Simple Ways to Boost Writing Skills
Becoming a strong writer takes practice and time. Many students grumble about having to write, or only put forth minimal effort. But writing can be fun and improving writing skills doesn’t have to be hard. Making some simple changes can pay off and help take your writing to the next level.
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If you want to improve your writing, increase your reading. Explore different authors and types of text. As you read what others have written, it can give you a better sense of how to explain yourself, put together sentences and paragraphs, organize stories, and capture others’ attention. You get to see a variety of writing styles and purposes. Open your mind and learn from others.
Get Creative
Writing doesn’t have to be just for school. You can write for yourself too. The Internet is full of writing prompts for kids, or you can come up with your own. Pick a line from your favorite book and rewrite what comes next. Journal about what happened that day or week. Create an argument for something you’re passionate about, whether it’s why you should be able to stay up later, get a dog, or recycle more. Your writing doesn’t have to be perfect — just keep practicing.
Challenge Yourself
Get a word-a-day calendar or open up the dictionary and pick one new word to learn each week. Make it a point to try to use that new word in your conversations or writing. The more words you know, the more dynamic you can make your writing and better express yourself. Doing crossword puzzles and playing word games can help too and give you practice with spelling.
Use an Organizer
When you are preparing to write an essay, outline what you plan on writing about. This can help you identify where you are missing information and allow you to organize your thoughts. It can be easier to stay focused and on track when you have a plan to follow.
Read Your Work Aloud
When you’re reading your writing in your head, it can be easy for your brain to fill in blanks because you know what you are trying to say. Reading your writing aloud allows you to actually hear what you have written and catch things that may not make sense. You can also find where you may have accidentally left out words or used an incorrect word. Have someone else listen and see if they understand what you are talking about. They can give constructive feedback to help you improve your writing and make it stronger.
Another benefit to writing every day is that it improves your speed and stamina. This can help when taking notes in class and making sure you catch the most important parts. If you need help with note taking, staying organized, or writing mechanics, Crafting Scholars offers services in all of these areas. We work with you to put together a program that fits your needs and goals. Contact us today to learn more!