Write about the following topic:

　　School children are becoming far too dependent on computers. This is having   an alarming effect on reading and writing skills. Teachers need to avoid using   computers in the classroom at all costs and go back to teaching basic study   skills.

　　Do you agree or disagree?

　　Model Answer:

　　Nowadays modern technology has totally changed our approach to study. In   many countries students no longer have to copy notes by hand from the   blackboard; instead the teacher gives them a photocopy. Rather than messy ink   and pen, students present a typed-up copy of their assignments. Their computer   even checks their spelling as they go. In fact, some people believe that modern   technology does a lot of our thinking for us and, as a result, we are going to   lose our ability to think for ourselves.

　　In my opinion, spelling skills have definitely deteriorated in recent   years. So many young people use mobile phones to send text messages where speed   and conciseness are more important than spelling or grammar. Some teachers   complain that these students take the same attitude toward their   assignments.

　　On the other hand, typed assignments are much easier to read and are much   neater. Frankly, I find some notes or texts which are handwritten almost   impossible to read. Doctors, for example, have a reputation for illegible   handwriting, which could lead to disastrous medical mistakes. Perhaps it is time   we focused not on handwriting but on presenting information as accurately as   possible.

　　One advantage of computers is that access to the Internet has opened up a   new world of learning for us. We no longer have to wait for a book that has   already been borrowed from the library before we do our research. In fact, the   Internet can clearly be used to research information in the same way as a   library but more conveniently.

　　On the whole, rather than holding students back, I believe modern   technology has actually improved standards of education considerably.