IELTS 4

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Face-to-face communication is better than other types of communication, such as letters, email, or telephone calls. Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

Humans have changed through thousands of years of evolution. But there's one aspect that has consistently stayed with us - our need to communicate. In the modern age we now live in, a vast array of communication methods are available to us. These methods can be sub-divided into direct communication (face-to-face) and indirect communication (letters, telephone calls etc.).

When considering face-to-face communication, I believe it's advantages are highlighted best when it comes to dealing with important issues that require immediate feedback such as when interviewing a prospective employee. In such situations, using this type of communication will allow you to observe body language of either party as well. On the other hand, it may sometimes prove difficult to arrange such meeting for face-to-face communication. For example, an unsatisfied customer will find it hard to complain, face-to-face, to an employee of an overseas company.

When face-to-face communication proves to be difficult or impossible, this is when usage of other forms of indirect communication come into play. Letters and emails, in particular, are advantageous because they save both the sender and receiver a lot a time. Also, you can organize your ideas in a fitting manner ensuring a concise transfer of information. For instance, it is much less money and time-consuming to inquire about the availability of an item in an online store using email rather than  meeting directly with a customer service representative. However, we cannot expect an immediate response nor observe mannerisms.

Therefore, in conclusion, I believe that both types of communication prove to be useful in certain situations. But, it is my personal preference to use non-face-to-face communication because it allows me to think carefully about what I wish to convey.

Number of words: 282

Personal comments: I have to say, I'm quite happy with this attempt! I've not gone past the word limit of 250 words too much. But I worry I take up too much time over one Task.

PS: I love love LOVE 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. I can't wait to get started on the rest of the Millennium books!