This is my IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of writing by hand from the real exam.
IELTS Essay: Writing by Hand
Fewer and fewer people today write by hand using a pen or pencil.
What are the reasons for this?
Is this a positive or a negative development?
Today, the act of writing by hand using a pen or pencil has become increasingly uncommon. This essay will delve into the reasons behind this trend and evaluate whether it is a positive or negative development for individuals and society as a whole.
One primary reason for the dwindling use of handwriting is the pervasive presence of technology. In an age dominated by computers, smartphones, and tablets, individuals find it more convenient to type their thoughts and ideas rather than engaging in the laborious process of writing by hand. The speed and efficiency offered by digital devices have made it easier to edit, store, and share written content, rendering handwriting seemingly obsolete. To illustrate this, consider the rapid rise of communication platforms such as email, instant messaging apps, and social media. These platforms provide users with the ability to effortlessly send and receive messages, eliminating the need for handwritten letters or notes. This convenience extends to practical considerations for professionals in various fields, such as journalists, researchers, and writers, who often rely on digital platforms and word processors for their work. The ease of editing, revising, and sharing digital content outweighs the traditional pen-and-paper approach.
While the decline of handwriting may offer certain advantages, it also brings forth potential negative consequences. Handwriting is an essential skill that fosters cognitive development, improves memory retention, and allows for creative expression. The act of physically forming letters and words engages different areas of the brain, promoting better comprehension and critical thinking skills. Losing this skill may hinder individuals’ ability to think and express themselves effectively. Most importantly, the personal touch and emotional connection associated with handwritten letters or cards cannot be replicated by digital alternatives. Handwritten messages convey sincerity, thoughtfulness, and a sense of intimacy. Losing the art of handwriting may irrevocably erode these meaningful human connections.
In conclusion, the decline of handwriting can be attributed to the prevalence of technology and practical considerations. While there are advantages to digital communication and typing, the negative implications for cognitive development and personal connections are more significant and must be mitigated by the relevant authorities.
Analysis
1. Today, the act of writing by hand using a pen or pencil has become increasingly uncommon. 2. This essay will delve into the reasons behind this trend and evaluate whether it is a positive or negative development for individuals and society as a whole.
1. One primary reason for the dwindling use of handwriting is the pervasive presence of technology. 2. In an age dominated by computers, smartphones, and tablets, individuals find it more convenient to type their thoughts and ideas rather than engaging in the laborious process of writing by hand. 3. The speed and efficiency offered by digital devices have made it easier to edit, store, and share written content, rendering handwriting seemingly obsolete. 4. To illustrate this, consider the rapid rise of communication platforms such as email, instant messaging apps, and social media. 5. These platforms provide users with the ability to effortlessly send and receive messages, eliminating the need for handwritten letters or notes. 6. This convenience extends to practical considerations for professionals in various fields, such as journalists, researchers, and writers, who often rely on digital platforms and word processors for their work. 7. The ease of editing, revising, and sharing digital content outweighs the traditional pen-and-paper approach.
1. While the decline of handwriting may offer certain advantages, it also brings forth potential negative consequences. 2. Handwriting is an essential skill that fosters cognitive development, improves memory retention, and allows for creative expression. 3. The act of physically forming letters and words engages different areas of the brain, promoting better comprehension and critical thinking skills. 4. Losing this skill may hinder individuals’ ability to think and express themselves effectively. 5. Most importantly, the personal touch and emotional connection associated with handwritten letters or cards cannot be replicated by digital alternatives. 6. Handwritten messages convey sincerity, thoughtfulness, and a sense of intimacy. Losing the art of handwriting may irrevocably erode these meaningful human connections.
1. In conclusion, the decline of handwriting can be attributed to the prevalence of technology and practical considerations. 2. While there are advantages to digital communication and typing, the negative implications for cognitive development and personal connections are more significant and must be mitigated by the relevant authorities.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean? Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
Today, the act of writing by hand using a pen or pencil has become increasingly uncommon. This essay will delve into the reasons behind this trend and evaluate whether it is a positive or negative development for individuals and society as a whole.
One primary reason for the dwindling use of handwriting is the pervasive presence of technology. In an age dominated by computers, smartphones, and tablets, individuals find it more convenient to type their thoughts and ideas rather than engaging in the laborious process of writing by hand. The speed and efficiency offered by digital devices have made it easier to edit, store, and share written content, rendering handwriting seemingly obsolete. To illustrate this, consider the rapid rise of communication platforms such as email, instant messaging apps, and social media. These platforms provide users with the ability to effortlessly send and receive messages, eliminating the need for handwritten letters or notes. This convenience extends to practical considerations for professionals in various fields, such as journalists, researchers, and writers, who often rely on digital platforms and word processors for their work. The ease of editing, revising, and sharing digital content outweighs the traditional pen-and-paper approach.
