To learn how to write
well, you need some basic tools.
Getting Some Basic
Tools
Effective writing
requires lifelong learning and finding answers to all your questions about
writing. Accordingly, you need to get some basic tools for your effective
writing:
A dictionary
Use a dictionary to
find out what words mean and to make sure that words mean what you think they
mean.
Use a dictionary to
see a word in context so that you have better understanding of how that
word should be used in your own writing.
Use a dictionary to
find out the preferred spelling of a word because the same word can be spelled
differently.
Use a dictionary to
determine the usage of a word, such as the preposition that normally goes with
it
A thesaurus
A thesaurus may help
you find the right word to use. Sometimes you cannot recall a certain word that
you may wish to use; in that case, a dictionary may not be able to help you. A
thesaurus provides words and phrases that are close in meaning.
Understanding the Purpose of Writing
You write not just for your
teachers or your readers, but, more importantly, for yourself.
There are several reasons why you should write:
Writing may be a part
of your job description. Writing letters, memos, reports, minutes of meetings,
and sending e-mails may be your daily tasks at your workplace.
Writing affords you an
opportunity to explore yourself—your thoughts and feelings. Writing is often a
journey of self-discovery: you begin to find out more about who you
are, and what your values are. Writing is more than an expression of self:
it creates the self. To that end, you can write a diary or
journal for self-expression. Regular journal writing not only improves your
writing skill but also expands your thinking.
Writing helps you
organize your thinking. Effective writing requires you to put your random
thoughts into a coherent pattern. Through writing, you learn to mentally
articulate your ideas in a more logical and systematic way. Writing regularly
improves your logic and sharpens your power of reasoning.
Writing enhances your
ability to use language for specific purposes. You begin to realize how some
writers use manipulative language to persuade others. Accordingly, you learn to
“read between the lines” as well as to recognize the truths from the myths.
Writing is an
effective means of communication with others. Even when you write an e-mail to
your friends, you have to make yourself intelligible by writing what you mean
and meaning what you write.
Writing is an
important communication skill. Reap all the benefits of writing by learning how
to write. Make a virtue out of your necessity.
What separates EFFECTIVE WRITING Made Simple from
other books on how to improve your writing skill?
Firstly this book is
presented in a simple and easy-to-follow format: it is easy to read and
understand. Secondly, this book is comprehensive: it covers every aspect of
good writing—from basic grammar, correct sentences, effective use of words,
paragraph development, to style and usage. With many examples and
illustrations, this book is like a handy manual at your fingertips for easy reference.
Effective writing is an essential communication skill in inter-personal
relationships and in almost every profession.
Copyright© by Stephen
Lau
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