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Paper Books vs E-Books: Which One Is Better for Reading?

Article 24 Mar 2023 6128 0

Paper Book Vs eBook

In today's digital age, the debate over paper books vs e-books has become a hot topic among readers. While traditional paper books have been around for centuries, the rise of e-books and e-readers has disrupted the publishing industry and changed the way we read. In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of paper books and e-books, their impact on the environment, and how they have impacted reading habits and preferences. We will also help readers make an informed decision about which option is better for their personal reading preferences.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Paper Books and E-Books

Paper Books:

  • Advantages:
  • Physical books provide a tactile and sensory experience that e-books cannot replicate.
  • Many readers enjoy the smell and feel of a new or old book, the ability to turn physical pages, and the convenience of using bookmarks.
  • Paper books do not require a power source or device to read, making them accessible anywhere.
  • Some studies have shown that reading physical books can improve reading comprehension and retention.
  • Disadvantages:
  • Physical books take up space and can be heavy, making them difficult to carry around.
  • They can be expensive to produce, resulting in higher prices for consumers.
  • Printing and shipping physical books requires a significant amount of resources, which can impact the environment negatively.
  • E-books are lightweight and portable, allowing readers to carry thousands of books in a single device.
  • They are generally more affordable than physical books and are easily accessible online.
  • E-books are more environmentally friendly as they do not require physical production or transportation.
  • They offer features such as adjustable font size, built-in dictionaries, and the ability to highlight and take notes.
  • E-books require a power source or device to read, limiting accessibility in areas without electricity or internet access.
  • They can cause eye strain and disrupt sleep patterns due to the blue light emitted from devices.
  • Some readers prefer the tactile experience of physical books and find e-books less satisfying.

Environmental Impact of Paper Book Production vs E-Book Production

The production of paper books requires a significant amount of resources, including trees, water, and energy. According to The New York Times, it takes an estimated 12 trees to produce one ton of paper. In addition, the production of paper books requires large amounts of water and energy, resulting in greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. On the other hand, e-books have a lower carbon footprint as they do not require physical production or transportation. However, the production and disposal of e-readers and other electronic devices also have environmental consequences. Overall, the environmental impact of paper books vs e-books is complex and requires further research and analysis.

Impact of E-Books on the Publishing Industry

The rise of e-books has disrupted the publishing industry, impacting bookstores, publishers, and authors. According to Forbes, e-book sales have declined since 2015, while paperback sales have seen a steady increase. This trend may be due to the convenience and affordability of e-books, which has resulted in a shift in consumer preferences. However, physical bookstores and independent bookshops have also seen a resurgence in recent years, as some readers prefer the tactile and sensory experience of physical books.

Reading Experience and Preferences

The reading experience and preferences of readers for paper books vs e-books are subjective and vary depending on personal preferences and reading habits. A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found that 65% of American adults had read a print book in the past year, while only 28% had read an e-book. The same survey found that readers who prefer e-books cited convenience, price, and portability as their main reasons for choosing digital reading materials. Meanwhile, those who prefer paper books cited the tactile experience, the ability to physically display books, and the lack of eye strain or fatigue as their primary reasons for sticking with printed materials.

Another factor that can impact a reader's preference is the type of content they are consuming. For example, readers may prefer e-books for genres such as romance, mystery, and thriller, where they may consume a higher volume of books in a shorter period. On the other hand, readers may prefer physical books for genres such as poetry, art, or photography books, where the visual and tactile experience is a significant part of the reading experience.

Accessibility is another key consideration for many readers. E-books are more accessible for people with visual impairments or reading difficulties, as they offer customizable font sizes and text-to-speech options. E-books also offer the convenience of being able to purchase and download books instantly, without having to leave one's home or visit a physical bookstore. However, physical books have the advantage of being able to be borrowed from libraries or shared among friends, which may be more difficult with digital books due to copyright restrictions and digital rights management (DRM) technology.

Cost is another significant factor for many readers. E-books are generally cheaper than physical books, with some e-books being available for free. However, readers should keep in mind that the cost of an e-reader or tablet must be factored in as well. Physical books may be more expensive, but they can also be resold or passed on to others, which can offset their initial cost.

While the convenience and accessibility of e-books are undeniable, they have also disrupted the publishing industry in significant ways. E-books have enabled self-publishing, which has given many authors the ability to publish their work without the backing of a traditional publishing house. This has led to a proliferation of new and diverse voices in the literary world, but it has also created a crowded and competitive marketplace where it can be difficult for authors to get noticed.

Final Thought

In conclusion, both paper books and e-books have their advantages and disadvantages. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preferences, reading habits, and the type of content being consumed. Paper books offer a tactile and visual experience that many readers prefer, while e-books offer convenience, affordability, and accessibility. The impact of e-books on the publishing industry and reading habits is significant and ongoing, and it will be interesting to see how these trends evolve in the coming years.

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Physical Books vs. Audiobooks: Which Is Better?

The physical feel of a book in your hands is great, but is it better than hearing the story read to you?

For a book lover, few things compare to the joy of a new book.

We live in a time when you can get the same book in audio format and as a physical copy. But does one medium stand above the rest? What's the best way to consume a book?

Let's compare the pros and cons of audiobooks and physical copies and determine if one stands out as the better option to use.

The Benefits of Physical Books

Holding a book in your hands is unlike anything else. Feeling its weight, enjoying the cover art, and that new book smell truly give it an advantage over every other medium.

Physical books also allow you to keep a library and display everything you've read or plan to read, essentially giving them a dual purpose as decor. It's also a great conversation starter since guests can see what interests you with a simple look.

Another perk of keeping a library is that you see exactly how many books you own. It's a source of pride to see the shelves filled, and there's often a need to expand the collection further.

You don't need to use a device and ensure it's charged or pay for a subscription to read a physical book. In a power outage or when your battery is low, that's probably the best thing you can do with your time—pick up a physical book.

Once you own a copy of a book, no changes can occur to it. That may seem odd, but we live in a time when censorship is a thing. Authors have the chance to go back to their books, implement changes, and release the edited version. And they don't necessarily have to inform readers of that. When you have a physical copy of a book, you can't suffer any censorship unless you make it yourself.

Believe it or not, there's also a medical benefit to reading a physical book. It reduces your screen time and helps you relax better as you drift off in thoughts and imagination. With screens lurking everywhere, taking a book to the park can prove an excellent escape.

Also, you can often find books for cheap or even for free. Thrift stores, book exchange groups, and places where you can drop off a book that you're done with so someone else can get and enjoy it are a great way to get your hands on a title for next to nothing.

The Drawbacks of Physical Books

Books take up a lot of space or, at the very least, require a dedicated space where you can store them. Shelves, cupboards, under the bed, wherever it is, they need space, unlike audiobooks that don't reside in the physical world.

What's more, books are heavy! Moving them even around your house is quite a task, and if you have to relocate, you better prepare for some heavy lifting. That's a pretty massive drawback, considering it takes only a few clicks of the mouse or flicks of the finger to move audiobooks.

They're also inconvenient to enjoy when it's dark. If you feel like reading before bed, you need a night light as you can't read a physical book without it. If you were going for the darkened room ambiance, hoping to get yourself to fall asleep faster, that's not something you can do with a physical book title. But it's something you can do with an audiobook, especially if you set a timer and prepare to drift off as you listen.

Even though you can get some titles for cheap or free, others hold their value and can cost you a pretty penny. Even if you scout for sales and discounts, you might end up paying full price for some titles.

What's more, they damage easily. Even if you destroy the device that's holding your audiobooks (phone, laptop, etc.), the books themselves retain no damage. You can still hold out hope that your files can get restored. With physical copies, it's different. Spills with liquids or foods, rain, snow, accidental rips, a pet that's a bit too curious... pretty much everything threatens a book's fragility.

And, last but not least, they're not good for the environment. With people trying to hold back on using paper with bills and whatnot, spending money for a tree-killing paper book seems counterproductive.

The Benefits of Audiobooks

Audiobooks are perfect for people who live in cramped spaces and can't afford to store physical titles. Or people who move around a lot because of jobs, school, or whatever else. The only space audiobooks take is on the device they get stored on, making them extremely easy to move and keep.

Since they live on the device, you choose to keep them on, you can enjoy them everywhere as long as that device is with you. Much like with physical books, you can listen to an audio one on the train, plane, in the park, or a café.

A massive benefit to audiobooks is that you don't need to be stationary to enjoy them. You don't need to hold the book in your hands, which opens the door to multitasking. You can listen to a book while driving, cooking, cleaning, or generally doing chores around the house.

Audiobooks also make listening to a title before bed an extremely easy process. You can "read" the book in complete darkness. If you're using Audible, it lets you set a timer to stop after an hour, knowing that you're free to drift off if you get sleepy.

Finding your next read is a breeze . Say you're consuming a book that's part of a series. When it comes to audiobooks, it's much faster and easier to get the following title after you finish your current one. If the book ends in a cliffhanger, wouldn't you rather continue listening to how it continues immediately?

Or, would you instead prefer to go to a physical bookshop or online to order the copy and waste time waiting? Audible is right there waiting to help you enjoy your series with zero delay. And if you're not a fan of the Audible service, there are plenty of alternatives to Audible .

Related: Audible Insider Tips to Get the Most Out of Audible

Listening to audiobooks tends to feel like entertainment, as if you're consuming a type of media, like a podcast, TV series, movie. That makes it way less intimidating, especially when you tackle a long book.

Looking at the bulk of pages in a physical copy can discourage you from even beginning your reading experience. While seeing that same book takes 60 hours to listen through can seem like something pleasant to look forward to or even a challenge. What if you listen on 2x speed? What if you tried to listen through it in two days? It offers plenty of ways to gamify the process, which makes it more fun.

The Drawbacks of Audiobooks

Audiobooks might not take physical space, but they do take a lot of space on your device. They tend to range between 50 and 300MB, and if you have a lot of unused space on your device or an SD card with extra storage, that might not be an issue. It's still something to consider, though.

