowers us, it also demands a much higher degree of vigilance and digital literacy.
Expressions & Vocabulary
To hit Band 9.0, integrate these collocations naturally:
- Hard currency / Physical tender: Formal ways to say ‘cash’.
- Digital wallets / Mobile payments: Modern alternatives.
- To settle the tab: A natural way to say ‘to pay the bill’.
- Upscale: High-end / Expensive.
- A lifesaver: Something that saves you from a difficult situation.
- Ineeveitable / Looms on the horizon: Phrases to describe something that will definitely happen.
