A student has to decide whether to use a word processing package to produce a piece of science coursework or whether to handwrite it.

(a) Give five features of the software that make it suitable for producing science coursework.

(b) Give two reasons why the student may still use handwriting for part or all of their coursework.

(a) The five features of the software that make it suitable for producing science coursework.

1. Editing features — Any type of correction can be made easily as and when required.
2. Formatting Features — The typed text can be made to appear in any form or style.
3. Graphics — Most modern word processors provide the facility of incorporating drawings in the documents, which are very important for Science subjects.
4. OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) — Most modern word processors provide facilities to link or embed objects such as charts, equations, video clips, audio clips, pictures, etc. Such objects can be used to explain certain phenomena of Science subjects.
5. Spell Check — Word processors can provide spell check and grammar check functions. Some word processors can suggest alternatives or improvements also.

(b) Two reasons the student may still use handwriting for part or all of their coursework are:

1. Diagram Complexity — Complex scientific diagrams, equations, or drawings that are challenging to create digitally might be more easily produced by hand.
2. Learning Style and Retention — The physical process of writing can help students to better understand and remember the material they are writing.