You need access to power to consume audiobooks. A phone, laptop, tablet, PC, whichever device you use either needs to remain plugged in to a power source or to have a well-charged battery.

In case of a power outage, when you might need to conserve your battery, you have to consider if it's worth wasting it on an audiobook. Whereas with an actual book, you can crack it open and start reading.

Audiobooks are pricier than physical copies. Apart from everything that physical books require to get printed and sold, audiobooks also have an added cost of a voice actor, or several, among other things. That doesn't mean that you can't find free audiobooks to enjoy , but more often than not, you have to pay to access audiobooks.

And a lot is riding on that narrator reading through the book for you. If you don't like the voice actor choice, it reflects poorly on the book itself.

You might find their voice annoying, their delivery to be off, or the voices you hear may not match those you imagined the characters to have. If they're not doing a good job or putting in the effort to make the process engaging, it can prompt you to drop the book altogether, even if the plot enticed you initially.

Is One Truly Better Than The Other?

The answer is no—neither physical books nor audiobooks definitively stands above the other.

Audiobooks and physical copies have their pros and cons, ranging from mundane concerns like space all the way to the issue of accessibility. For example, audiobooks are the perfect choice for visually impaired people or those with motor control issues who won't have to worry about holding up a book. And physical copies are better for ones with hearing loss.

You don't have to choose between the mediums. Instead, use both. When you have a busy day full of house chores, an audiobook is the best choice. When you want to take a break and enjoy some reading, a physical copy is what you want.

As long as you're consuming a book, the format that lets you do it doesn't matter much.

Are Audiobooks As Good For You As Reading? Here’s What Experts Say

audiobooks

E ven for people who love books, finding the opportunity to read can be a challenge. Many, then, rely on audiobooks, a convenient alternative to old-fashioned reading. You can listen to the latest bestseller while commuting or cleaning up the house.

But is listening to a book really the same as reading one?

“I was a fan of audiobooks, but I always viewed them as cheating,” says Beth Rogowsky, an associate professor of education at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania.

For a 2016 study , Rogowsky put her assumptions to the test. One group in her study listened to sections of Unbroken , a nonfiction book about World War II by Laura Hillenbrand, while a second group read the same parts on an e-reader. She included a third group that both read and listened at the same time. Afterward, everyone took a quiz designed to measure how well they had absorbed the material. “We found no significant differences in comprehension between reading, listening, or reading and listening simultaneously,” Rogowsky says.

Score one for audiobooks? Maybe. But Rogowsky’s study used e-readers rather than traditional print books, and there’s some evidence that reading on a screen reduces learning and comprehension compared to reading from printed text. So it’s possible that, had her study pitted traditional books against audiobooks, old-school reading might have come out on top.

If you’re wondering why printed books may be better than screen-based reading, it may have to do with your inability to gauge where you are in an electronic book. “As you’re reading a narrative, the sequence of events is important, and knowing where you are in a book helps you build that arc of narrative,” says Daniel Willingham, a professor of psychology at the University of Virginia and author of Raising Kids Who Read . While e-readers try to replicate this by telling you how much of a book you have left, in a percentage or length of time to the end, this doesn’t seem to have the same narrative-orienting effect as reading from a traditional book.

The fact that printed text is anchored to a specific location on a page also seems to help people remember it better than screen-based text, according to more research on the spatial attributes of traditional printed media. All this may be relevant to the audiobook vs. book debate because, like digital screens, audiobooks deny users the spatial cues they would use while reading from printed text.

The self-directed rhythms associated with reading may also differentiate books from audiobooks.

“About 10 to 15% of eye movements during reading are actually regressive—meaning [the eyes are] going back and re-checking,” Willingham explains. “This happens very quickly, and it’s sort of seamlessly stitched into the process of reading a sentence.” He says this reading quirk almost certainly bolsters comprehension, and it may be roughly comparable to a listener asking for a speaker to “hold on” or repeat something. “Even as you’re asking, you’re going over in your mind’s ear what the speaker just said,” he says. Theoretically, you can also pause or jump back while listening to an audio file. “But it’s more trouble,” he adds.

Another consideration is that whether we’re reading or listening to a text, our minds occasionally wander. Seconds (or minutes) can pass before we snap out of these little mental sojourns and refocus our attention, says David Daniel, a professor of psychology at James Madison University and a member of a National Academy of Sciences project aimed at understanding how people learn.

If you’re reading, it’s pretty easy to go back and find the point at which you zoned out. It’s not so easy if you’re listening to a recording, Daniel says. Especially if you’re grappling with a complicated text, the ability to quickly backtrack and re-examine the material may aid learning, and this is likely easier to do while reading than while listening. “Turning the page of a book also gives you a slight break,” he says. This brief pause may create space for your brain to store or savor the information you’re absorbing.

Daniel coauthored a 2010 study that found students who listened to a podcast lesson performed worse on a comprehension quiz than students who read the same lesson on paper. “And the podcast group did a lot worse, not a little worse,” he says. Compared to the readers, the listeners scored an average of 28% lower on the quiz—about the difference between an A or a D grade, he says.

Interestingly, at the start of the experiment, almost all the students wanted to be in the podcast group. “But then right before I gave them the quiz, I asked them again which group they would want to be in, and most of them had changed their minds—they wanted to be in the reading group,” Daniel says. “They knew they hadn’t learned as much.”

He says it’s possible that, with practice, the listeners might be able to make up ground on the readers. “We get good at what we do, and you could become a better listener if you trained yourself to listen more critically,” he says. (The same could be true of screen-based reading; some research suggests that people who practice “screen learning” get better at it.)

But there may also be some “structural hurdles” that impede learning from audio material, Daniels says. For one thing, you can’t underline or highlight something you hear. And many of the “This is important!” cues that show up in text books—things like bolded words or boxed bits of critical info—aren’t easily emphasized in audio-based media.

But audiobooks also have some strengths. Human beings have been sharing information orally for tens of thousands of years, Willingham says, while the printed word is a much more recent invention. “When we’re reading, we’re using parts of the brain that evolved for other purposes, and we’re MacGyvering them so they can be applied to the cognitive task of reading,” he explains. Listeners, on the other hand, can derive a lot of information from a speaker’s inflections or intonations. Sarcasm is much more easily communicated via audio than printed text. And people who hear Shakespeare spoken out loud tend to glean a lot of meaning from the actor’s delivery, he adds.

However, a final factor may tip the comprehension and retention scales firmly in favor of reading, and that’s the issue of multitasking. “If you’re trying to learn while doing two things, you’re not going to learn as well,” Willingham says. Even activities that you can more or less perform on autopilot—stuff like driving or doing the dishes—take up enough of your attention to impede learning. “I listen to audiobooks all the time while I’m driving, but I would not try to listen to anything important to my work,” he says.

All that said, if you’re reading or listening for leisure—not for work or study—the differences between audiobooks and print books are probably “small potatoes,” he adds. “I think there’s enormous overlap in comprehension of an audio text compared to comprehension of a print text.”

So go ahead and “cheat.” Your book club buddies will never know.

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Are Audiobooks As Good For You As Reading? Here’s What Experts Say

  • Developmental Psychology

Even for people who love books, finding the opportunity to read can be a challenge. Many, then, rely on audiobooks, a convenient alternative to old-fashioned reading. You can listen to the latest bestseller while commuting or cleaning up the house.

But is listening to a book really the same as reading one?

“I was a fan of audiobooks, but I always viewed them as cheating,” says Beth Rogowsky, an associate professor of education at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania.

For a 2016 study , Rogowsky put her assumptions to the test. One group in her study listened to sections of Unbroken , a nonfiction book about World War II by Laura Hillenbrand, while a second group read the same parts on an e-reader. She included a third group that both read and listened at the same time. Afterward, everyone took a quiz designed to measure how well they had absorbed the material. “We found no significant differences in comprehension between reading, listening, or reading and listening simultaneously,” Rogowsky says.

Read the whole story (subscription may be required): TIME

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Improving Sentences: E-books and paper books

Improve your academic writing skills for IELTS writing task 2.

In recent years, more and more people are choosing to read e-books rather than paper books. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

The statements below are taken from a student’s essay and contain some mistakes. Can you re-write these sentences so that they are not only correct but also higher band score?

  • In my point of view, reading digital books have more advantages compared with printed books.
  • First and foremost, E-book is been accessed, nowadays, easily by the people in a fraction of seconds through the advanced modern communication technologies.
  • Secondly, buying an electronic version books are easier than the printed paper books.
  • On the other hand, People health will affect when they spend more time to read books by using the modern gadgets such as laptop, mobile phones and tablets.
  • In conclusion, in my view, electronic version books bring more pleasure and easily to access.
  • In my opinion, reading digital books has more advantages compared to printed books. (“reading digital books” is the subject and it is actually singular so the verb must be “has” not “have”)
  • First and foremost, e-books can be easily accessed by people in only a fraction of a second through the use of advanced modern technology. ( The phrase “a fraction of a second” can’t be plural and must be written as it is. It’s a nice phrase to use and can be used for academic writing – just make sure you write it correctly)
  • Secondly, buying electronic books online is easier for the consumer than purchasing printed paper books.
  • On the other hand, spending too much time reading e-books on bright screens from gadgets such as laptops or tablets, can have an adverse effect on people’s health.
  • In conclusion, I think that e-books are more accessible to both read and buy for the consumer than conventional paper books.

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E-books have become increasingly popular as reading options over physical books. I believe that the benefits of this trend far overshadow the drawbacks.

One of the main disadvantages of reading digital books could be the harm it causes to human eyes. Staring at the screen when reading e-books for a prolonged period may cause strain on the eyes, whereas one can enjoy reading paper books as long as they wish with the proper lighting. Furthermore, eBooks may not always be accessible; readers sometimes struggle to find some old or scientific books in a digital format, as they are often available in a physical format in libraries. In addition, another drawback of e-books may be that they lack the tactile and sensory experience of a physical book. Most people find it joyful to experience the feeling of turning the pages, smelling the ink, and the overall authenticity of traditional books.

