02/06/2020
1. Read a lot.
You can’t get better at writing if you don’t like to read. Think of it this way: your writing is largely a reflection of your reading. If you are an avid reader, then you will be able to express your ideas in a variety of ways. If you only read textbooks, your writing will be informative and rather dry.
It should come as no surprise, then, that many instructors think that reading is the most important activity that will improve your writing. It helps you on a number of different levels.
a) Reading improves your active vocabulary. (That is, not only your ability to recognize words, but to also use them.)
b) Reading deepens your comprehension of the subjects you write about.
c) It makes you aware of different writing styles, which you can then adapt.
2. Skip the generic words.
Most writing instructors advise against using words like “thing”, “good”, “really”, and “very” in your writing, as they make it sound rather bland. Every time you have the urge to use these, try to replace them with a better-sounding equivalent. For example, instead of saying “Her performance was very interesting”, you can say “Her performance was riveting.”
3. Improve your grammar.
Nowhere is bad grammar as evident as it is in writing. While in speaking I encourage my students not to get hung up on grammar, in writing I do the opposite. Every time you have doubts about a certain sentence structure you’ve used, please consult your grammar books in order to make sure it’s correct.
This is why it is useful to have someone else go over your writing if you have the chance. An extra pair of eyes to proofread and check for grammatical errors will never hurt.
4. Use a thesaurus.
You should have the thesaurus open in your browser or a hard copy of it on your desk every time you embark on a writing task. Take some time to look up synonyms to words that you overuse in your writing. It will add some color to your work as well as improve your own vocabulary.
5. Practice with native speakers
Practicing your English is key to improving all your skills, including your writing. If you are keen on improving your writing skills, allocate time each day to this very task.
If you feel that you need more guidance in helping you improve, sign up to English Ninjas, and our experienced native English-speaking tutors will help you during your one-on-one lessons.