While the decline of handwriting may offer certain advantages, it also brings forth potential negative consequences. Handwriting is an essential skill that fosters cognitive development, improves memory retention, and allows for creative expression. The act of physically forming letters and words engages different areas of the brain, promoting better comprehension and critical thinking skills. Losing this skill may hinder individuals’ ability to think and express themselves effectively. Most importantly, the personal touch and emotional connection associated with handwritten letters or cards cannot be replicated by digital alternatives. Handwritten messages convey sincerity, thoughtfulness, and a sense of intimacy. Losing the art of handwriting may irrevocably erode these meaningful human connections.
In conclusion, the decline of handwriting can be attributed to the prevalence of technology and practical considerations. While there are advantages to digital communication and typing, the negative implications for cognitive development and personal connections are more significant and must be mitigated by the relevant authorities.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
the act of writing by hand: penning
increasingly uncommon: rarefied
delve into the reasons behind this trend: explore
evaluate: assess
society as a whole: the collective
dwindling use of: diminishing utilization of
pervasive presence of: ubiquitous prevalence of
In an age dominated by: in a era ruled by
convenient: handy
type: input
engaging in the laborious process of writing by hand: embarking on the laborious task of manual writing
efficiency offered by digital devices: productivity provided by electronic gadgets
edit: modify
store: archive
share written content: disseminate textual material
rendering handwriting seemingly obsolete: making handwriting appear seemingly outdated
consider: contemplate
rapid rise of: swift upsurge of
platforms: online platforms
provide users with the ability to effortlessly send and receive messages: empower users to effortlessly exchange messages
eliminating the need for: obviating the necessity of
extends to practical considerations: encompasses practical factors as well
professionals in various fields: experts in diverse domains
rely on: depend upon
word processors: text editors
ease: convenience
revising: revisiting
outweighs: surpasses
brings forth potential negative consequences: gives rise to potential adverse outcomes
fosters cognitive development: nurtures cognitive maturation
improves memory retention: enhances memory preservation
creative expression: artistic manifestation
forming letters: shaping characters
engages different areas of the brain: activates distinct brain regions
promoting: fostering
critical thinking skills: analytical reasoning abilities
hinder: impede
Most importantly: Above all
personal touch: individualized approach
emotional connection associated with: sentimental bond linked to
replicated by digital alternatives: replicated by digital substitutes
convey sincerity: express genuineness
thoughtfulness: considerateness
intimacy: closeness
irrevocably erode: irreversibly diminish
decline: decrease
can be attributed to: can be ascribed to
prevalence of technology and practical considerations: dominance of technology and pragmatic factors
digital communication: electronic correspondence
negative implications for cognitive development: adverse effects on cognitive growth
personal connections: interpersonal relationships
more significant: more substantial
mitigated by the relevant authorities: alleviated by the pertinent authorities
Pronunciation
Practice saying the vocabulary below and use this tip about Google voice search:
ði ækt ɒv ˈraɪtɪŋ baɪ hænd
ɪnˈkriːsɪŋli ʌnˈkɒmən
dɛlv ˈɪntuː ðə ˈriːzᵊnz bɪˈhaɪnd ðɪs trɛnd
ɪˈvæljueɪt
səˈsaɪəti æz ə həʊl.