However, there are plenty of convincing reasons for digital books to become more popular and advantageous. Firstly, the mobility of eBooks is one of the main factors contributing to their popularity. Digital books are portable and lighter than printed books, and a single device may accommodate a whole library with thousands of them. Secondly, e-books are often remarkably cheaper than their physical counterparts, making them affordable for many readers. Moreover, it requires the cutting of a huge number of trees in order to produce paper and print physical books, which, as a result, harms the environment. In contrast, digital books do not require any paper, ink, or energy, making them more environmentally friendly than conventional books.

To conclude, despite having some minor disadvantages, I believe the benefits of e-reading outweigh the drawbacks. Electronic books are convenient, accessible, and affordable, making them a substantially popular choice among readers.

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This website is really helpful for ielts. I have learnt many things from this website. Thanks a lot madam for your kind cooperation and help.

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Is it important to follow the (task 2)structure,introduction like….paraphrase,thesis,outline. Body paragraph 1 ●topic sentence ●reason ●example ●effect Same as second body paragraph. Actually i am baffled about this structure because I do not understand how I write in example. Please tell me, how I can do😕

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No. You should not be fixing a structure like that. It is completely inflexible and not suitable for all essays. The content of your body paragraphs depends on the ideas you use. The body paragraphs are simply – main idea followed by explanation in whatever form suits the idea. See my model essays and see the flexible range of developing ideas: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/

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Hello, Liz! This is my first time to take IELTS. Could you please tell me that – In Writing task2 essay conclusion part, can we write “By considering both sides of the views, i would like to conclude that” following by my opinion. Can we write like that in discussion types of essays?

Don’t memorise long chunks of language!! Memorise linking words, but not 13 words in a row. IELTS do not accept memorised language and you are not given a higher mark for it.

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Hey Liz I bought your lesson on Advantage Disadvantage essay and learnt the intricacies thoroughly. However, i still have a doubt. The above question talks about e-books and then mentions paper books in the statement. So do i have to follow the same order while writing the essay or can i alter it? In your lesson on the same topic, when you discuss about the essay on ‘advantages outweigh disadvantages’ you have followed the same logical order as mentioned in topic question (topic about children doing paid work) can i talk about paper book first(admittedly, there are some basic benefits of using paper books…) and then mention e-books (nevertheless, despite the advantages..)? Is it alright to change the order?

Always have a logical structure. The order in your introduction will be the order in your essay. Also use clear signposts in your essay so the reader knows immediately which paragraph is about which issue. The examiner is testing logical organisation and clear linking.

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hi liz, should i write the advantages or disadvantages ? thank you .

You need to explain which one is more important that the other.

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Hello,Liz! This is my first time to take ielts..could you please have a look at my essay and give me your feedback 🙂

Nowadays, a majority of people choose to rely on electronic gadgets to read rather than traditional books.Despite of the daggers drawn as a results of e-books, it has numerous merits.

First of all, it is preferable to choose e-books as they are convenient and extremely portable. For instance,instead of packing a bunch of books to keep your self entertained while you are on a holiday, you can carry a pocket-size device where you can store multiple books of different genres.Apart from its convenience, it is possible to magnify and adjust the font and size of the words according to the reader’s preference and therefore, it makes it enjoyable to read.This is also a blessing to people who has eye-related problems. Moreover, probably many people spend most of their money on buying new books. It is affordable to buy a laptop or an ipad instead of wasting your money on printed counterparts.

However, on the other hand, it is perceived that e-books possess numerous negative impacts. People tend to spend innumerable hours glued to the device to read a story. This possibly has myriads detrimental health hazards. For example, radiations can destroy your nerve cells,not only this but excessive use of electronic devices damages your eyes as well.

In conclusion, too much of anything ruins it. E-books receives many tremendous benefits to people.So, to avoid missing any of them and protect yourself from their harms, it is advisable to limit the number of reading hours.

https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-essay-correction/

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In “advantages outweigh disadvantages” essays, if we are taking side of “advantages”, do we need to mention disadvantages?im bit confused about tgis type of essays

“Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?” This means if you agree the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, you need to show that the advantages are more important and the disadvantages are less important. As you see, you tackle both but lean clearly to one side more than the other side. This means you don’t choose one side and ignore the other – you tackle both but with a very clear position of each.

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Thank you so much, it really helped and I will keep practicing until I get it better. Thank you again for your help and for all your dedication.

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Current Events Conversation

What Students Are Saying About: Audiobooks, the Best and Worst of 2018, and Taking a Leap of Faith

audio books or paper books essay

By The Learning Network

  • Dec. 20, 2018

This will be our last Current Events Conversation of 2018. We’ll return with our regular roundup of student comments on Jan. 10.

Even as schools have been winding down for winter break, our writing prompts have continued to light up. This week, students discussed a plethora of holiday-themed topics, including weighing in on the hot-button song of the season, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” celebrating this year’s everyday heroes and deciding which one word best sums up 2018 .

But our most popular prompt of the week was suggested by Brett Vogelsinger, a teacher at Holicong Middle School in Doylestown, Penn., who posted this on Twitter:

Great piece by @DTWillingham that helps me answer students who say I’m cheating when I read audiobooks. Maybe @NYTimesLearning will have students discussing this one this week? https://t.co/fGt19ue9eS — Brett Vogelsinger (@theVogelman) December 9, 2018

Mr. Vogelsinger’s suggestion became our Student Opinion question “ Is Listening to a Book Just as Good as Reading It? ” and received hundreds of comments.

We at The Learning Network scour The New York Times each day to find high-interest content for your classes to discuss and write about in our daily writing prompts. But no one knows what you or your students are interested in better than, well, you .

So, teachers and students, do you have ideas for questions we might ask or articles we should discuss in our writing prompts? Let us know any time by leaving a comment here, tweeting us @NYTimesLearning or writing to us at [email protected]. We’d love to call out your suggestions in our next roundup.

And, before we go, welcome to new classes from: Beverly, Mass. ; Holicong Middle School ; and Silverton, Ore. Thanks for joining us this week!

Please note: All student comments have been lightly edited for length, but otherwise appear exactly as they were originally submitted.

Is Listening to a Book Just as Good as Reading It?

In “ Is Listening to a Book the Same Thing as Reading It? ” Daniel T. Willingham, a psychologist, writes about the differences between listening to audiobooks and reading print. He concludes that each is best suited to different purposes, and neither is superior. In this Student Opinion question , we asked students what they thought.

The prompt sparked a robust conversation about the benefits and drawbacks of audiobooks. We especially loved the way students used the “Reply” and “Recommend” buttons to highlight comments, build on each other’s ideas and strengthen their arguments. Here is some of the best of what they had to say:

There’s nothing else like reading a book

Listening to an audio-book can be beneficial to us, especially when we can’t physically read a book. However, the experience of an audio book will never be able to be as good as reading it. When you’re listening to an audio book, you’re listening to someone else read the story to you, in their tone, at their tempo. There’s not much left for the listener to interpret in the book.

While hearing a reader may help us understand a scene more, it doesn’t allow for us to have our own thoughts and opinions of a scene … Reading a book allows you to be the character, instead of letting someone else be the character. While an audio book does offer some convenience in different situations, it’ll never be able to build the suspense of a physical novel.

— Felix Zhang, Holicong Middle School

It is my opinion that reading a book is much more beneficial then listening to it. When you listen to a book it is much easier to get distracted and find yourself thinking of other things. Books, however, require you to use your brain and continually remain focused on the topic you are reading. When listening to an audio book, there is a pre-recorded voice that won’t stop if you start to lose focus. However, when reading a book you are forced in a way to pay attention as you read as you are putting in the work to actually read it. Reading is much better for you just because it forces you to think the entire time while audio books make it easy to stop listening.

— Joshua Lyzinski, Holicong Middle School

… For me, the simple act of listening to the book will never have the same satisfaction as flipping pages in anticipation as you’re desperately wondering what may happen next.

— Eli Carter, Oxford, Miss.

By seeing the physical work, the reader can not only comprehend better, as mentioned in the article, but also learn more about writing from reading. The reader is able to see how the author formatted sentences and connected ideas. The reader can improve their own writing skills while they are learning about the topic they chose to read about. Reading others’ work is a critical step for practicing writing in the English language.

— Allie Miller, Holicong Middle School

The benefits of listening

As someone who is dyslexic, reading on a page while is possible for me, can be a battle between my brain and the very words which make up the story I wish to immerse myself in. I often find myself getting lost and drowning in the sea of print, words oftentimes disguising themselves as other words to convey a confusing narrative that the author did not intend. Listening to a book for me, helps me to envision and dissect the author’s intentions and the plot to form a new understanding of the book …

Some literature traditionalists may argue that something is lost in the subtraction of print and that we as a society are becoming lazy and to that I say it was not too long ago when people with dyslexia such as myself would have been deemed stupid because of our inability to think and process in the same way that other people can. We are not becoming lazy, we are learning how to adapt to our own styles of learning and setting ourselves up for success.

— Paloma, Vermont

I believe listening to a book is just as good as reading. Whenever I listen to a book I get to focus more on the picture the author is trying to create rather than the text. As the narrator reads the text the story plays in my head like a movie and that gives me an overall better experience than reading a book. Reading a book keeps from fully visualizing the story as I read because I have to concentrate on the text. Listening to a book also help me with comprehension. Sometimes when reading a book I have a hard time differentiating the characters as I read because in my head I’m reading the story in the same voice. I wish my teacher would assign audiobooks in class I believe it could make reading books in class more interesting.

— Sophia Jourdan, Orlando

Teachers should give students audio books to listen to. I believe audio books would help me and many others do better in a test. Lots of kids tend to learn better when listening to a text instead of reading the text. A great way for audio books to help students is by reading along with the book while it’s being read to you.

