General Ways to

Improve Writing

1. Reading and Listening
 
 
 

Vocabulary

format	manner	structure (2)
way (2)	get a feel	appropriate
expose	range (2)	terminology
variety	modicum	literature (2)
instead	note (2)	enthusiast
lengthy	suitable	encyclopedia
imprint	enhance	depend on
keen	proficient	mainstream
tabloid	purpose	subjective
analyze	astrology	current affairs
source	confusing	sensationalism
go over	standard	journal (2)
archaic	model (2)	comprehend
plot	dialogue	drawn out
boring	Victorian	to top it off
skip (2)	model (3)	Elizabethan
author	manners	pay attention

 
 
 
 

Reading and Writing

To become proficient at writing, you must know how to format and organize your paper. You must structure the paragraphs and sentences correctly. And you should use the appropriate vocabulary.

A good way to learn this is to read as much and as widely as possible. Being exposed to the right material will give you a feel for how they are constructed.

The key word here is right: the books, articles, stories and videos you read, watch and listen to have to be of high quality. But what exactly do we mean by “right” and “high quality”?

Good Books, Newspapers, Magazines

The truth is there are no “right” and “wrong” types of writings. This is subjective and depends on the reader and his or her purpose.

Many people are interested in current affairs on mainstream news. Others prefer tabloid sensationalism. Enthusiasts like to read up on their favorite topics, ranging from astrology, cats and computers to fashion, woodcarving and yoga. Business people study financial reports and analyses, while scientists go over research journals. And most people also read for enjoyment.

Still, virtually everything published follows a modicum of writing standards.

Classical Literature

When I was in school, we had to read and study the works of classical writers such as Shakespeare and Dickens.

However, these were very difficult to comprehend because the language was archaic with unfamiliar terminology.

Not only that, but many of my classmates found the plots and dialogues to be drawn out — and, well, boring.

To top it all off, in real life, nobody talks and writes in an Elizabethan or Victorian manner.

Your Preferences

And so you should instead read what is interesting and clear for you; and use those as writing models. The same goes for videos (if you find a text confusing or poorly written, skip it and find a more suitable one; I do realize though that for schoolwork, students often have to study lengthy, difficult literature).

Some good sources of reading (and listening) material are bbcnews.com, dw.com, the World Book Encyclopedia and YouTube. On YouTube, you can find a wide variety of videos produced by a range of authors on any given topic. Some will be better than others. Pay attention to “the best”.

If you have read an excellent book, read other works by the same author. Some acclaimed writers include Brian Tracy, Bob Bly and Mark Ford.

Once you have found an article or story to your liking, analyze it. Note the format, structure and terminology. Better yet, re-write or re-type it to imprint that style into your hand(s) and mind. See if you can make improvements on it.

Good writers are keen readers and listeners. Reading and listening to quality material will enhance your writing.

 

Questions

1. Anyone can simply write anything off the top of their head. True or false?

2. What is a good way to know and understand proper writing?

3. People should read and watch anything to improve their writing. Yes or no?

4. Is there definitely right and wrong, good and bad literature, or does it depend on the individual? Give examples.

5. The writer thinks that people should study and write like Shakespeare and Dickens. Is this right or wrong? Why does he not appreciate them?

6. What does the writer recommend people read?

7. Is reading and listening only passive?

 
 

A. I had to study classical literature in school. Is this correct or incorrect? How did you find them? Were they difficult?

B. What were some great books or movies, articles or videos that you have read or seen?

C. Who are some excellent writers or speakers?

D. I know many different people who love different types of books, magazines, movies and videos. Yes or no?

E. What will happen in the future?