Table of Contents
BEST IELTS General Reading Test 568
IELTS GENERAL READING TEST 568 – PASSAGE – 3
IELTS GENERAL READING TEST – 568
READING PASSAGE – 3
The Disappearing Art of Letter Writing
A. For centuries, letter writing was an essential method of communication, not only between loved ones separated by distance but also between scholars, leaders, and even entire nations. Carefully composed with pen and paper, letters offered a glimpse into the thoughts, emotions, and values of individuals, preserving both personal and historical narratives. However, in the digital era, the art of writing letters is in sharp decline, replaced by rapid and concise digital communication forms.
B. The rise of email, instant messaging, and social media has transformed how people interact. Convenience and speed are the main drivers—why wait for days or weeks for a letter when a message can be sent instantly? These digital tools have undoubtedly made global communication easier and more frequent, but they have also affected the depth and deliberation once found in personal correspondence.
IELTS General Reading Test
C. Handwritten letters required effort: choosing the right words, composing paragraphs, and often rewriting to avoid errors. This process encouraged reflection and emotional honesty. Today’s fast-paced messaging habits, in contrast, rely heavily on abbreviations, emojis, and sometimes incomplete thoughts. As a result, digital messages often lack the richness and intimacy that letters once carried.
D. Despite the benefits of digital communication, many historians, psychologists, and even relationship experts argue that something valuable has been lost. Letters were tangible, unique artifacts—complete with handwriting, ink smudges, and personal touches. They were often kept, reread, and treasured for years. Psychologists note that writing and receiving letters can deepen emotional bonds and enhance memory, as the process of handwriting activates cognitive and emotional regions of the brain.
IELTS General Reading Test
E. In some ways, the decline of letter writing has impacted not just personal relationships but also historical documentation. Historians have long relied on personal letters to understand major events and the thoughts of people during those times. Without physical records, future generations may struggle to gain insight into our current era. Emails and messages, unless archived, can be easily deleted or lost in vast digital storage.
F. Nevertheless, there are signs of a small resurgence. Letter-writing clubs and “slow communication” movements have emerged in recent years, encouraging people to take time and write by hand again. Some schools are also reintroducing letter writing as a classroom activity to develop patience, expression, and empathy in students. While unlikely to replace digital methods, these efforts may help preserve the personal and cultural value of the handwritten letter.
IELTS General Reading Test
Questions 28–33
Choose the correct heading for each section from the list of headings below.
Write the correct number (i–viii) in boxes 28–34.
List of Headings
i. Efforts to revive traditional letter writing
ii. Digital messages are more expressive than letters
iii. A deeper cognitive connection through handwriting
iv. How modern life discourages detailed writing
v. Letter writing and its historical significance
vi. A comparison of digital and traditional communication
vii. Letters as historical evidence
viii. The emotional richness of handwritten communication
IELTS General Reading Test
28. Paragraph A _____
29. Paragraph B _____
30. Paragraph C _____
31. Paragraph D _____
32. Paragraph E _____
33. Paragraph F _____
IELTS General Reading Test
Question 34
Choose the correct letter.
34. A suitable title for the whole passage would be:
A. The Psychological Benefits of Writing
B. How the Internet Improved Human Relationships
C. The Lost Tradition of Letter Writing
D. History Through the Lens of Emails
IELTS General Reading Test
Questions 35–40
Do the following statements agree with the information in the passage? Write:
TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this
35. Emails are often more emotionally honest than letters.
36. Some psychologists believe letters can create stronger emotional connections.
37. Schools have completely replaced letter writing with typing classes.
38. Letters have been a useful tool for historians.
39. All digital messages are stored permanently.
40. Handwriting stimulates certain areas of the brain.
IELTS General Reading Test
IELTS General Reading Test
ANSWERS
28. V
29. IV
30. VI
31. III
32. VII
33. I
34. C
35. FALSE
36. TRUE
37. FALSE
38. TRUE
39. FALSE
40. TRUE
IELTS General Reading Test