Is our ability to write an outdated skill? Why?

1. 81

   Wayne Brownposted 13 years ago

   Is our ability to write an outdated skill?  Why?

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2. 60

   EmpressImaniposted 13 years ago

   Hi Wayne,I'm not too sure what you mean but personally, I don't think that our ability to write is outdated, newspapers, magazines, books and other media all utilise the written word.  I must admit that I have not heard this but I do wonder about if younger generations are less inclined to put pen to paper. One thing I do know is that I seem to spend so much time on my computer that my handwriting is not as good as it use to be, sometimes I have write a shopping list 3 times!  Once upon a time, I could write pages and pages, infact I got a job once just on my handwriting alone, the Personnel Officer was so mpressed that she overlooked my lack of qualifcations. Aw, great times!

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3. 60

   Truckstop Sallyposted 13 years ago

   Absolutely . . . writing requires thoughtful reflection . . . just look at kiddos -- combine a shortened attention span  and lack of problem solving skills with the need for instant gratification . . . XBox, PlayStation, reality TV . . .

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4. 61

   Jaymeyarochposted 13 years ago

   I agree with Truckstop in that it is becoming more of a rarity, but I believe that it will always be pertinent to have the ability to record human emotions and history for posterity.
   
   However, the more intricate nuances of language are being lost every day due to misuse, lack of use, and the ever present 'common' language that consists of poor spelling and encourages improper vernacular.
   
   Our society decided some time ago to disregard the importance of education and intelligence for supplemental materials such as graphing calculators and the internet.  It is this dependence on technology that is degrading our ability to improve ourselves as a society.

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5. 55

   David.Reedposted 13 years ago

   It's funny because I actually thought you meant write as in, typing on the computer. It didn't even occur to me that you meant pen to paper until I read the other comments.
   
   I don't think it's an outdated skill, not yet, but I could see how it could be. I really hope it never will be though. I think that too many people these days have too little focus on the basics our ancestors taught us. Learning to do things and make fine, intricate movements with our hands is a skill that should never be forgotten.

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6. 81

   arizonataylorposted 13 years ago

   Writing has always been important.  It continues to be important, but the way people write is changing.  So many of my students are losing the ability to communicate in complete thoughts, sentences, and even words.  As texting continues to become even more popular, complete thoughts, sentences, paragraphs, figurative language, and the art of writing is being replaced with transient and incomplete thoughts.  Many students know how to write little statements, such as a Tweet, but they don't know how to write using imagery and detail. 
   
   Ultimately, in texts, Tweets, or any other form, writing is very important.  The format, purpose, and style of writing is changing, but the value and necessity of writing is as important as ever.

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