This article is an extension to my last one called ‘Reading for vocabulary’ which focused on how reading can enhance our word-power and how can we retain new words in our memory forever and use them. I advised the students to keep a vocabulary book and continue adding new phrases into that. Your personal hand-written dictionary will help you throughout your life. So, start creating that document today if you want to excel at English language.
Many of us dread to write. The thought of writing just gives us paranoia, a fear….And it’s very natural. Writing is a skill, just like swimming, riding a bike, dancing and singing, driving etc and we get anxious when we begin to learn a new thing in life. Same is the case with writing. We’ve got to learn those tools and rules to play with the words. Again, passion rules the game. Learn with passion and you will learn better and faster. I am going to suggest you a few ‘cool tips’ on how to conquer that fright now and I hope you will heed them and learn from them.
If you have never written on your own before, here’s a quick tip. Write down five wishes on a piece of paper. For instance;
I wish I could write better. I wish I could conquer those fears which hold me from progressing. I wish I could speak three languages at least and so on. When you’re done with your wish-list, write a few questions starting with ‘Wh—‘ like, ‘what should I do to have my wishes fulfilled?’ or ‘where do I find those people who can help me get my wishes fulfilled?’ Write as many questions to start with. This is thinking and writing exercise. Think in English. Make sure your questions relate with your wish-list. Having done that, write a short paragraph or two and describe your wishes and how you are going to achieve them. Later, type it and send email to your friend who wishes he/she could write English. This small activity can get you started with writing. Go ahead and try it! Continue communicating with your friend in English via email.
If you’re reading this article now, of course you desire to develop your writing skills. So, here’s tip No. two;
Read. Read as much as you can! Stephen King says that reading brings you ideas, opens your minds to write those ideas. It’s impossible to write unless you read. Reading and writing go hands in hands as listening and speaking. Write your thoughts every day before you sleep. What you did, where you went, who you saw, how you felt….every important and unimportant thought. Make it a ritual. Push yourself to do it. Motivation will come along the way if it is not there now.
Find people who are interested in writing and sharing to start with. Join blog sites where English learners hang out. You will find many people sharing the same interest. That will become a fun learning thing for you.
Writing is fascinating, reading is inspiring and motivating. Enjoy it!
Happy learning!
Students are welcome to contact me at rizteacher@yahoo.com for further guidance. I will be pleased to answer their questions.
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About the author:
Riz Qamar is an English teacher in China. He was born and raised in India, grew up in a tiny wee village. He graduated in English Literature and Education as major subjects and became a teacher.
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