When did you last write a letter? Properly write one—by hand? In a digital world, sending a text or email is far more convenient than using traditional mail. Well, some people claim that writing still has many benefits, so maybe it’s not time to throw away your ballpoint or fountain pen yet.
These days, when people request things in writing, a typed, electronic document will be accepted. Doing this on a computer means it could be saved, edited, copied and sent via email. But doing a handwritten document is unique: it requires planning and thought, and, as well as practicing your handwriting, it helps you to remember selling and punctuation.
Some experts believe your brain benefits from using old-fashioned pen and paper. This is particularly related to students, because typing notes into a laptop is thought to lack the “tactile feedback” (触觉回馈) to the brain. They think taking note by hand involve cognitive engagement (认知参与) in summarizing, paraphrasing organizing, concept and vocabulary mapping. They also agree that handwriting may improve fine movement skills in your hands and fingers.
There are everyday benefits to using pen and paper too. Writing notes, shopping lists or messages on the back of an envelope can still be useful, quick and convenient. But putting pen to paper in a letter to a friend or loved one can probably have the most influence. Pen pal writer Katherine Moller told the BBC: “In a word where it is so easy to get online email or to send a fast text, it is so personal and so precious to know someone choose to turn off the virtual world to spend some time with you.”
So, while digital skills remain important, don’t get rid of your pens and pencils yet-especially if your smartphone, tablet or laptop runs out of power!
【小题1】Two questions are asked in paragraph 1 to ________.| A．offer background information | B．ask for opinions |
| C．show disagreement | D．lead to the topic |
| A．Because it involves planning, thought and handwriting. |
| B．Because it creates spelling and punctuation. |
| C．Because it does harm to hands and fingers. |
| D．Because it helps the brain recover from disease. |
| A．There are everyday benefits to using pen and paper. |
| B．Writing by hand to someone shows true emotion. |
| C．It is not easy to email or to send a fast text today. |
| D．Digital sills are always important and necessary. |
| A．It’s Time to Throw Away Your Pens |
| B．A World with Writing by Hand |
| C．Do We Still Need to Write by Hand? |
| D．The Birth of Writing by Hand |
Many people who smoke say that smoking helps them to think better. However, I am afraid I cannot agree with them. I am strongly against smoking.
First,
Second,
Third,
As we can see, smoking does more harm than good, and students should not pick up the habit.
| A．smoking wastes money. |
| B．smoking causes deaths. |
| C．smoking is bad for one's health. |
| D．smoking pollutes the air. |
Indian stepwells are nothing new, having provided access to fresh water for years before they were abandoned. And while they are a part of Indian cultural heritage, they had lost their purpose for some time, until now. As the extreme droughts are rocking India, these ancient stepwells are restored for what they do best - providing water.
Shaped like an upside-down pyramid digging into the ground and lined by thousands of steps, stepwells can collect rainwater. They are wonderfully efficient at providing water for nearly 1,500 years. Sadly, over 3,000 stepwells have either been abandoned or left to rot, with some even covered by garbage. Now, thanks to the restoration programme (also known as BAORIS), stepwells will come full circle.
Since the restoration process began, at least 15 wells have been restored in the city of Delhi. The cost will be around $60,000, but by doing so, the water supply for the city could reach an additional 33,000 gallons. Rajkumar Sharma, a local citizen, said, “I was elated at the reuse of the stepwells. The stepwell in our village was the only source of water. With time, it had dried up and changed into a place for rubbish. We now have access to clean water for drinking and other purposes.”
Historian Rana Safvi explained, “Costly and painstaking as this program is, repairing these traditional stepwells to their former glory provides water for many. But apart from that, it also spotlights the beautiful architecture features of ancient India. This helps attract tourists and can also be used in religious ceremonies.” She added, “These stepwell restorations not only help India reduce the impact of drought, but they are a promise of a better future for India overall.”
【小题1】Why are the stepwells in India restored?| A．They have a new purpose. | B．They are cultural heritage. |
| C．They can ease water shortage. | D．They are in poor conditions. |
| A．Encouraged. | B．Shocked. | C．Impressed. | D．Thrilled. |
| A．Cautious. | B．Favorable. | C．Tolerant. | D．Uncaring. |
| A．Stepwells are brought back to life. | B．Stepwells make India more attractive. |
| C．Stepwells offer a new solution to drought. | D．Stepwells provide convenience for Indians. |
We are having a debate about this topic:Forget Cyclists, Pedestrians Are Real
Danger. Here are some letters from our readers.
■ Yes, many cyclists behave dangerously. Many drivers are disrespectful of cyclists. But pedestrians are probably the worst offenders. People of all ages happily walk along the pavement with eyes and hands glued to the mobile phone, quite unaware of what is going on around them. They may even do the same thing while crossing a road at a pedestrian crossing or elsewhere. The rest of us have to evade (避让)them or just stand still to wait for the unavoidable collision. The real problem is that some pedestrians seem to be, at least for the moment, in worlds of their own that are, to them, much more important than the welfare of others. —Michael Horan ■ Cyclists jump on and off pavements （which are meant for pedestrians）, ride at speed along the pavements, and think they have a special right to go through traffic lights when they are on red. I was almost knocked down recently by a cyclist riding on the pavement when there was a cycle lane right next to him. Other road users, including horse riders, manage to obey the rules so why not cyclists? It’s about time they were registered and insured, so when they do hit a pedestrian or a vehicle, or cause an accident, at least they can be treated and there might be an opportunity to claim compensation. —JML ■ I loved the letter from Bob Brooks about cyclists {Viewpoints, May 29}. I am afraid they seem to think they own the roads. I was walking across Altrincham Road one morning when a cyclist went round me and on being asked what he was doing he shouted at me. The government built a cycle lane on the road but it is hardly used. The police do nothing. What a laugh they are! The cyclists should all have to be made to use the cycle lanes and wear helmets, fluorescent （发荧光的）jackets and lights at night and in the morning. They should pay some sort of tax and be fined for not wearing them. —Carol Harvey Write to Viewpoints of the newspaper. |
| A．drivers should be polite to cyclists |
| B．road accidents can actually be avoided |
| C．walking while using phones hurts one’s eyes |
| D．some pedestrians are a threat to road safety |
| A．Cyclists should be fined for laughing at policemen |
| B．Cyclists should be provided with enough roads |
| C．Cyclists should be asked to ride on their own lanes |
| D．Cyclists should be made to pay less tax for cycling |
| A．increased awareness of road rules | B．ways to improve road facilities |
| C．measures to punish road offenses | D．the real source of road danger |
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