— Samantha30, Silverton

Different texts for different purposes

These two different kinds of books are better in their own way for their own reasons. A more kinesthetic learner-who is more hands on-find it easier to look and copy things I need from the book. A more auditory learner-who learns better through active discussions and listening-would benefit from listening to the story while copying down key details and information.

— Guitano Fleurant, Holicong Middle School

In the past, I have used audio books and I have noticed that listening to a story has helped me to further understand it and has overall made reading less of a homework assignment and instead turned it into more of a fun activity or even a hobby …

While I do not think that teachers should assign audio books instead of real books, I do think that students should have the option to choose audio books over real books because every child has a different way of learning and for some of those children audio books could be the best way for them to learn, in turn making them further understand the topic and preform higher on tests or assignments.

— Ryan Reiser, Holicong Middle School

In most cases, audiobooks are simply a way to read a book in a situation where reading would otherwise be impossible … Rather than blasting Spotify during the morning commute, one could play an audiobook in hopes of learning something. Of course, reading a physical book gives the reader the best chance to fully appreciate a text, but reading a physical book is not always an option. Rather than seeing audiobooks as a replacement for the printed word, perhaps it should be seen as a substitution for what would otherwise be a wasted opportunity to learn.

— Quinn Roche, Holicong Middle School

What Were the Best and Worst Things About 2018 for You?

As the end of the 2018 approaches, The Times has been publishing all manner of year-end lists. From important scientific discoveries to the year’s best songs , movies , books and more, Times critics and journalists have sought to weave the story of 2018. We wondered: What story would students tell of this year?

They told us all about the exciting, heartbreaking, inspirational and challenging moments in their own lives and the world that made 2018 a year to remember. Here are a few of the highlights:

A year worth celebrating

For me, 2018 has been an extremely fun year for me. Whereas 2017 I had to deal with a lot of change, this year was mostly just me enjoying the little things in life. I’m hugely into the entertainment industry and I believe that is what made this year so great for me. Many, many spectacular films have been released this year such as A Quiet Place and Mission: Impossible - Fallout. There was also great video games such as Spider-Man or God of War. It wasn’t just entertainment though, I feel as if I have truly found my friend group and I know for a fact who is going to stick around. I also made a new friend this year, and she is just the best friend that I have ever gotten.

— Aidan Naran, Somewhere

2018 Has been such an exciting year for me. This year for 8th grade I switched schools from a very small private school to a huge public school. This was definitely the best thing for me because all my life I had gone to that private school with twenty one kids in my entire grade. Coming to this new school was like a breath of fresh air. Thankfully I had already knew a couple of friends here. They introduced me to their friends and they introduced me to their friends. Things have been going great here and I’ve never been happier. I wish I had done this years ago.

— Natalie, Massachusets

A year of ups and downs

The year of 2018 had many ups and downs. Some of these positive things include my hometown NFL team winning the SuperBowl. The Philadelphia Eagles won against the Patriots. Another good thing about 2018 is that I personally got accepted to Masterman a very good school. This also comes with a downside which is I had to leave my old school filled with all my friends. Some good things about 2018 are all the good movies. These include: Black Panther, Avengers Infinity War, Uncle Drew, and much more.

A downside of 2018 is shootings. There have been more than 1,000 gun incidents in 2018 such as the synagogue shooting, Parkland shooting and bar shootings. Other downsides include deaths of some popular people like xxxtentacion, Stephen Hillenburg- the creator of SpongeBob, Stan Lee- creator of Marvel Avengers, and many more. Other downsides are raging fires in California. Let’s hope these downside will not show up again in 2019

— Aryan Patel, Philadelphia, Penn., Masterman

Twenty-eighteen has had many ups and downs, both in my personal life and the public specter. It was full of good music, movies, and progress, but there was also a lot of negativity and trivial controversy. If I had to make my own 2018 Top 10 list it would definitely include the way that minorities and their supporters stood up against those who chose to mistreat others. I would also include the huge artistic strides we have made this year. Films are getting more artistic and music getting more daring. An appreciation for the arts has truly been prevalent this year.

However, 2018 also had a lot of downfalls. There was an outbreak in violence and hate crimes without warning. Children were killed in their schools, family were gassed at the border, and people were killed for their differences. The lack of acceptance and empathy was one of the worst parts of 2018 for me.

However, there are some reasons why I will be sad to see this year pass by. In recent months I have really started to make lifelong friends who stand by my side and I’ve managed to make huge strides for my mental health. It’s been a very eye-opening year to say the least. But there is a flip-side to all these things as well. In order to reach the place that I am in now, I’ve gone through some very hard days and deal with bouts of sadness that often never seemed like they would end. Despite this, I know that everything myself and all those who struggled this year will help us in the long run.

— Leela Hoerschelmann, Bryant High School, Ark.

A year for personal growth

I really admired all of the students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland who responded so strongly to the shooting and called on our government for gun reform. They are so brave, dedicated, and amazing. This was more personal for me because over the summer I got to know Casey Sherman, lead organizer of the March for our Lives in Parkland and currently a senior at MSD (she was my CIT at overnight camp). Casey is all around a wonderful person: She is so kind, a great leader, and unafraid to stand up for what she knows is right. I feel inspired by Casey, and I also feel lucky to know someone so amazing …

Not only have I been inspired by Casey, but knowing her has also given me an entirely new perspective on the shooting. Before, when I heard about shootings, I thought, “Oh, this is horrible,” but that was really it. Now that I have a personal connection to a survivor of a school shooting, it seems much more real to me, as I can imagine it happening to someone I know. Knowing a survivor also makes it seem so much worse. Innocent students are being killed, in America of all places, because mentally ill people can get access to guns. We need gun reform and we need it now. If Casey has taught me anything, it is that you should always speak up for what you believe in, and even a 16- or 17-year-old can make a big difference.

— Sivan Frankel, Philadelphia, Penn.

This year marks another monumental change in my life- however, it was a slow burn. It didn’t happen all at once; it was more of numerous changes in my perception that have changed who I am. Mostly, my world view has changed. As I grow older, I kept understanding the weight of too many bad decisions, hatred, fear, and misguided thinking that produce a lot of bad in the world. There have been shootings seemly around every corner and words of hate tossed around too easily.

But something hit closer to home this year. Not only on the news, but a murmur in my own home, the topic of every phone call and rant of my mother’s was the state of her maiden country: Venezuela. It was this year when I started understanding the gravity of what was going on and the suffering taking place. Since news would constantly relay to me that it was only getting worse, the fear that my grandparents would replace the people I saw starving in news articles creeped into the back of my mind. My cousin would tell me her horror stories of tear gas and guns ricocheting, my aunt would send videos of her walks in empty grocery stores, and my uncle would share that he had waited six hours to get gasoline for the week.

Comprehending how this could be happening to those closest to me made me rethink all that I value, but our family’s struggles has only brought us closer. Overall, I’ll be happy to leave behind the stress and turmoil of this year. I’m thankful for 2018, but I hope 2019 will be kinder.

— Michelle Lamas, Hoggard High School, Wilmington, N.C.

What Story Could This Image Tell?

In our Picture Prompt, “ Leap ,” we invited students to write a short story or poem inspired by the photo above. With clear character development and excellent pacing, they wove short narratives about taking leaps of faith and finding freedom in fearlessness .

Thalassophobia

I hadn’t always imagined I’d get close to the ocean. But I watched the years go by, as my peers went through elementary to middle to high school, as they excitedly shared anecdotes of going to beach or waterskiing or the sensation of the fresh ocean air. The turtle illustrations in the picture books, the sailor analogies prevalent in everyday conversations, the lapping of the bathwater as I relaxed in the tub — all somehow reminded me of the very body of water that I’d been afraid of all my life. Thalassophobia. Just another irrational phobia, but one that impacted my understanding of the world. I’d never thought I’d overcome that fear of the incredible vastness, the ocean that covers over 70 percent of our planet. I was fine around lakes, rivers, creeks, but once the unimaginable depth and mysteries of the ocean came into play, I’d start shaking. What made me finally get close to it? To jump right in?

— Helen D., San Jose, Calif.

Jumping off I feel every weight lifted off my shoulder not a thought in my head. As the wind rustles through my hair I feel free. The water sits still below me until splash! Pulled down by an invisible force until I get pulled back up. My head emerges from the water and I remember where I am.

— Aaliyah Hurley, Beverly Mass.

One, she looks over the ledge to see the calm seas and cloudy skies that hang above her like the dread and gloom that once filled her before. Stepping over the ledges means that she wins, she finally defeats her inner demons, the small ideas of unworthiness and self doubt that spiral into deep depths of depression and anxiety. If she can bring herself to cross that ledge then she wins. Step by step, she inches closer to the edge and her doubts engulfs her, fear takes over, and she decides to walk back. Two steps before her feet reach the ground, she turns around and leaps. The jump happens in slow motion as she frees herself of every minuscule thought and doubt. She’s finally free.

— Aniyah S., Providence

Fear ran through my veins, The fear of never being good enough, the fear of losing, the fear of loneliness, the fear of the dark suffocated me, I became comfortable in my fear drawn boundaries, I submitted, I answered to it when it called, i gave up when it told me to, I backed away when it told me i could never even try, Every now and then, i tried to escape it but it kept drawing me in, I became tired of being fearful, Of being tortured and attacked, i needed to release myself, Here i stand, at the edge of the free waters and air, i stand here watching, envying the waves, i looked down and it stared me in the face, it told me that i would not dare, that i could not, I took a step, I looked up to the a unconfined sky, Then I took a step, I watched the birds fly by, took a step, I watched the sun rise, I stood for a moment, pondering on absolutely nothing, Then, I allowed myself to free fall, Fear had left me to my solitude.

— Nyleah F., Providence, R.I.

Jump. That is the only thing going through my mind. Jump. It’ll feel like a rush. Jump. My heart is pounding. Jump. I’m scared. Jump. I’m nervous. Jump. It’ll be alright. Jump. All it takes is one step. Jump. So. Jump. I guess. Jump. I’ll take it. Fall.

