Fewer and fewer people today write by hand using a pen, pencil or brush.

Practice this IELTS Writing Task 2 question on IELTSX. Fewer and fewer people today write by hand using a pen, pencil or brush.

Decline in writing by hand using traditional writing instruments - IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

What are the reasons for this?

Write at least 250 words.

A student's answer to this task, and the feedback on it

Written by an IELTSX user under exam conditions and published unedited and anonymously. Band 7 ยท 279 words.

### Decline in Writing by Hand Using Traditional Writing Instruments

Nowadays, fewer people write by hand using traditional writing instruments such as pens and pencils, as digital devices have become increasingly common. I believe this trend has both advantages and disadvantages, although its negative effects should not be ignored.

One major advantage of the decline in handwriting is convenience. People can type much faster than they can write by hand, particularly when they need to produce long documents. In addition, smartphones, tablets and computers allow information to be edited, stored and shared instantly. For example, students can take notes on laptops and easily organise their files without carrying notebooks. Digital writing can also reduce the need for paper, which may have environmental benefits.

However, the decreasing use of handwriting can have some negative consequences. Writing by hand can help people remember information and develop concentration, especially among children. If students rely entirely on electronic devices, they may have fewer opportunities to develop good handwriting skills. Furthermore, digital devices can sometimes be distracting because students may use social media or entertainment applications instead of focusing on their work.

In my opinion, although digital writing is more practical for modern life, handwriting should not disappear completely. Schools should continue to teach children how to write clearly and provide opportunities for them to practise this skill. At the same time, digital writing should be encouraged because it is an essential skill in education and employment.

In conclusion, the decline in handwriting is largely a result of technological development and offers greater convenience and efficiency. Nevertheless, traditional writing remains valuable for learning and communication, so both handwriting and digital writing should be maintained.

Examiner feedback

This is a well-structured and clearly argued essay that thoroughly addresses the prompt. The language is accurate, natural, and demonstrates a good command of both vocabulary and grammar, achieving a solid Band 7 overall.

Task Response - 7

- Fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both the advantages and disadvantages of the decline in handwriting. - Presents a clear position throughout the essay with well-supported main ideas. - Idea development is relevant and extended, providing clear examples such as students taking notes on laptops.

Coherence & Cohesion - 7

- Information and ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout the essay. - Uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately (e.g., 'In addition', 'However', 'Furthermore', 'In conclusion'), though some transitions are standard. - Paragraphing is used effectively, presenting a clear central topic within each paragraph.

Lexical Resource - 7

- Uses a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary relevant to the topic of technology and writing. - Incorporates less common lexical items (e.g., 'traditional writing instruments', 'convenience', 'environmental benefits', 'distracting') with good control. - Word formation and spelling are accurate with no noticeable errors.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 8

- Uses a variety of complex sentence forms accurately alongside simple sentences. - The majority of sentences are error-free, demonstrating a high level of grammatical control. - Punctuation is used correctly throughout the text, aiding readability.

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