IELTS Writing Task 2 – With the increase in the use of mobile phones and computers, fewer people
With the increase in the use of mobile phones and computers, fewer people are
writing letters. Some people think that the traditional skill of writing letters will
disappear completely.
To what extent do you agree or disagree? How important do you think is letter-writing?
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
You should write at least 250 words.
IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay Sample
Sample Answer 1:
It is irrefutable that in today’s era of modern technology, many people struggle to
produce letters and often avoid writing letter altogether. Nevertheless, I don’t agree
that this skill is gradually disappearing. In this essay I shall put forth arguments to
support my view and also talk about the importance of letter writing.
Firstly, let us consider the reasons why writing letters is less frequent nowadays. This
is because of modern technology. These days we are much more likely to email
someone than write a letter. In addition our business communications have become
more informal than in the past. As a result a less formal style of writing is more
acceptable. Other forms of communication such as text messaging have reduced our
need to write letters even more.
However, in my opinion, there are times when there is no alternative to writing a
letter. Letters are generally more formal and carefully composed than emails. This
makes them more suitable for occasions when they are likely to be kept and re-read,
perhaps several times, by the recipient, as with formal letters of thanks or sympathy.
In letters provide a written record, unlike telephone calls, so they are also a better
way of setting out an important or complex argument, as in the official complaints or
legal matters. Moreover, that time is still very far when everyone will have a computer
and internet connection. Till that time letter writing can never disappear.
So, it can be seen that letter writing is a very important skill to learn because there are
many parts of the world where it is very important to be formal. This is particularly
true if you are involved in international business. Because of globalisation the business
world is becoming more and more international and it is not always possible to pick up
the telephone to talk to people. Consequently I believe that letter writing will never
die out completely. And even though these letters may be written on computers
rather than by hand we still need to learn and practise this skill.
To put it in a nutshell, I pen down saying that there are fewer times when we need to
write letters than in the past. On the other hand, I feel there are still some important
occasions when a letter is the most appropriate form of communication.
Model Answer 2:
In today’s world, the technology has improved significantly. Since the innovative advices such mobile phones or computers has invented, it has many impacts to human lives in many ways. These gadgets can extend to human beings, while other agree that it has some drawbacks and can lead to disappear of traditional literacy skills such as writing letter. From my perspective, I do agree with this statement for several reasons.
Firstly, sending text via mobile phones or computers is much easier and very convenient than writing letters. Typing short messages on a handy phone, sending them and delivering to recipients are spending only a few minutes. Using technological devices transfer messages can do whenever writers feel like which are very convenient unlike sending text by tradition ways. With writing a letter, writers have to actually write down on a piece of paper with a pen or pencil, enclose with an envelope and attach with a stamp which are required some time to finish all the process.
Secondly, there are many alternative options from using e-mails and text mobile phone which are very interesting. These days, writers can be able to send a large file or attach with some photos or music along with messages which make a better way for communication. Many happy birthday cards or some special event invitations can be easily taken by sending e-cards online. However, with the tradition way of communication, people will not be able to send messages in other selective options.
Lastly, the use of mobile phones and computers can save a lot of time than sending letters. If people send urgent messages via letters, It will take at least a week for recipient receiving messages. However, using mobile phones for texting consumes only a few seconds and all urgent information can delivery to a reader quickly. Without the innovative communicating methods, it would be very difficult to send message in traditional ways.
In conclusion, even though writing letters has sentimental value to recipients, with the high- tech of devices it has many merits to all communications in the modern world. Preserving traditional writing letters is very inevitable these days and it is replaced by all technological methods such as e-mail, eventually.
Sample Answer 3:
i agree with that due to increase use of mobile phones and computers, one of the sublime tradition and means of communication no longer recognized in this technology world. the letter writing skills become extinct from this modern world. these skills describe as old fashioned.
I personally beleive that the advancement of technology is good for this modern world by this the distance of kilometers become few seconds.we can communicate with our loved ones as soon as possible which are not possible with letter writing.this advancement in communication industry is good for individual level as well as nation well. by this electronic communications means nations development increases and they progress economically as well as socially.