— Elizabeth G., R.I.

On the edge

14 year old Sonia Raymonds stood on the edge of the board, thinking about what she was about to do. She had been severely bullied throughout her entire life; first at a young age by her stepfather then by the girls in her school. She’d dealt with being raped, she recently lost her sister and she just didn’t want to live anymore. Her mom told her to hold on, to keep fighting, but she didn’t really have control over her anymore. She had a broken mind with depression reigning supreme. Sonia thought of the only thing that had kept her going, her sister. She was gone. And she was never coming back. Whenever Sonia had had a particularly bad day, her sister would help her through it and vise versa. Now, the only thing keeping Sonia alive was the fear of death, and things had gotten so bad lately that even that fear seemed small. Why keep living when you’re living in hell? Sonia thought. She took one last look at the cold forbidding waters below. They didn’t seem so bad anymore … more like a gateway to heaven. To peace. I can finally be free … she thought. Sonia took one last look and jumped.

— Jake Thibert, Bend International School

Adventurous

I’ve always wanted to be adventurous but I never knew how. The anxiety builds up and I never go through with it. Now I am in a position I thought I’d never be in. Standing on top of a clip high above the water. I get different reactions from my friends. voices overlapping each other. “don’t do it if you don’t want to,” “do it, it will be fun.” I tuned out everybody as my heartbeat filled my ears. My chest tightens and everything around me was a blur. Maybe I was never meant to be the adventurous, spontaneous type. Maybe I was made to stay at home and lock myself from the real world. No, I am where I am for a reason. I felt a hand grasp my shoulder. I look back and see my friend with a disappointed yet sincere smile. His hand is still on my shoulder as we back away from the cliff. I push his hand off as I run toward the cliff and take a big leap. As I jumped there were many gasps and cheers. I landed in the water and looked up. My friends were cheering and shouting my name. A sense of adrenaline was coursing through my body. If it wasn’t for my friends supporting me through any decision, I wouldn’t have done it. I would have went straight home and never looked back.

— Arendy, Providence

Watch CBS News

Books vs. e-books: The science behind the best way to read

By Amy Kraft

December 14, 2015 / 6:00 AM EST / CBS News

While browsing the bookstore to buy a gift for that special someone (or yourself), you may be faced with a tough decision: e-books or the old-fashioned kind? Each one has its pros and cons, and choosing the best option depends on a number of factors.

Some of the practical advantages of going digital are obvious: A portable little e-reader can carry an entire library wherever you go, which is great for travelers or those who always want a choice of reading material.

On the other hand, research has been stacking up to show that reading on paper has a number of benefits, too. Plus, there's the nostalgia factor .

"First and foremost, consider the person and their lifelong preferences," Dr. Matthew H. Schneps, director of the Laboratory for Visual Learning, a collaboration between the University of Massachusetts Boston and MIT, told CBS News in an email. "Some people absolutely love the look, smell, and feel of the classical book held in the hand, and such people may not want to give up the sensory experience of reading from a paper book. If the recipient of your gift is someone who is adventurous when it comes to gadgets, but otherwise doesn't read much using traditional books, giving the gift of an e-reader can be a life-changing experience for them."

Here's a look at some of the science to consider before you spring for a Kindle, a Nook or a stack of new hardcovers.

Young, reluctant readers prefer e-readers

A 2014 study published in the journal Library & Information Science Research found that out of 143 10th grade students, most preferred e-readers . Boys and those who did not care much for reading also shared a strong preference for e-readers.

"An e-reader has more in common with the electronic devices that young people use all the time, like smartphones or iPads, than a paper book, when it comes to turning of pages, the possibilities of adjusting font size, etc.," lead author of the study, Åse Kristine Tveit, told CBS News in an email.

Reading on paper may boost retention

Several small studies suggest that reading on paper instead of an electronic screen is better for memory retention and focus. The Guardian reported on an experiment from Norway where people were given a short story to read either on a Kindle or in a paperback book; when they were quizzed later, those who read the paperback were more likely to remember plot points in the right order.

"When you read on paper you can sense with your fingers a pile of pages on the left growing, and shrinking on the right," the lead researcher, Anne Mangen, of Norway's Stavanger University, told the Guardian. "You have the tactile sense of progress ... Perhaps this somehow aids the reader, providing more fixity and solidity to the reader's sense of unfolding and progress of the text, and hence the story."

Paper suits readers with sleep problems and eye strain

High levels of screen luminance from an electronic device can contribute to visual fatigue, a condition marked by tired, itching, burning eyes.

There are also potential considerations for those reading e-books on light-emitting e-readers at night (although a number of e-readers do not use light-emitting screens), Dr. Margaret K. Merga, a reading and education specialist in Australia, told CBS News in an email. "Artificial light exposure from light-emitting e-readers may interfere with users' ability to sleep , ultimately leading to adverse impacts on health."

A 2014 study published in the journal PNAS found that reading an e-book before bedtime decreased the production of melatonin, a hormone that preps the body for sleep. E-books also impaired alertness the following day.

E-books help the visually impaired

Individuals with poor eyesight or reading disorders like dyslexia can benefit more from e-books because they provide a range of options for changing the text size and spacing of lines. A 2013 study in the journal PLOS One observed reading comprehension and speed in 103 high school students with dyslexia. The study found that people with dyslexia read more effectively, and with greater ease, when using the e-reader compared with reading on paper.

Schneps, who was the lead author on the paper, said, "What made the difference was the ability of the device to display lines of text that were extremely short (about two or three words per line), as well as its ability to space out the text. When these people read using the modified formatting, their reading instantly improved."

His team has a website where people can preview the effects of some of these features before making a purchase. Try out the interactive tips at readeasy.labvislearn.org .

A fondness for books

Many book-lovers still prefer the traditional option and value the tactile sensation of a bound paper book. "Paper books are, as a rule, very well designed, they look and smell good, and they carry with them a more human touch," Tveit said.

In Merga's experience with students in Australia, avid readers also tend to prefer reading on paper. While conducting the West Australian Study in Adolescent Book Reading (WASABR), Merga and colleagues found that students preferred reading paper books. "One student described this attitude as a preference to 'own something (rather) than just use it,'" Merga said.

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Difference Between Ebook Vs Audiobook: Best Comparison [2022]

Ebook Vs Audiobook

  • MatthewDusQues

Digital copies of books like audiobooks and ebooks are two popular ways to consume literature. These options are not meant to replace traditional books. They offer an alternative way to experience what books have to offer.

In this post, we will examine the disparities between an audiobook and an ebook version, and evaluate their respective merits. There are many benefits to reading both eBook  vs audiobook , but there is no perfect solution for everyone.

This blog post from PennBoo k  will provide an overview of the advantages and drawbacks associated with each ebook format, enabling you to make a well-informed choice about your next reading preference.

Ebook Vs Audiobook: What’s The Difference?

Electronic books (ebooks).

ebooks

While printed books remain the most popular form of reading, most people prefer eBooks. As we’ll see, there are many reasons why this is so:

  • The selection is vast: You can get most of the classics and new releases on eBook. On the other hand, you also have a vast array of fan fiction and self-published eBook content.
  • Highlighting eBooks: It is easy to highlight. Highlights can be made without worrying about whether the best book is intact. It’s easy to scan through an eBook to find highlights. This is a big plus for non-fiction readers, as a review session can be essential to understand the contents thoroughly.
  • No clutter: If you are a big reader, there is no need to have an extensive library. This is a great space saver. This is an enormous advantage if you are moving to another state or even a different country.
  • Portable: Your library can be taken with you wherever you go. All your information is stored online.
  • Transferable: You can quickly transfer books between devices using popular e-reading apps like Google Play or Amazon Kindle .
  • It’s easy to store: All of your eBooks purchased with the Nook and Kindle are easily accessible on your account. They can be transferred onto your tablet or cell phone easily.
  • Note Writing: E-reader software allows you to take notes without affecting the integrity of the book.
  • Is the Book Look and Feel Preserved by the Kindle Paperwhite? : Although not all e-readers are able to achieve this, the Kindle Paperwhite stands out as a superb eReader that preserves the sensation of reading an actual book.
  • More connected: Your books can be connected to Goodreads services to make it easy to share your reading experience with other readers.
  • eBooks are cheaper: eBooks are much less expensive to produce and distribute. These ebooks are often available at a significant discount compared to the paperback and audiobook versions.
  • More accessible: Anyone can publish a book, market it well, and make a living from it. To write a book, it doesn’t take an author to be a big publisher. This is especially true for the eBook file. However, it also applies to the paperback. Writers who were discouraged in the past can now produce more quality writing.
  • There is a market for shorter books: This is something we’ve already said, but we love short books. An excellent short book can provide a great background to a topic without being too detailed or filled with fluff. It is easy to create a high-quality, quick book using eBooks.

Cons of eBooks

  • A Physical Copy is Not for You: Some people prefer to have hard copies of the book. It doesn’t feel like reading without a book. Others like the feel of having a vast library in their bedroom or living room. For some guests, the benefit of being able to browse their book collection is a bonus.
  • Require power: An eBook reader that isn’t charged will not allow you to read any content. This may result in a significant issue in case of a power outage or a drained battery.
  • Distractions: Notifications that appear on your phone or tablet can be very distracting, depending on your reading content. This is particularly applicable when reading ebooks on devices other than a Kindle, such as tablets or phones. It can distract you from the book and make it difficult to focus. We recommend a Kindle Paperwhite (see above).

The Rundown on eBooks

If you are looking for convenience, portability, and easy highlighting, ebooks are the best option.

We prefer to read eBooks on a Kindle. We recommend the Kindle Paperwhite for this reason:

  • It has the feel of a book.
  • It can store all your books on it.
  • You can download books or connect online using Wi-Fi, but it doesn’t pop up.
  • It is highly durable.
  • It eliminates distractions from reading.
  • It is highly affordable.
  • The Kindle Paperwhite makes reading ebooks simple and accessible.

