Lockdown Work Term 3

 Today science and technology has come to pervade every aspect of our lives. Computers, television and radio have almost replaced the newspaper and letters that once dominated our lives. Accordingly, the issue about whether the ability to read and write is more important today may attract our attention. It is clear that classified views have converged into two: some think reading and writing ability is more important today than in the past, while others deny its importance. 

As I see it, I agree with the former view without any hesitation and my choice is based on a careful consideration of the following reasons. The main reason which may win most people's support is that if one lacks the reading and writing ability, one would be considered as illiterate who has been deprived of the most basic right of human beings in the 21st century. It will be hard for us to imagine how somebody who can't read and write communicates with other people. A case in point is that one of my neighbors who is an old man and cannot read and write may only talk with others face to face. As for making friends by email and searching for information in the newspaper, it is absolutely impossible. 

The second reason I would like to point out is that people today who cannot read and write cannot even make a living. Good jobs are difficult to find because of economic depression. Nearly all the jobs require people who can read and write very well. Even if one just plans to be a driver, he must read the road sign and know where he is and where he will go. Furthermore, the ability to read and write could bring us lots of advantages. Suppose that people who have tired out with a hard week's sweat and effort may get lots of benefits and relief from reading a short novel and broaden their horizons by appreciating a nice poem. Many friends around me believe reading and writing are some effective ways to relax themselves. People today, especially those children, may find it easier for them to manipulate the mouse of the computer than to write things down by hand. 

Watching TV instead of reading may still occupy someone's most leisure time. Yet if all the factors I discussed above are contemplated and we are to minimize the losses and maximize the gains, it will not be hard for us to realize that the ability to read and write is more important today than in the past.