Sample Synthesis Essays Find Prompt And Sources

Sample Synthesis Essaysfind Prompt And Sourcesheresample Essay 1pen

Find prompt and sources here. Sample Essay #1: Penmanship is a practice that has held true throughout centuries of world history. Throughout its beginnings as pictographic scripts and its historical practical applications, penmanship has managed to connect people for as long as time can tell. Through letters via lovers, via carrier pigeon, or through signatures on legal documents, penmanship finds its place in society day in and day out. While to some, cursive handwriting in particular may seem a futile use of motor skills, for many, the track of a pen soaring loops across a paper allows them not only several cognitive benefits but a sense of individuality and normalcy in a rapidly digitalizing world.

Cursive handwriting, though it may seem outdated in the digital age, is vital in society not only because it promotes cognitive development but because it can be used to define a person and his/her work; due to the importance of cursive writing, its teaching must not be omitted from schooling. In practice, the benefits of cursive writing cannot be outshone, especially in terms of cognitive development. Studies show that the act of handwriting not only develops the regions of the brain associated with thinking, short-term memory, and language, but that it also helps with information retention (Kysilko). While the cognitive benefits of handwriting are obviously not limited to cursive handwriting, manuscript, while it yields the same benefits, is slower.

Many proponents of eliminating the teaching of cursive in schools argue that it would allow time for other more important skills to be developed, as cursive helps save time in the long term due to its fluidity in practice. Others claim that cursive should not be taught as a necessity but as an art, but this perspective too fails to acknowledge that it contradicts the primary doctrine of the anti-cursive: that the teaching of the skills is a waste of time (Pot). The historical significance of cursive is also important to note when discussing the viability of teaching cursive in school in the modern day. In American history, cursive was taught as a method of cultivating an American identity, as Dickie Drake, Alabama state representative, stated, “cursive writing identifies you as much as your physical features do" (Trubek).

In order to maintain the sense of individuality Americans hold dearly, handwriting must continue to be taught. Perhaps handwriting seems superficial in maintaining individuality, but in a rapidly digitalizing world, sometimes the only way to distinguish the writing of two people is by handwriting. Unless you are a seasoned stylographer, two 12 pts Times New Roman fonts written by anonymous authors would be indistinguishable. No matter how you look at it, cursive handwriting is a vital component of human development and must continue to be taught in schools. Perhaps the most common rebuttal to the importance of teaching cursive handwriting in school is that traditional writing methods are becoming obsolete, but studies show that this is not the case.

As schools opt to print fewer copies of worksheets in favor of digital annotation and many textbooks are releasing digital forms, a widespread falsehood is gaining popularity: the idea that schools are “writing off the traditional route of writing" (Gillis). In casual observation of more affluent areas, this may seem obvious, but studies show that a greater amount of time in many elementary classrooms is spent hand-writing than is spent using technology (graph). This simple disproval eliminates the top argument against the continuation of teaching cursive handwriting, thus deeming anti-cursive sentiment unarguable. The teaching of cursive in schools offers copious amounts of benefit for students that cannot effectively be replaced by any other methods.

Cursive is ingrained in the minds of people everywhere, perhaps due to its lasting effect on human cognitive development. So I implore you, student or not, to continue to study cursive. Allow yourself a return to tradition after a long day at the computer. You might just have a mark on your mind forever.

Paper For Above instruction

The enduring importance of cursive handwriting in education and society remains a debated topic amidst the rapid digitization of communication. While some argue that teaching cursive is obsolete given modern technology, evidence suggests that cursive writing continues to hold cognitive, cultural, and individual significance that warrants its inclusion in school curricula. This essay explores the multifaceted reasons why cursive handwriting should be preserved as a vital component of education, emphasizing its cognitive benefits, historical importance, and role in fostering personal identity.

Firstly, educational research indicates that handwriting, including cursive, offers substantial cognitive benefits. According to Kysilko (Year), the act of forming cursive letters activates brain regions associated with thinking, memory, and language, thereby enhancing information retention. Unlike keyboard typing, handwriting involves complex motor skills that reinforce neural pathways, contributing to improved learning outcomes. Moreover, cursive's fluid motion can be more efficient in the long run, allowing for faster note-taking and expression once mastered, as noted by proponents of its continued instruction.

Secondly, the historical significance of cursive underscores its role in shaping national and cultural identities. As Dickie Drake (Year) stated, “cursive writing identifies you as much as your physical features do," highlighting its symbolic power in American history. Historically, cursive was employed not only for practicality but also to cultivate a sense of individuality and patriotism, exemplified by its use on legal documents and personal correspondence. Preserving cursive maintains this cultural heritage, serving as a tangible link to our past and reinforcing national identity through personal and official writing styles.

Thirdly, cursive handwriting plays a crucial role in individual expression and personal identity. In a world dominated by digital fonts, handwritten signatures remain a primary means of authenticating documents, symbolizing personal uniqueness. Handwriting analysis, or graphology, further demonstrates how individual writing styles convey personality traits, providing psychological insights (Source, Year). The ability to write in cursive offers a form of self-expression that digital text cannot replicate, promoting creativity and personal expression fundamental to human development.

However, opponents argue that cursive is becoming obsolete with the rise of digital technology, claiming that its instruction wastes valuable classroom time. Critics often cite sources like Gillis (Year), noting that some schools have reduced or eliminated cursive from their curricula, favoring subjects deemed more relevant, such as STEM fields. Furthermore, critics emphasize that the speed and efficiency of digital typing surpass handwriting, making cursive less practical for modern communication (Trubek, Year). While these points hold limited merit concerning everyday functionality, they overlook the broader educational and cultural roles of cursive, which extend beyond immediate practicality.

In conclusion, despite the prevalence of digital communication, cursive handwriting remains a vital educational tool and cultural artifact. Its benefits extend beyond motor skill development to encompass cognitive enhancement, cultural heritage preservation, and personal identity expression. Therefore, schools should continue to teach cursive handwriting, ensuring that future generations retain this valuable skill that enriches human intelligence and cultural continuity. As we forge ahead into a digital era, maintaining cursive as part of our educational landscape is essential for fostering well-rounded, culturally aware individuals.

References

• Kysilko, (Year). Title of the Study. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), pages. DOI
• Gillis, (Year). Title of Article. Publication Name.
• Trubek, A. (Year). Title of Book. Publisher.
• Source A. (Year). Title of the Source. Publisher/Website.
• Source C. (Year). Title of the Source. Publisher/Website.
• Source D. (Year). Title of the Source. Publisher/Website.
• Source E. (Year). Title of the Source. Publisher/Website.
• Source F. (Year). Title of the Study. Journal or Publisher.
• Additional scholarly references pertinent to cursive handwriting, cognitive development, and cultural history.