Read also: Kindle Oasis Vs Paperwhite – Which Is The Best In 2024?

The Rundown on E-Books

Audiobooks , like electronic books, have revolutionized the publishing industry for authors, readers, and publishers. Many people don’t enjoy reading books and turn to audiobooks for the information they need.

Audiobooks make the information in books more accessible for everyone. We will see that audiobooks have both many benefits and some drawbacks.

  • You can listen to audiobooks from anywhere: This is huge. You don’t need to be anywhere as long as you have your audiobook (such as your smartphone) with you. You can go hiking in the mountains, fly in an airplane, cook in the kitchen, or anywhere else. This is great for when you want to finish the book and have other things to do.
  • Audiobooks do not require reading books: You don’t have to look at the book. You can listen to audiobooks while doing other things. Audio plays can also be a great way to read books. Ex: Shakespeare plays Harry Potter.
  • Productive: If you don’t have to pay attention to a task like learning how to cook a new recipe or driving in unsafe conditions, you can multitask with audiobooks. Audiobook listening can be used to multitask on tasks that your brain automates, such as cleaning up, cooking meals, and driving safely in an area you are familiar with (PSA: Drive Safely).
  • Amazon pairs a Kindle book and an Audible audiobook. You can listen to the audiobook from your phone or tablet anytime you like if you have the Audible edition. This is a great way to keep reading the book while doing something else.
  • Bookmarking: While the bookmarking and highlighting method may not be as effective as an electronic or physical book, you can bookmark a 30-second excerpt of the book using Audible. This can be shared with a friend. Although it isn’t perfect, this is much better than nothing.

Cons of Audiobooks

  • It can be challenging to highlight: You can bookmark a section of Audible that you can return later. Although this is a beautiful feature, it’s not as effective as having an eBook or paper book to highlight. It is much easier to read the highlights in physical books or eReaders than to listen to 30-second clips.
  • Large files: Audiobooks can take up quite a bit of space on your phone. Although this may not be the biggest problem if you have a large SD card, it can cause problems if combined with other files on your device. Audiobooks typically range in size from 50 to 300MB.
  • Require power: Audiobooks require that your device has a power source. If your phone battery runs low or is dead, this can cause problems.
  • Audiobooks are usually more expensive than eBooks or physical books. Audiobooks are more expensive to store and distribute than eBooks. This is due to the cost of the studio, labor, and voice actor expenses plus royalties.
  • Long books can be challenging to read: An audiobook cannot be skipped, and the story must be followed. Each line will be heard. Every. Detail. Speed reading skills are useless. It’s like trying to finish the last chapter in an audiobook. What is the bottom line? What’s the bottom line? The bottom line? Choose a book that tells a good story, one with separate chapters (such as an essay collection or anthology) or one shorter.
  • Listening when your mind is elsewhere. Many people listen to audiobooks while doing tedious chores like cooking, cleaning, or taking the dog outside. We can’t. When we are doing chores, our mind wanders. Music works better than background music. Audiobooks are better saved for reading time when we can and want to focus on the books.

The Rundown on Audiobooks

While audiobooks are great for learning and listening while on the move, they can be less valuable if the goal is to read the book to make notes, they can be paired with an eBook on a tablet or phone to allow you to listen, read and highlight the e-book version. You will probably be less concerned about highlighting fiction, so this is not something you should consider.

We highly recommend an Audible membership. You will receive two audiobooks free of charge for your first month. The ebooks can be kept even if your membership is canceled. It’s only $14.99 per month for the free audiobook and a 30% discount on any subsequent audiobook purchased that month.

Audiobooks are great for listening while on the move, and Audible is a great option if you frequently stream audiobooks.

More Infor about Physical Books

Print Books

  • You don’t need power. You can still read your book even if the power goes out or your phone or e-reader dies.
  • That New Book Feel: Regular books have that classic feel. Some people prefer to read physical books over one on their Kindle.
  • Physical books are yours: Some people prefer to feel they own the book.
  • There are no changes that can be made to a book. There is no possibility of censorship. Although censorship is not a matter for books, it has become a matter for other online media like YouTube, Facebook, and Google. This could spread to other online media in the future, so physical copies of books are pretty good.
  • A Physical Library is Possible: Not everyone wants to own one. They are classy, and people love books that they can borrow from their library and make comments on.
  • You can borrow a book easily: A paper book is the best way to lend a book out to friends.
  • You can eliminate distractions with regular books. For example, you can take a book to the park and leave your phone at home. It is fantastic to read in nature without distractions.

Cons of Physical Book

  • It’s impossible to read physical books in the dark: At least not without a reading lamp. Some readers enjoy the dark atmosphere of a book. Others prefer an ebook reader.
  • Space: Your books can take up much of your home if you are a regular reader.
  • Books are more expensive: Books are often much less expensive than other items. When you compare the prices for different books, eBooks are much more expensive than regular books. This is especially true for large, hardcover textbooks that students use for school.
  • Not highlighting: Some people are uncomfortable with highlighting in books. They feel it can damage the book’s integrity. You won’t get the best out of a good book if you don’t highlight or have a note-taking system. This can be a problem for many readers, even though some people don’t care.

The Rundown on Regular Books

Paper books are great for those who want a physical copy for various reasons. They still remain the most popular method of reading, despite the increasing popularity of audiobooks vs ebooks.

FAQs

How do pricing and availability differ between ebooks and audiobooks?

Ebooks and audiobooks have important pricing and availability disparities. Audiobooks cost more than ebooks due of manufacturing costs. If you want the latest release, audiobooks are usually released later than ebooks.

What about the reading/listening experience itself – how do they compare?

Reading and hearing differ greatly. Reading is active, whereas listening is passive. However, both experiences are good. Reading lets you take your time and understand the words, while listening is more soothing. Personal preference decides.

Are there other considerations to consider when choosing between an ebook and an audiobook?

Choosing between an ebook and an audiobook requires some thought. First, think about what format you prefer. Do you like to read books, or do you prefer to listen to them?

Ebooks are cheaper and more portable, but they may be harder to focus on. While pricey, audiobooks can be listened to while doing other activities. You choose the format.

How do I get started with ebooks?

Choose an audiobook and download it from your favorite retailer to start listening. MP3 players and computers can play most audiobooks. Relax and enjoy!

How do I get started with audiobooks?

Getting started with audiobooks is easy: choose the book you want to listen to, and download it from your favorite retailer. Most audiobooks can be played on any type of mp3 player or even on your computer. So sit back, relax, and enjoy your moment!

In conclusion, both Ebooks and Audiobooks have their benefits and drawbacks. Before buying an electronic book or audiobook for your next read, compare their advantages and cons.

  • Best Paper Books vs eBooks Statistics, Trends and Facts [2022]
  • Physical Books Vs Ebooks: Which Is Better [2022]

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Is listening to an audiobook just as good as reading on a page?

Woman with eyes closed, wearing headphones

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Mary, who lives in regional Western Australia, loves audiobooks, but not just for the stories.

She told  ABC Radio Perth  she thinks listening to them in the car has made her a safer driver.

"When you live in the country you tend to do a lot of driving and sometimes when you drive, you can't get radio reception or music and you drive fast. I clocked up a few speeding fines," Mary says.

"But when I started listening to audiobooks, I dropped back down to the speed limit.

"I've had a really good experience. I get so enthralled with the audiobook, I actually drive around slower so I can get to the end of the chapter."

A traditional form of reading

Brigid Magner, senior lecturer in literary studies at RMIT University, says that reading with your ears "absolutely counts".

"As literary studies teachers, we don't see audiobooks as a cheat, we actually love listening to them ourselves," she says.

Dr Magner pointed out that historically, low literacy rates meant that most reading was aural.

"All reading used to be reading aloud, because reading wasn't shared by the whole community," she says.

"There would be designated readers reading to groups of people. So there's been a long history of this kind of vocalisation of written texts."

She says it also appeared that listening to books triggered a similar, although not identical, reaction in the brain.

"It's believed that it's the act of listening to a text that triggers activity in the brain quite near to the activity that's triggered off by reading," she says.

Audiobooks enjoy pandemic boost

Audiobooks have exploded in popularity, with Nielsen research showing that 37 per cent of Australian listeners got into the habit only in the past 12 months .

Older people have dominated the market for years, while younger listeners have more recently taken up the practice now that most audiobooks are available via online streaming.

No longer do you need to borrow or buy a large set of cassettes (remember those!?) or CDs to listen to.

Audiobooks have also become big business for publishers and authors.

Woman sitting, leaning on window, wearing earbuds and looking at phone

"There used to be quite a long delay between a book being published and being turned into an audiobook, but now it's almost instantaneous, because it's often a big part of writers' contracts," Dr Magner says.

And while the audiobook market is dominated by subscription service Audible, which is owned by Amazon, there are simple and free ways to access the latest audiobooks through public libraries, although just like borrowing books, you will need to listen and return the audiobook in a set time.

"The Borrowbox app, which you can get through local libraries, is completely free once you've joined the library and [has] a really good range of titles, so you don't need to pay anything," Dr Magner says.

Is it safe to listen to books while driving?

Mary's habit of listening to audiobooks while driving in the country is a great way to stay awake, says Paul Roberts, deputy director of the University of Western Australia's Centre for Road Safety Research.

"Whenever we do any kind of skilled task or cognitive task, we want our brain to be engaged to an optimal level but not overloaded," he says.

"In country environments, on monotonous roads, everybody's aware that we can suffer from this phenomenon we sometimes call passive fatigue, where we're not actually tired, but we're under-engaged and so we feel sleepy."

Woman driving a car, urban road in front of her

However Dr Roberts cautions that listening to audiobooks in urban driving situations could present problems by consuming too much of the driver's attention and slowing down their reaction times.

He refers to a 2018 Canadian study  where participants were asked to drive in a simulator while listening to audiobooks. Their reactions differed depending on the driving conditions.

