Writing Basics: To write better, keep writing--and reading!

Writing is a skill, and like any other skill, it takes practice to improve. Writing and reading are closely related skills. So read and write as much as possible. Try to write and read something every day.

Think about writing a daily journal, or diary, recording your thoughts each day. If possible, set aside a few minutes (no more than 15) and a special place to write every day. Make it a comfortable place, where you feel good and won't be distracted by people or noises. Have a cup of coffee or tea, or whatever you like to drink, while you are writing. The idea is to make it an enjoyable experience, more like play than work. Just write your thoughts down as they come into your mind. Don't worry too much about spelling, grammar and punctuation. Remember, this writing is just for you, unless you decide to share it with someone else.

You have many other opportunities to write. Write an e-mail to an American friend. Texting is a form of writing. You'll need to learn all the abbreviations used in texting, like LOL, BFF, BTW, OMG, and so on. Write a letter to someone. Think about writing an essay or poem to publish in the Ivy Tech newspaper, The Campus Insider, or the Ivy Tech student publication, New Voices.

Reading and writing are closely related skills. Good writers usually like to read a lot. When you read good books and articles, you see what good writing looks like, and you can "imitate" it. Good writers have good vocabularies, grammar, and punctuation, so they are good models of those aspects of writing. Studies have shown that ESL students who read the most have the highest levels of English skills. It doesn't matter what you read; read a book, article, newspaper, magazine, or comic book. Read articles on the Internet. Read blogs. The important thing is to read daily and to read about something you are interested in. When you read, try not to use the dictionary too much. Try to figure out the meaning of new words from their context. Only look up a word if you absolutely cannot understand what the author is writing without knowing that word. The more you read, the more you will enjoy reading. And the more you read, the more you will learn.

So my advice to you is to keep writing and reading to become a better writer. Good luck!