Some Schools Believe that Children Should Learn Typing- IELTS Writing Task 2

Some schools believe that children should learn typing rather than good handwriting. How far do you agree with that? Show reasons with your experience.

Outline

Essay Type

Opinion type

Introduction

Sentences 1&2 – With the advent of considerable technological advancement over the past decades, typing has begun to take precedence over writing by hand. This has led some educational institutions to suggest that children should master typing instead of penscript.

Sentence 3 – However, I disagree and will elaborate on my reasons for doing so in the following paragraphs.

Body Paragraphs

Paragraph 1 – Handwriting is an important part of language and self-expression and there is no risk of eye strain or worsening of eyesight as it is with typing.

Paragraph 2 – Handwriting aids memory, is unique for each person, and may also translate into creative and artistic skills.

Paragraph 3 – However, others state that teaching handwriting will become redundant in a digital world and take time away from teaching more important skills and it may also not be possible for everyone such as those with dysgraphia.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it can be said that while typing is gaining influence in the contemporary digital world, handwriting still has a significant role to play which is why schools should not shy away from imparting such a skill to their students.

Sample Essay

With the advent of considerable technological advancement over the past decades, typing has begun to take precedence over writing by hand. This has led some educational institutions to suggest that children should master typing instead of pen script. However, I disagree and will elaborate on my reasons for doing so in the following paragraphs.

Firstly, handwriting is a major part of self-expression and communicating one’s ideas to the wider world. It is still an essential part of education, with examinations being conducted in written format. Writing letters and applications are also a crucial part of life. Writing does not expose children to screen glares and, thus, reduces the risk of eye strain and worsening of eyesight. Writing is a significant component of language, and the importance of crisp, legible handwriting cannot be overstated. It is considered to be the written equivalent of lucid, confident speech. Hence, children still need to be taught to write properly in schools.

Furthermore, research suggests that people store and retain information better when they write it down. The brain engages more when writing than when typing and it is supposed to be more beneficial to remembering information, as experts have found. Thus, encouraging children to write in school would allow them to enhance their memorization from an early age which would help them later on in life. Additionally, the unique nature of handwriting and its ability to translate into creative and artistic skills is also one major reason why children should be taught handwriting. As a creative person, I thoroughly enjoy penning my thoughts on paper and even if I am writing digitally, I make sure to create a handwritten outline.

However, arguments against teaching calligraphy in schools state that it will eventually become redundant in today’s digital world. It may also take time away from teaching more important skills. Lastly, people suffering from conditions such as dysgraphia, which preclude handwriting, would benefit more from typing.

In conclusion, it can be said that while typing is gaining influence in the contemporary digital world, handwriting still has a significant role to play which is why schools should not shy away from imparting such a skill to their students.

Vocabulary

• Advent

Meaning – Arrival
Example – The advent of the storm was signalled by dark cloudy skies, strong winds, and heavy rain.

• Precedence

Meaning – Importance
Example – The king takes precedence over everyone else in the kingdom.

• Expose

Meaning – Introduce to an area of learning
Example – I was exposed to oil painting at the arts of the institute along with tempera.

• Preclude

Meaning – Avert or forestall
Example – She sustained an injury that precluded the possibility of her progressing any further in the tournament.

• Enhance

Meaning – Improve or facilitate
Example –The new curtains we bought really enhance the appearance of this room.

• Lucid

Meaning – Easy to understand
Example – The teaching materials that the instructor provided were quite lucid.

• Retain

Meaning – Keep in memory
Example – I have only been able to retain a few words of Mandarin since the course ended rather abruptly.

• Penmanship

Meaning – Handwriting
Example – Rita won an award for her excellent penmanship in school.

• Redundant

Meaning – Unnecessary or inessential
Example – The book had too many redundant details, which dampened my experience of reading it.

• Impart

Meaning – Bestow or give
Example – The spices you added really impart a unique flavour to this dish.