As opinion of other people may be i am wrong because many people dont satisfied with this fastest world and they want to follow their old traditions. the latter writing skills is one of tradition of old times .And in schools letter writing is must in papers. they also said that you cant feel the emotions of others , who want to communicate in emails, using phones and when you write for someone in your own language they feel the emotions of writers. well i dont know how they would proceed.
Actually new generations have to remember these traditions of ancestors as we also wants our children to follow or atleast know our traditions.letter writing is important as sometimes we have to communicate in our trade industry withthese types of formal writing skills and as i say traditions are meant to remember.
In conclusion of all above discussion advancement in every field should be accepted as it is requirement of developing countries but we should not forget our traditions which are the basics as it became obsolete.
Model Answer 4:
Nowadays, the use of mobile phones and computer has become an integral part of individuals’ lives. However, whether the letter writing would vanish as a consequence has recently caused a heated debate. My view is that despite the decline of popularity, letter writing will not be replaced completely.
It is clear that we live in a world where not everyone can afford the luxury of purchasing and utilizing electronic devices. Some of the underprivileged even lack access to basic human needs such as food and running water in their households. Hand-written letter might be their only possible means of long-distance communication regardless of how technologically advance society is.
Moreover, the formal nature of correspondence ensure the long-lasting existence of mail writing. For instance, when it comes to rendering legal documents, were it not for paper-form letter, it would not be likely to get judgments, awards, indictments and subpoenas served to all parties concerned every time. Furthermore, the purpose of letter writing has evolved from delivering message into expressing emotions, which makes letter writing indispensable especially in the case of love-letter drafting.
That is not to say that cellphones and computers does not have what it takes to transform letter writing. Indeed, the timeliness and swiftness of instant message and email is not only evidently conducive to efficiency and productivity in the workplace, but also helpful for family members to keep in touch with one another. And on top of that, a considerable amount of delivery cost would be saved. But still, none of the above provide sufficient ground for disappearance of letters.
In summary, while modern communication seems to be a perfect alternative, letter writing is still used in some fields for its formality and courtesy and carries more intimate emotions when applied in personal life. Such unique features make it irreplaceable in the foreseeable future.
Text messages, emails and letters are everyday communication tools, although nowadays, text messages and emails appear to gain popularity while letters are used less frequently. The fears that writing skills will be attached with less importance are rooted mainly in the concern that the growing popularity of mobile phones and computers is about to make emails and text messaging much more popular. Such worries are unsupported.
A majority of daily communications involve written correspondence, whether it takes the form of emails or letters. As different from communicating in speech, communicating in writing requires a large number of techniques. The prevalence of emails and text messages will not change the purposes, contents and conventions of communication, but merely medium, font or sentence length. For example, successful written communications are normally measured by clarity and accuracy, two elements that remain unchanged despite the upsurge in the use of text messages and emails. An email or text message sender should pay the same attention to such elements as vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, wording and tone as a letter writer does in order to make sure that the reader understands and interprets the message as intended. Any misunderstanding or misinterpretation will cause dire consequences.
Another fact to note is that all communication is interpersonal and interactive, thereby requiring information senders to use language properly and convey messages clearly and precisely. In order to become a successful communicator, one should plan, tailor, and devise his or her writing according to the characteristics of the reader. Writing a message without considering the intended reader will increase the possibility of poor understanding or even misunderstanding. For example, choosing the right tone in communication is of great importance. Readers make assumptions about people’s mood and intentions and speculate on the implied meaning of the messages, according to the tone suggested by words. Getting the right tone is therefore an important writing skill that is likely to influence the success of communication. It is particularly true in cases where the messages people send contain emotional components. Failure to manipulate these components properly will cause discomfort or hard feelings of the reader.
The examples that are outlined above have apparently overturned the prevailing notion that writing skills will vanish sooner or later as a result of the increased use of text messaging and emails. Written communication requires a good understanding of the rules of language, such as grammar, vocabulary and tone. Without a good command of those writing skills, a communicator will encounter many awkward situations in daily communication.
Submit your Essay here in the comment section, we will add your essay in our post.
(Collected, Source – Book, Internet)