Tackling written English isn’t an easy task, we know. Last week we talk about how to improve your listening comprehension. Not long ago we recommended some expressions to polish off your writing, but we know that that isn´t enough. Although pronunciation is one of the biggest problems, it´s true that many of the most common errors for Spanish-speakers are to do with writing.
Whether you like it or not, to master a language you must learn grammar and spelling. We very seriously recommend that if you can, choose a language training centre. But for now, take note of these tips to improve your writing level. Since we are ready, take a look at this post with 7 tricks for writing Emails in English.
We aren´t magicians like Harry Potter, but I am sure that with these guidelines and your perseverance, your learning will progress satisfactorily. Ready?
1. Read lots
Reading is fundamental for improving your writing and therefore, you must read this post with 10 tricks to perfect your reading comprehension in English. Newspapers, social medias, blogs, labels of products, posters…. Make the most of each stimulus to work on this skill.
As well as acquiring a solid base at a good language centre, you must read everything that you come across, in order to take in English writing in a progressive way.
At first, we recommend that you read what you truly like. I´m sure there are accessible novels which you will enjoy reading. Enjoyment has to be a key part of learning.
If you get a bit lost, here are some suggestions for books for an intermediate level of English.
2. Learn New Vocabulary
It may seem obvious, but it´s essential that you work on your vocabulary. Here are 8 pieces of advice for learning more English vocabulary.
You are going to improve your written English without realising. Your writing will have a more refined and elaborated style.
At first it will seem like a huge task, impossible due to the few words that you know, but every challenge has its goal. It´s not about spending all your time glued to a dictionary. It´s enough to read lots, that´s the key.
As you read, write down the words you don´t know in a notebook, with its meaning so that you can try to memorise them. Don´t get fed up if you can´t remember them all, it´s a progressive process and to start with it´s more than enough if you remember just a few.
3. Think before writing
Don’t just start writing without knowing what you want to say. Dedicate time to organise your ideas. Think about what you want to say and how.
To master a language, you don´t only have to write correctly, but your texts also have to have a certain level. You don´t have to be Shakespeare nor Lord Byron, but you should work hard to achieve an elegant, elaborate and personal style.
This advice is aimed at people with at least a level of B1 in English. If you have just started learning the language, choose simple phrases, without subordinates, and don´t use too many tenses.
Don´t force yourself to be perfect, go one step at a time.
4. Write and then edit
When you get to writing, do it continuously. Don’t stop for errors. If you stop a lot for them, the creativity of your writing will be lost. Writing requires freedom and editing requires attention to details.
It´s important that you don´t do both at the same time, especially when you are using a foreign language that you haven´t mastered yet.
First write and then, correct. You always have time to improve any aspect of your writing.
5. Practice everyday
To improve your written English, you must practise every day. You can´t learn by osmosis. Get to work 7 days a week, without exception.
Consistency is the basis for learning any language. It´s enough to listen to music, write a few tweets, send whatsapps, plan or write what you have done during the day.
A good idea is to make a sort of diary, in which you use nouns, verbs and common adjectives, the type of vocabulary that you are most likely to need.
6. Use Language Social Media sites
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn etc… are some of the most well-known social networks. There are others that are designed for learning foreign languages.
Many include instant messengers and chats, two perfect tools for putting your written English to practise and improving with English-speakers.
In this way, you will be obliged to write a little bit every day. And furthermore, your online friends will help you correct your mistakes and you will progress positively.
In this sense, we recommend that you make the most of the educational chats in English, and even use forums such as Wordreference.
7. Check and Organise your Errors
This way you´ll be able to find them easily. Firstly, only correct spelling. Then, tackle the grammar. Finally, you should make sure that the paragraphs are connected in a coherent way. With this simple method, you will make sure that your texts don´t have any mistakes.
If you have an English-speaking friend, ask them to help you correct your writing. If this isn´t the case, you can rely on online sources that we have spoken about before. Here you will be able to find help to improve your written level, and in general, in all four linguistic skills.
With these 7 simple tricks, you are going to advance a lot in your English learning. They aren´t difficult to carry out right?
In any case, if you find this process all too much, you should sign up to a language academy. With the help of proper teachers, improving your written English is a fact.