In the pencil vs. pen debate, both sides passionately (and sometimes illogically) argue in favor of their preferred writing tool. According to proponents, there are several reasons why pencils are better than pens—or vice versa. Some of the most common arguments include the versatility of pencils, as they have more uses than pens. Additionally, a broken pencil becomes two pencils, while a broken pen is useless, although breaking a pen is significantly harder. Pencils are also preferred for shading, while marks made with pens tend to last longer. From an environmental perspective, pencils are considered more eco-friendly, but they require sharpening, whereas pens are always ready to write. However, the more you sharpen a pencil, the shorter and harder to use it becomes. Lastly, while you can’t write on skin with a pencil—whether that’s a pro or a con is up to personal preference.For many people, this debate is becoming increasingly irrelevant as handwriting is relied upon less in the modern world, they argue that script will eventually become obsolete. However, it is interesting to note that most arguments favoring either pens or pencils revolve around their physical characteristics. But what if we approached this debate from a more philosophical perspective?Naturally, at Pens.com, we are passionate about pens. We sell, customize, create, and even decorate our office with pen-related artwork, as pen patent illustrations proudly hang on our walls. However, this deep focus on pens means that pencils often go underappreciated, which is a real shame. There is grace, nobility, and even a quiet kind of heroism in using a pencil. Unlike pens, which feature mechanisms like plungers, ballpoints, or gel ink to enhance ease of writing, pencils offer no such conveniences. Writing with a pencil often feels scratchy because it requires the writer’s direct effort to make contact with paper.Moreover, pencils demand maintenance. Unlike pens, which are ready to use at all times, pencils must be sharpened—a process that is not a flaw but rather a tribute to the simplicity and endurance of this remarkable tool. Sharpening a pencil is a small but necessary act of respect toward an instrument that has stood the test of time. But beyond these qualities, the most compelling reason why pencils surpass pens has nothing to do with graphite or design; the true advantage of pencils lies in their erasers.Many adults prefer pens over pencils, often associating pencils with childhood. It’s true that children use pencils more frequently than adults do. However, just because pencils are commonly used by children does not make them childish. In fact, choosing a pencil over a pen can be seen as a mark of wisdom. One of the main reasons children use pencils is because they allow for mistakes. Learning is an ongoing process, and making errors is both natural and expected. In early education, children absorb new knowledge at an astonishing rate, making mistakes constantly as they navigate unfamiliar concepts. Yet, these mistakes are not failures; they are stepping stones. With an eraser, a child can correct an error and move forward.(Adapted from https://shorturl.at/w2UnC)Which of the following best expresses the main idea of the passage …
A. Pencils and pens are equal in modern writing.
B. Pens are better than pencils because of ink longevity.
C. The debate between pencils and pens extends beyond practicality into philosophy. ✓ Benar
D. Technology has made both pens and pencils obsolete.
Jawaban benar: C
Pembahasan
Teks membandingkan kelebihan dan kekurangan pensil dan pulpen, lalu memperluas debat ke sudut pandang filosofis. Kalimat "what if we approached this debate from a more philosophical perspective?" menunjukkan pergeseran ide utama, yang tercermin dalam opsi C.Jawaban: C
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