With the increase in the use of mobile phones and computers, fewer people are writing letters. Some people think that the traditional skill of writing letters will disappear completely. To what extent do you agree or disagree? How important do you think is letter-writing?

It is irrefutable that in today’s era of modern technology, many people struggle to produce letters and often avoid writing letter altogether. Nevertheless, I don’t agree that this skill is gradually disappearing. In this essay I shall put forth arguments to support my view and also talk about the importance of letter writing. Firstly, let us consider the reasons why writing letters is less frequent nowadays. This is because of modern technology. These days we are much more likely to email someone than write a letter. In addition our business communications have become more informal than in the past. As a result a less formal style of writing is more acceptable. Other forms of communication such as text messaging have reduced our need to write letters even more. However, in my opinion, there are times when there is no alternative to writing a letter. Letters are generally more formal and carefully composed than emails. This makes them more suitable for occasions when they are likely to be kept and re-read, perhaps several times, by the recipient, as with formal letters of thanks or sympathy. In letters provide a written record, unlike telephone calls, so they are also a better way of setting out an important or complex argument, as in the official complaints or legal matters. Moreover, that time is still very far when everyone will have a computer and internet connection. Till that time letter writing can never disappear. So, it can be seen that letter writing is a very important skill to learn because there are many parts of the world where it is very important to be formal. This is particularly true if you are involved in international business. Because of globalisation the business world is becoming more and more international and it is not always possible to pick up the telephone to talk to people. Consequently I believe that letter writing will never die out completely. And even though these letters may be written on computers rather than by hand we still need to learn and practise this skill. To put it in a nutshell, I pen down saying that there are fewer times when we need to write letters than in the past. On the other hand, I feel there are still some important occasions when a letter is the most appropriate form of communication.