How can you improve your written English?

Answer 1

If you are a native English speaker, go to 'NOTE' at the end. If you are not a native English speaker, read on!

Written English follows listening to English, speaking English, and reading English.

• So first you must listen well, and listen to English at every opportunity. Speak to native English speakers, listen to English radio, watch English television and movies.

• You must practice speaking English often. Try to be with with native English speakers and to have conversations with them. You should try to use only English when speaking to friends and fellow students.
  

• Then you must read a lot. In addition to general reading, it will good to read the type of English that you wish to write.

For example, if you want to write letters, look at model letters, see the style and vocabulary used. This will give you an idea of what to include in any letters you write.

If you are writing to tell someone what you have been doing, just use the best English you can, and write as if you are talking to them.

When you become more experienced you will learn about paragraphs, introductions and conclusions, and how to indicate successive points in a longer story or a report.

VOCABULARY: To be a good writer you must have a wide vocabulary. In the English language there are many ways to say the same thing. If you use alternative words for the words and expressions you use, your writing will be more interesting. Native English speakers often use alternative/different words for the things they are talking about, to prevent it sounding boring!

FINALLY, when you have finished your piece of written work, get a native English speaker to read what you have written. You could also read it aloud to them. Choose someone who is kind, supportive and helpful! They will tell you what is good, and maybe indicate where you could improve.

TIP 1. Your teacher would love to have a lot of written work from you! So write a lot! Don't be nervous or shy! Just write! Your teacher's feedback will be invaluable to you, but only if are humble, can happily accept guidance and correction, and try to put into practice their suggestions.

TIP 2. Don't worry about making mistakes! It's the only way you will learn!

NOTE: If you are a native speaker you have a great advantage over someone who is just learning English for the first time. Most of what is said above you will already know and do. However, you may find some of the suggestions useful, especially those from 'FINALLY' onwards.