"In a complex environment, people actually reacted more slowly to hazards, and in a more simple environment, they reacted more quickly while listening to audiobooks," he says.

"The critical thing is to engage people to a level that keeps them at that optimal level of cognitive arousal, but that doesn't present too much of a cognitive challenge, where they don't have enough capacity left over to deal with unexpected events while they're driving."

Listening creates extra time for reading

For many audiobooks lovers, the chance to 'read' while doing something else is a key attraction.

Joy told ABC Radio Perth: "I listen to biographies, classic and modern novels, travel books. I love them. I've learnt so much and feel so much better read now.

"It's such a wonderful use of my time when in the car on my own. I just borrow them from the library, and I always have one on the go."

Woman reading book, surrounded by books

Dr Magner thinks there is something about moving while reading that needs more investigation.

"A text, a story or narrative seems to embed in your mind in a way that's different to sitting stationary with a book," she says.

"There's something very special about being able to, say, go for a walk and listen to Moby Dick, as my colleague does quite regularly.

"It really goes into your mind in a different way, and I think that's an area for further research. We definitely don't know a lot about what's happening with the brain when we do that."

This article have been adapted from interviews aired on ABC Radio Perth.

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In Recent Years, More And More People Are Choosing To Read eBooks Rather Than Paper Books | Band 8 IELTS Essay Sample

by Manjusha Nambiar · Published May 1, 2018 · Updated March 6, 2024

In recent years, more and more people are choosing to read e books rather than paper books. Do the advantages outweigh disadvantages?

Here is a band 8 IELTS essay sample submitted by one of our students. Send us your writing samples for a free band score estimate or get a detailed analysis of your writing for a fee.

Band 8 IELTS essay sample

In the modern world, people are increasingly reading books online and the demand of printed books has declined. In my opinion, the advantages of this trend outweigh its drawbacks.

There are many benefits to reading electronic books. The space required for storing electronic books is very small compared to the space required for storing printed books. Electronic books can be stored in small pen drives or in CDs and it is easy to carry them around. Actually hundreds of books can be stored in a small pen drive. By contrast, a large amount of space is required to store paper books. People usually need a room to keep their academic books. Another advantage is that people can buy ebooks online and download them to their device within seconds of completing the purchase. But if they buy paper books online, they have to wait for days or even weeks before their order is delivered. Better still, eBooks are eco-friendly. Since they do not require paper, no trees are cut down to produce eBooks. In addition, it is possible to get books published in different parts of the world. People can read books which are usually not available in their local stores.

The biggest disadvantage of eBooks is that they require us to stare at a screen for a long time and thus they may cause eye strain and other problems. More and more people have vision problems in the modern world because of the extensive use of computers. However, when compared to the convenience eBooks provide, this problem is negligible and also, vision protection screens for computers are available now.

In conclusion, it is not hard to see that eBooks are better than paper books in many aspects. They are portable and they don’t occupy physical space. They might cause eye strain but it can be easily prevented by using protective screens.

Band 8 IELTS essay sample 2

These days, a number of individuals prefer to read e-books rather than traditional paper books. While I do admit that this practice has some downsides, in my opinion, this is largely a beneficial trend.

The main disadvantage of eBooks is that they are not exactly eye-friendly. Of course, new technologies have emerged and newer eBook readers do not cause much eye strain. Even so, reading eBooks for hours on end can be tiring for the eyes. Another downside is that in order to read an eBook we need a compatible device with power supply and perhaps an internet connection. If we run out of battery power or are in an area where internet connectivity is not available, we will not be able to read.

On the other hand, eBooks are environment friendly, inexpensive, and convenient. Trees are cut down to produce paper. Since, no paper is required for e-books, they help to save our environment. Furthermore, eBooks are cheaper and convenient to read. We can read an eBook anytime and anywhere on our mobile devices or tablets. For instance, hundreds of eBooks can be stored on a portable device like a tablet or phone.  This makes eBooks convenient to read on the go. In short, in my opinion, eBooks have many advantages that make them preferable to printed books.

In conclusion, eBooks do have some downsides as they need a special device to read. Even so, in my opinion, the benefits offered by them outweigh the disadvantages. Hence, I am more inclined to believe that the popularity of eBooks is a positive development.

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audio books or paper books essay

Manjusha Nambiar

Hi, I'm Manjusha. This is my blog where I give IELTS preparation tips.

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Audiobooks vs Reading Print/Ebooks: Which is better for you in 2024?

Many smart people have tried to compare audiobooks vs reading print or ebooks. And yet, people still wonder: Are audiobooks as good as reading print or ebooks for your brain? Are they even “real reading”?

Let’s take a look at recent research on audiobooks vs reading ebooks or print books to learn more about the audiobook pros and cons and how they compare to other book formats…

Are Audiobooks as good as Reading a Print or Ebook?

Comprehension of audiobooks vs reading print or ebooks, immersion in audiobooks vs reading print or ebooks, accessibility of audiobooks vs reading ebooks or physical books, book prices, so, are audiobooks good for your brain, summary: audiobooks pros and cons.

**The marked links and book covers on this page are affiliate links. If you use them to purchase something, I earn a fee at no additional cost for you. Disclosure **

As with many things, the answer to this question is: It depends on the context! Or, more specifically, on your answers to these two questions: Do you feel like you learn better by seeing or listening? And will you get quizzed on the content of the book?

Most of us read for entertainment. If there’s no test, you don’t really need to worry about audiobooks vs reading print/ebooks because you can enjoy your books in whichever form you want!

Go ahead and dive into a great love story or a compelling memoir. For this, audiobooks are just as good as consuming written words because the brain does the exact same things with the information, whether you hear it or read it from a page.

That’s because the act of reading with your eyes is just one tiny step in your brain. If you are a proficient reader, your brain quickly decodes the words. And what happens after that is the same for audiobooks and reading written text with your eyeballs!

Under the very unwieldy headline “The Representation of Semantic Information Across Human Cerebral Cortex During Listening Versus Reading Is Invariant to Stimulus Modality” , researchers conducted a study in 2019 in which they used neuroimaging to see how written words and heard words are processed in the brain.

In the experiments, participants read or listened to the same stories for several hours. The researchers found that language is processed the same way by the brain, whether you listen to the audiobook or read the ebook or print book.

So, if someone in your book club complains (“ you didn’t really read the book “), you can assure them that you did indeed read the book, just like everybody else. If anyone tries to argue that audiobooks are not reading, tell them science disagrees strongly!

Related article: 5 Things you didn’t know about Audiobooks

Of course, there are personal preferences. And some people feel they can’t process an audiobook (or a lecture) as well as reading a book or slides with their eyes.

But on average, if you don’t have any personal preferences and don’t lean strongly toward visual learning, you can rest assured that an audiobook is just as good a form of reading for entertainment as reading an ebook or paperback.

A white woman with long dark hair lying in the grass and reading, a stack of colorful books next to her and headphones on her ears

If you get quizzed on the content of your book and all forms of books are accessible to you, audiobooks are probably not your best choice though.

However, studying with an ebook on average doesn’t give better results in comprehension and retention than using an audiobook ( Source )!

The problem seems to be with digital formats in general. Or rather, a physical book offers an advantage to students. Because other studies found that learning with a print book leads to better comprehension and retention than using ebooks ( Source ).

That means books in digital format – be it audiobook or ebook – are not the best way to prepare for tests. Studying with a good old print book might be your first choice here.

One theory as to why print books work better than ebooks or audiobooks for learning is that your eyes can jump back to a previous word more easily on a paper page to ensure you fully understand a sentence.

That’s something that is simply too much of a hassle with audiobooks as you would have to do a repeat listen of more than just that one word or sentence. In ebooks, this function is often limited as well since you see less of the text on-screen than you do in an open paper book ( Source ).

Another theory is that print books require more focus. The fact that audiobooks are perfect for multi-tasking is generally a strength of the format, but it can become a weakness when you need to study and fully absorb, comprehend, and retain every word of your text.

Being tempted to multi-task leads to too many distractions!

But again – and this is very important – these findings are only considered a negative when looking at the pros and cons of audiobooks when someone is preparing for a test!

Comprehension and retention of audiobooks are just fine and perfectly sufficient when you are reading for pleasure, want to catch up on Classics, or want to gain new knowledge from Nonfiction titles.

Photo of a white woman with long dark hair sitting on a sofa with a notebook and pen in hand, headphones on her ears

In a very interesting study from 2018 by Audible and UCL , audiobooks were compared to movies. And it turns out that audiobooks are much more immersive than movies!

While participants felt like they were more captivated by the stories they watched on-screen, physiological measures actually showed that they were more immersed in the audiobook.

Maybe this is the reason why I know so many audiobook fans (me included) who watch very little TV and mostly listen to audiobooks.

I could not have put it in words before reading this study, but yes, I do feel more captivated by my audiobooks than when I watch something on the screen.

In my imagination, everything looks just so. There is not a single bad special effect. Everything looks exactly as I expect it to.

Print and ebooks offer this, too. But there is one important difference: Narrators!

Voice actors fill audiobooks with emotion and with an additional human element that other book formats don’t have. Their voices capture us and pull us deeper into a story.

There is incredible magic in hearing a story that is read to you by the perfect voice!

And when you listen to a book about a culture different from yours read by a narrator of that cultural background, you even learn how to pronounce words correctly.

Also, it is quite common in Nonfiction (more so than in Fiction) that audiobooks are read by the author. This can give you a more in-depth understanding of what the author wants to say because the narration transports the author’s emotions and, literally, their voice, how they meant something.

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Audiobooks vs Reading Print and Ebooks (background image showing a phone with red and white headphones and a stack of open hardcover books)

In regard to accessibility, print books are clearly the loser, even though they are still the by far bestselling format for books .

Ebook devices have made literature much more accessible for visually impaired readers who can adjust font size. Because of this, ebooks are increasingly popular among elderly readers.

