Such technological equipment as mobile phones and computers has acquired their significance in the modern day communication of the young. It is generally considered by some that excessive use of these devices has adversely affected their reading and writing skills. In my opinion, I would say this has negatively impacted the writing skills of the youngsters but the reading skills have certainly improved.
At the onset, excessive reliance on these devices can be a strong reason for the young generation’s poor performance in their writing. In other words, many people have a strong preference for computer or mobile software when composing text documents due to its convenient functions. For instance, Microsoft Word provides users with the ability to auto correct, modify or erase a piece of text without effort, simultaneously slowing down the writing speed of the users. Gradually, the lack of practice of writing with pen and paper may impair their competence in the long term.
However, it is also true that availability of these electronic devices all the time for reading can have a positive effect on reading skills. The Internet has now been made accessible through both mobile phones and computers, allowing young readers to gain knowledge from a wider range of sources. Online English newspapers, as an example, are useful for English learners to enrich their vocabulary. Using computers to read blogs is also a good way to enhance reading skill.
In conclusion, although it seems to me that the use of electronic items is disadvantages for many people in terms of their writing skills, it can improve the reading and comprehending ability of the youngsters as they can read more on their computers and mobiles.
OR
Such technological equipment as mobile phones and computers have acquired their significance in the modern-day communication of the young. In my opinion, I would say this has some positives for a small group of people but for masses it has negative effects on their reading and writing skills.
To begin with, excessive reliance on these devices is responsible for the young generation’s poor performance in reading and writing. Firstly, many people have a strong preference for computer software when composing text documents due to its convenient functions. For example, Microsoft Word provides users with the ability to modify or erase a piece of text without effort, simultaneously slowing down the writing speed of the users. Secondly, young people who spend much time playing with their phones and computers are likely to have insufficient time for reading activities. Gradually, the lack of practice may impair their reading competence in the long term.
On the other hand, it is also true that the proper use of electronic devices can have a positive effect on reading and writing skills for some. The Internet has now been made accessible through both mobile phones and computers, allowing young readers to gain knowledge from a wider range of sources. Online English newspapers, as an example, are useful for English learners to enrich their vocabulary. Using computers to write blogs is also a good way to enhance writing skill. Today, the availability of Internet infrastructure can enable bloggers to update their stories at their convenience. By writing regularly, the writing ability of a person can improve.
In conclusion, although, it seems to me that the use of electronic items can have some advantages to improve reading and writing skills, the majority will be negatively affected.
Important Vocabulary:
• Preference (n): the fact that you like something more than another thing.
Example: In the countries where homosexual relationships have not been legalised and accepted, many homosexuals are still facing social discrimination because of their sexual preference.
• To modify (v): to change something slightly to improve it or make it more
acceptable.
Example: Instead of administering punishments on first time law offenders, the legal system should encourage them to modify their behaviour.
• Without effort (prep phrase): in an easy way.
Example: The government should send more teachers to remote areas in order that the people there can access get access to education without effort.
• Simultaneously (adv): at the same time.
Example: University students should find part time jobs to accumulate more experience, simultaneously earning some money to cover their daily expenses.
• Insufficient (adj): not enough
Example: There is usually insufficient time left for doctors to allocate for their personal life after they have finished work at the hospital.
• Gradually (adv): slowly over a period of time or a distance.
Example: Gradually, constant exposure to polluted air will cause people to suffer from respiratory diseases.
• To impair (v): to spoil something or make it weaker so that it is less effective
Example: When people are exposed to constant high pitch noise, their hearing is likely to be impaired.
• Competence (n): the ability to do something well
Example: It may take years for learners to reach a reasonable level of competence in English.