"When the glass is fogged up, we look at the glass. The glass is all we see" ❤️

Congratulations to the Sweet Seven

III BA English | Clear & Legible Handwriting

15th October 2025

Today I was distributing the answer scripts to the students of the III BA English class.

While giving them their answer sheets, I also gave them an open challenge - If there is any among you who has written in a neat and legible manner, without smudging or over-writing, you may show me your papers and claim your bonus marks.

On that vein, I also wish to appreciate the Hall of Fame from the class for their neat and legible handwriting –

Yamini

Kiruthika

Andrea Bettina

Angel Mariam Thomas

Veena

Gauri

Haokip

I also wish to share my thoughts on the subject.

A clear and legible handwriting is a fundamental element of effective communication, and hence it has a significant impact on academic performance, and influences how you the student is perceived by others.

A messy handwriting can hence create a barrier in communication.

Your handwriting can be seen as a reflection of your personality as well!

In professional settings especially, a clear and legible handwriting conveys professionalism, respect, and care for the person reading it. Sloppy writing can be interpreted as carelessness or a lack of discipline.

Moreover, it can leave a lasting positive impression, suggesting that the writer is organized and meticulous, and hence can be trusted with great responsibilities.

In her lovely book titled, Better Answers: Written Performance That Looks Good and Sounds Smart, Ardith Davis Cole highlights the importance of a clear and legible handwriting.

Says she –

A responder’s spelling, grammar, handwriting, spacing, punctuation, and such will influence most people who read his or her response.

Why handwriting first?

Both handwriting and conventions concern the cosmetics and mechanics of the piece.

When the glass is fogged up, we look at the glass. The glass is all we see. As soon as it gets unfogged we ignore it and see through it to the scene outside. This is a good metaphor to share with kids, because they need to know why it is important to write neatly, and why they must place a priority on bringing the conventions to an optimal level.

First Impressions Count: To me, it seems logical to begin with the issue of readability as it relates to handwriting and neatness. “Why do I believe handwriting and neatness are so important?” you might ask.

My response: “Because if your handwriting is a mess or your paper is smudged, the reader is inclined to feel that the content is probably a mess too,”

says Cole.