Audiobooks offer an even wider range of benefits for disabled readers who are not hearing impaired. They don’t require to be held up like a print book or ebook reader which makes them more comfortable for people with various kinds of physical disabilities.

Many readers with forms of brain injuries or neurological issues also appreciate that they can enjoy literature through audiobooks without having to use their eyes to read.

Their accessibility for a wide range of book enthusiasts is one of the biggest pros of audiobooks!

The price of books matters for many readers and is a deciding factor if we can get a specific book or not, and if we can read as many books as we want to or have to limit ourselves.

A graphic saying: Net revenue of the U.S. book publishing industry 25.71bn USD; Audiobook sales revenue in the U.S. 1.6bn USD; E-book unit sales in the U.S. 191m

Generally speaking, ebooks are “the cheap option”, while print books and audiobooks are at a similar, higher price level.

Of course, it isn’t that clear-cut. Many libraries offer digital audiobooks through programs like Libby or Hoopla , so you have access to them like any other physical library book.

Additionally, there are many great audiobook subscriptions that offer some form of discount or even Netflix-like unlimited listening .

So, while the cost might seem like one of the biggest cons of audiobooks, they have become very affordable. Even a standard Audible subscription includes access to a catalog with “all you can listen” titles now.

And KIndle Unlimited does not only offer ebooks, but also audiobooks.

Related article: Why are Audiobooks so expensive?

Yes, yes, indeed! For many readers, audiobooks make it possible to enjoy many more books than they would otherwise have time for. You can listen while driving, while cleaning, while resting your eyes after a day of staring at a screen, maybe even while working.

Audiobooks can help you achieve your “well-read” status. And experiencing more books is always better for your brain!

One could even go so far as to argue that this versatility is why audiobooks are better than other book formats for many busy people. If audiobooks are the format that helps you read as much as you want, then they are most certainly good for you!

Generally speaking, when comparing audiobooks vs reading print or ebooks, it’s down to personal preference and circumstance though.

There is no clear superiority of one format over another – unless you are learning for a test. And even then, personal preference might win out.

If you plan to use a hardcover book but only open it the night before the test, you are much less prepared than if you had spent weeks with the texts on your headphones. It’s always better to study more thoroughly than just to look at audiobook pros and cons!

And don’t forget, every good thing can be turned into a bad thing. When you read a hardcover novel until 3 AM, even though you have an important appointment at 8 AM, reading is a bad thing, no matter if it’s War And Peace or a Nonfiction book on how to fight climate change.

Better listen to a relaxing audiobook that you can fall asleep to… 😉

Audiobook Pros:

  • Deeper immersion
  • Teaches correct pronunciation
  • Compatible with multitasking
  • Creates more time for books
  • Accessible for visually impaired book lovers
  • Accessible for everyone who is unable to hold a book or reading device
  • Narrators make a text emotionally more accessible
  • Can provide a new way to discover a known story.

Audiobook Cons:

  • Very dependent on the narration, an unfitting one can ruin a good book
  • It can require practice to focus on audiobooks
  • Unlike physical books, dependent on devices and apps
  • If you missed something, it can be difficult to catch up again
  • Doesn’t teach correct spelling.

Don’t forget, you don’t have to choose one audiobook format over another! You can enjoy audiobooks on your commute and then read a nice paperback in the evening in bed.

Everything’s allowed!

Happy listening 😉

A white, female-looking person with short blonde hair, filters are used on the photo that show cat ears, whiskers and big round glasses

Eline Blackman (pronouns: she/they) fell in love with books as a child – with being read to and reading herself. 10 years ago, she bought her first Audible book. It was love at first listen! An average of 250 audiobooks per year has become the new normal and you will rarely see Eline without a wireless earbud. Romance and Fantasy are the go-to genres for this audiobook fan.

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  6. writing a book🤍 #novel

COMMENTS

  1. Paper Books vs E-Books: Which One Is Better for Reading?

    The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preferences, reading habits, and the type of content being consumed. Paper books offer a tactile and visual experience that many readers prefer, while e-books offer convenience, affordability, and accessibility. The impact of e-books on the publishing industry and reading habits is ...

  2. Physical Books vs. Audiobooks: Which Is Better?

    Whereas with an actual book, you can crack it open and start reading. Audiobooks are pricier than physical copies. Apart from everything that physical books require to get printed and sold, audiobooks also have an added cost of a voice actor, or several, among other things.

  3. Paper book vs. Ebook vs. Audiobook: A personal perspective

    Reading very long books. This sounds contradictory to what I've just said a few paragraphs ago, but here's the thing: listening to an audiobook often takes longer than reading the same book on ...

  4. Paper book or e-reader: Which is better for the planet?

    Readers of paper books, e-books and audiobooks will spend nearly $174 billion (€163 billion) on their favourite literature by 2030. With around 4 million new book titles released each year, they ...

  5. Are Audiobooks As Good For You As Reading? Here's What Experts Say

    E ven for people who love books, finding the opportunity to read can be a challenge. Many, then, rely on audiobooks, a convenient alternative to old-fashioned reading. You can listen to the latest ...

  6. Ebooks or Paper Books: Your Best Arguments

    Ebooks or Paper Books: Your Best Arguments. Patrick Allan. August 26, 2014. With the advance of phones, tablets, and ereaders, ebooks have become a popular reading standard. Still, there's ...

  7. Audiobooks vs. Reading: Which Has More Benefits?

    Reading has been proven to provide a number of benefits to your brain, and make you smarter overall. However, science also tells us that listening to audiobooks can also have very positive effects on the brain. For example, according to a study by the Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior, our brains are more likely to create ...

  8. When Listening to a Book Is Better Than Reading It

    Telling stories, after all, is an even older form of human entertainment than reading and writing stories. Banish any guilt you might harbor about listening instead of reading. Audiobooks are not ...

  9. Is Listening to a Book Just as Good as Reading It?

    In the Opinion essay " Is Listening to a Book the Same Thing as Reading It ,?". Daniel T. Willingham, a psychologist, compares the benefits of reading a book with the advantages of listening ...

  10. Are Audiobooks As Good For You As Reading? Here's What Experts Say

    Even for people who love books, finding the opportunity to read can be a challenge. Many, then, rely on audiobooks, a convenient alternative to old-fashioned reading. You can listen to the latest bestseller while commuting or cleaning up the house. But is listening to a book really the same as reading one?

  11. Improving Sentences: E-books and paper books

    Secondly, buying an electronic version books are easier than the printed paper books. On the other hand, People health will affect when they spend more time to read books by using the modern gadgets such as laptop, mobile phones and tablets. In conclusion, in my view, electronic version books bring more pleasure and easily to access.

  12. What Students Are Saying About: Audiobooks, the Best and Worst of 2018

    In "Is Listening to a Book the Same Thing as Reading It? " Daniel T. Willingham, a psychologist, writes about the differences between listening to audiobooks and reading print. He concludes ...

  13. Books vs. e-books: The science behind the best way to read

    Many book-lovers still prefer the traditional option and value the tactile sensation of a bound paper book. "Paper books are, as a rule, very well designed, they look and smell good, and they ...

  14. How digital devices transform literary reading: The impact of e-books

    Historically, books and literature have a high standing in Western culture, and book reading is generally associated with depth, focus and other intellectual virtues (Furedi, 2015; Manguel, 2014).Nevertheless, concerns that newer media will suppress the book are a recurring topic (Syvertsen, 2017).Moreover, during the last decade, we have seen a growing concern that people are losing their ...

  15. What's better: E-readers or paper books?

    Like plastic or paper packaging, cotton or polyester pants? We're going to try to find some of the answers in a new segment exploring these everyday environmental dilemmas. In this episode we ...

  16. Full Comparison: Ebook Vs Audiobook: What's The Difference?

    Digital copies of books like audiobooks and ebooks are two popular ways to consume literature. These options are not meant to replace traditional books. They offer an alternative way to experience what books have to offer. In this post, we will examine the disparities between an audiobook and an ebook version, and evaluate their respective merits.

  17. Is Listening to Audio Books Really the Same as Reading?

    In 2005, near the beginning of the MP3 audio book craze, the New York Times charmingly detailed the listening habits of New York authors, who dabbled in Dostoyevsky as they strolled around with ...

  18. The Debate Between E-Books and Traditional Paper Books

    Conclusively, e-books is more practical for the travelers who like to read books. However, a book that is on a shelf would last longer than an e-book. Paper books do not need batteries to read whereas e-books need the batteries in order to function. Users need to charge the battery of the e-books first so that it can be use.

  19. Reading a Book vs Listening to an Audio Book

    Where as, when listening to an audio book, it is quite easy to multitask and your eyes wont ever get tired. Some may argue that it takes away from the reading experience when using audio books, others, that it is still reading either way. It is much more convenient to use an audio book though, being that you can take a music player basically ...

  20. Evolution of Reading: Paper vs. Electronic Books

    Download. Essay, Pages 3 (750 words) Views. 36524. Paper and electronic books both make an excellent and effective way of reading, although paper books allow more of a precise effective reading while electronic books is often quicker and more convenient. Reading has always been one of our important and educational element.

  21. Is listening to an audiobook just as good as reading on a page?

    Brigid Magner, senior lecturer in literary studies at RMIT University, says that reading with your ears "absolutely counts". "As literary studies teachers, we don't see audiobooks as a cheat, we ...

  22. Band 8 IELTS essay sample

    The space required for storing electronic books is very small compared to the space required for storing printed books. Electronic books can be stored in small pen drives or in CDs and it is easy to carry them around. Actually hundreds of books can be stored in a small pen drive. By contrast, a large amount of space is required to store paper ...

  23. Audiobooks vs Reading Print/Ebooks: Which is better for you in 2024?

    Immersion in Audiobooks vs Reading Print or Ebooks. In a very interesting study from 2018 by Audible and UCL, audiobooks were compared to movies.And it turns out that audiobooks are much more immersive than movies! While participants felt like they were more captivated by the stories they watched on-screen, physiological measures actually showed that they were more immersed in the audiobook.