4. Word processing: for and against

Before you start

1 Work in pairs and discuss the questions.

1 Do you like writing by hand? Why?/Why not?

2 Have you ever used a typewriter or word processor? Which word processor?

3 What are the differences between handwriting, typing and word processing?

Reading

2. Read the text and underline the advantages of word processing in the first paragraph and the disadvantages in the second. Write the number of each.

Advantages □ Disadvantages □

The case for and against WORD PROCESSING

People use word processors for writing all kinds of documents, such as letters, school papers and reports. Word processors have many advantages over handwriting and manual typewriters. Word processing is faster and easier than writing by hand and you can store documents on your computer, which you cannot usually do on a typewriter. This makes it easier to review and rewrite your documents. You have more formatting choices with а word processor, and the spelling, grammar and language tools are useful, too. You can also print copies of your documents, which look neater than handwritten ones. Many language students use word processors to improve their writing skills and because they help them feel proud of their work.

Word processors do have disadvantages, however. First, it is not easy to read long documents on a computer screen. Second, sometimes the printer does not print an exact copy of what you see on the screen. Not all word processors can read each other's files, which is another disadvantage. Finally, word processors do not always work well with e-mail. If you paste a word-processed letter into an e-mail it may lose a lot of its formatting.

Many people a text editor for the Internet, which is similar to a word processor but has fewer formatting features and cannot use graphics. Text editors, such as Notepad, use a simple coding system called ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange), as does e-mail.

3. Decide if the sentences are true (t) or false (f).

1 You can store letters on a manual typewriter. T/ F

2 You can change your documents easily on a word processor. T/F

3 Printed documents look better than handwriting. T/F

4 Improving your writing is more difficult with a word

processor. T/ F

5 Word processors work well with e-mail. T/ F

Vocabulary

4. Match the highlighted words and phrases in the text with the

definitions (1-6).

1 by hand, not electronic ____________

2 the way a program organizes data ____________

3. a program used for simple text files ____________

4 the code that e-mail uses ____________

5 things that a program has, or can do ____________

6 a program used for text and graphics ____________

Speaking

5 Work in groups. Which of these documents would you write by hand and which on a word processor? Say why.

a formal letter ■ an informal letter ■ an invitation to a party ■ a birthday card ■ a shopping list ■ an application form ■ a note to your teacher/friend/father ■ a school report ■ a 'for sale' notice

Writing

Write a short paragraph about some of the advantages of writing with pen and paper. Use the following ideas to help you. Add any other ideas you may have.

• pen and paper - cheap

• you can write anywhere (don't need electricity)

• don't need to learn to type

• handwritten letters - friendlier & more personal

Get real

Take your paragraph from Exercise 6. Type it into the word processor on the computer you use. Change or add some formatting features, such as the font, bold, italic or underline. Copy and paste the formatted letter into a text editor such as Notepad. Report back to the class on which formatted features did not appear.