Abstract: A portable card-like article having a force sensing assembly for use in a force monitoring system comprises a support (3) to which is pivoted a plate (1) via a pair of laterally spaced arms (2). A pair of leaf springs (4) urge the plate (1) towards a normal, rest position. A Hall effect transducer (8) and permanent magnet (7) are mounted to a base (5) of the assembly and an underside of the plate (1) respectively and sense pivotal movement on the plate (1) due to the action of a writing instrument of the upper surface of the plate. The output signals from the Hall effect transducer (8) provide an indication on the magnitude of the applied force.