How to Write Well (The Basics)

Writing is a fundamental skill that most everyone will need at some point in life. This article provides some basic strategies for improving writing skills.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. INCREASE YOUR VOCABULARY.
   
   Many people that desire to write well can benefit from taking advantage of opportunities to increase their vocabulary. Aside from reading the dictionary page for page, there are everyday opportunities for increasing vocabulary, such as crossword puzzles, board games like scrabble, etc. Also in this electronic age, it is possible to have the "word of the day" emailed to you. For those who are in an academic setting, it is important to do your vocabulary homework-use those vocabulary words in a sentence like your teacher tells you (laugh out loud)!!!

2. READ.
   
   Yes. Reading should be in the section above because it does facilitate vocabulary expansion. However, it is so important; it deserves its own section. There is tons of information and scientific data that indicate that reading enhances writing skills. Reading essentially allows for seeing words in action and it also promotes creative thinking (another important factor in improving writing skills). Since most published books are professionally edited, reading also provides some of the best examples of proper grammar use. Now, this is not to say that reading should be a chore. One should consider books or other reading materials of interest. However, this freedom does not apply in academic settings where literature is assigned. However, these are also great opportunities for improving your writing -WITHOUT ACTUALLY WRITING.

3. TAKE A WRITING CLASS.
   
   For those pursuing general education or college degrees, some type of English class is probably required. Take those grammar and writing assignments seriously. You may not have to write 10 page papers in the real world (unless you choose a profession where this volume of writing is expected), but you might have to write a thank you note, create a resume, correspond with colleagues through email, write a letter of resignation, etc. For those that are not enrolled in such classes, consider enrolling in a class locally or even online. The internet is full of sites offering online writing help and selected writing activities based on age or grade level. Do some searches and you'll likely find something helpful.

4. WRITE. WRITE. WRITE....AND DID I SAY WRITE?
   
   People that desire to write better should.....write! This could be in the form of a personal journal. It could really be about any topic. In school, teachers love to have students write about what-YES, their summer vacation or spring break! While teachers really may be interested in these topics, they understand that in order to write well, it is important to practice. Look for opportunities to write and don't get frustrated if you get stuck. As you practice, it will get easier.

5. GET FEEDBACK FROM OTHERS ABOUT YOUR WRITING SKILLS.
   
   If you're in school, the red ink pen will do this for you (or "insert comment" if your teacher grades electronically)! For those who are not in school, consider having a trusted friend review your writing. Also, there are online sites that will allow you to submit online writing samples for critique. DON'T FORGET ABOUT GRAMMAR CHECK ON MICROSOFT WORD. This feature will alert you (with colored lines) when you have used incorrect grammar. Don't ignore them. Look at the explanation. This should help improve your writing skills.

[Rachellewms]

on 7/10/2009 Excellent Tips on Writing! Step 4 was really hard for me to get used to doing, but I'm definitely getting there. 5*

[MyJB]

on 4/2/2009 Good suggestion on improving writing. The hardest part for me is getting others to read my writing on a consistent basis. I found that family and friends have a limit.