ˈdwɪndᵊlɪŋ juːz ɒv
pɜːˈveɪsɪv ˈprɛzᵊns ɒv
ɪn ən eɪʤ ˈdɒmɪneɪtɪd baɪ
kənˈviːniənt
taɪp
ɪnˈɡeɪʤɪŋ ɪn ðə ləˈbɔːriəs ˈprəʊsɛs ɒv ˈraɪtɪŋ baɪ hænd
ɪˈfɪʃᵊnsi ˈɒfəd baɪ ˈdɪʤɪtᵊl dɪˈvaɪsɪz
ˈɛdɪt
stɔː
ʃeə ˈrɪtᵊn ˈkɒntɛnt
ˈrɛndərɪŋ ˈhændˌraɪtɪŋ ˈsiːmɪŋli ˈɒbsəliːt
kənˈsɪdə
ˈræpɪd raɪz ɒv
ˈplætfɔːmz
prəˈvaɪd ˈjuːzəz wɪð ði əˈbɪləti tuː ˈɛfətləsli sɛnd ænd rɪˈsiːv ˈmɛsɪʤɪz
ɪˈlɪmɪneɪtɪŋ ðə niːd fɔː
ɪkˈstɛndz tuː ˈpræktɪkᵊl kənˌsɪdəˈreɪʃᵊnz
prəˈfɛʃᵊnᵊlz ɪn ˈveəriəs fiːldz
rɪˈlaɪ ɒn
wɜːd ˈprəʊsɛsəz
iːz
rɪˈvaɪzɪŋ
aʊtˈweɪz
brɪŋz fɔːθ pəˈtɛnʃᵊl ˈnɛɡətɪv ˈkɒnsɪkwənsɪz
ˈfɒstəz ˈkɒɡnɪtɪv dɪˈvɛləpmənt
ɪmˈpruːvz ˈmɛmᵊri rɪˈtɛnʃᵊn
kriˈeɪtɪv ɪkˈsprɛʃᵊn
ˈfɔːmɪŋ ˈlɛtəz
ɪnˈɡeɪʤɪz ˈdɪfᵊrᵊnt ˈeəriəz ɒv ðə breɪn
prəˈməʊtɪŋ
ˈkrɪtɪkᵊl ˈθɪŋkɪŋ skɪlz
ˈhɪndə
məʊst ɪmˈpɔːtᵊntli
ˈpɜːsᵊnᵊl tʌʧ
ɪˈməʊʃᵊnᵊl kəˈnɛkʃᵊn əˈsəʊsieɪtɪd wɪð
ˈrɛplɪkeɪtɪd baɪ ˈdɪʤɪtᵊl ɒlˈtɜːnətɪvz
kənˈveɪ sɪnˈsɛrəti
ˈθɔːtfᵊlnəs
ˈɪntɪməsi
ɪˈrɛvəkəbᵊli ɪˈrəʊd
dɪˈklaɪn
kæn biː əˈtrɪbjuːtɪd tuː
ˈprɛvᵊləns ɒv tɛkˈnɒləʤi ænd ˈpræktɪkᵊl kənˌsɪdəˈreɪʃᵊnz
ˈdɪʤɪtᵊl kəˌmjuːnɪˈkeɪʃᵊn
ˈnɛɡətɪv ˌɪmplɪˈkeɪʃᵊnz fɔː ˈkɒɡnɪtɪv dɪˈvɛləpmənt
ˈpɜːsᵊnᵊl kəˈnɛkʃᵊnz
mɔː sɪɡˈnɪfɪkᵊnt
ˈmɪtɪɡeɪtɪd baɪ ðə ˈrɛləvᵊnt ɔːˈθɒrətiz
Vocabulary Practice
I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:
Today, t__________________________d using a pen or pencil has become i______________________n. This essay will d_________________________________d and e__________e whether it is a positive or negative development for individuals and s_______________e.
One primary reason for the d___________________f handwriting is the p___________________________y. I________________y computers, smartphones, and tablets, individuals find it more c________t to t_____e their thoughts and ideas rather than e_______________________________________________d. The speed and e_____________________________s have made it easier to edit, store, and s_______________________t, r_____________________________________e. To illustrate this, c_______r the r___________f communication p__________s such as email, instant messaging apps, and social media. These platforms p_________________________________________________________________________s, e_____________________r handwritten letters or notes. This convenience e__________________________s for p_________________________s, such as journalists, researchers, and writers, who often r__________n digital platforms and w_____________s for their work. The e_____e of editing, r_________g, and sharing digital content o____________s the traditional pen-and-paper approach.
While the decline of handwriting may offer certain advantages, it also b___________________________________________________s. Handwriting is an essential skill that f_________________________________t, i_______________________n, and allows for c_____________________n. The act of physically f______________s and words e__________________________________n, p_________g better comprehension and c______________________s. Losing this skill may h______r individuals’ ability to think and express themselves effectively. M____________________y, the p________________h and e______________________________________h handwritten letters or cards cannot be r__________________________________s. Handwritten messages c_____________y, t______________s, and a sense of i_________y. Losing the art of handwriting may i__________________________e these meaningful human connections.
In conclusion, the d_________e of handwriting c________________o the p__________________________s. While there are advantages to d____________________n and typing, the n___________________________________t and p__________________________s are m_______________t and must be m______________________________________s.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching from YouTube below and practice with these activities:
Reading Practice
Read more about this topic and use these ideas to practice:
https://epica.com/blogs/articles-by-epica/benefits-handwriting-10-amazing-truths
Speaking Practice
Education
- How are educational systems in your country changing at the moment?
- Should teachers use more technology in the classroom?
- Will it be possible in the future for classes to be taught by robots?
- What are the drawbacks on learning online?
- Are teachers well respected in your country?
Writing Practice
Advanced technology has brought many beneficial changes to the world. However, some old people today struggle with the use of technologies such as mobile phones and the Internet.
How can the elderly benefit from using advanced technologies?
How can the elderly be encouraged to use consumer electronics more often?
