Many of my English students say writing in English is a challenge -- but it’s often just a case of confidence. With practice, and the tips in this article, you can gain the confidence you need to write well in English. This post will look at the 3 key stages of writing a great composition, essay or report in English -- planning, writing the text and reading it back.
And remember, if you need to fast-track your English writing skills for exams, study or work, the fastest way is to take English classes that focus on those skills. You can find specialist English writing courses here.
Let’s start at the beginning; planning is an integral part of writing. I have been teaching English for many years. I noticed that the students who plan their writing produce much better work. So even if you hate the idea of planning, try experimenting with some of the ideas in this article.
Planning your writing: Address the question
If you are writing for a class assignment or an English exam, you must address the question you’ve been given. Even if you can only spare five minutes to plan what you will write, it will help.
Start by breaking the question down into its parts. There will usually be two or three aspects to a question (for example the three bullet points in Cambridge First). You want to cover all aspects of the question -- and make it obvious to your teacher or examiner that you have covered all the aspects. The best way to demonstrate this is to give each aspect its own paragraph.
Brainstorm English vocabulary
Think about what English vocabulary you know. Perhaps you would like to write one paragraph from a particular angle, but when you start planning you find there are holes in your vocabulary. Maybe you are better able to write from a different angle? Choose ideas you can clearly state in English.
Write chunks of language
Even with a giant vocabulary, some ideas are complex to write about. Causality, speculation and hypothetical scenarios are all abstract concepts which make it more challenging to write exactly what you want. But they are also an opportunity to push your English ability and show your grammatical range.
Sound out in your head how you will make your arguments. When you get stuck, try writing this part down in your plan. It might be a whole sentence in English, or just a clause. This will help you decide if you have enough English ability to get across the idea. Or do you need to simplify your thoughts to remain clear to the reader?
Writing English compositions: Use your plan!
I have seen many students of English write logical plans that address the question… but when they start writing, they go off on a random tangent!
Of course, you can change some things as you write your essay. But keeping an eye on your plan prevents you from getting distracted. If you are sitting for a writing exam, it also helps you stay aware of your word count and time.
Write your English essay introduction last
You should at least consider this idea. The purpose of an introduction is to tell the reader what they are going to read, so how can you write the introduction when you haven’t written the content yet?
Introductions are much easier when we already have the content written in front of us.
Even if you are writing on paper, it is still possible to write the introduction last -- you just need to leave a few lines for it.
Ensure your essay introduction and conclusion match
The introduction and conclusion in your English composition or report should also match the content of your main body paragraphs! This might seem obvious, but I often see conclusions in an essay that don’t match the introductions.
You can avoid this problem by writing your conclusion last. It will also be avoided by planning, and thinking a little more deeply how you feel about the question before you start. You don’t have to think about your answer for hours, just a minute or so.
Use linkers to connect up your English composition
Linkers are often misunderstood. People think they’re a way of showing “formal English” but in fact, we use linkers all the time, even when we’re chatting with friends. We use them in speech and in writing to indicate “I’m going to add to what was just said,” or “I’m going to contradict what was just said,”
Linkers in English are simply words or phrases that connect sentences or ideas, making your writing or speech clearer and more logical. Examples include and, but, because, and however.
Read your English composition after you write it
Many English students are very reluctant to read what they write. But before you hand in your essay, please read it over to check for spelling errors, missing third person s, capital letters -- whatever errors you often make.
And if you don’t know what errors you often make, it’s because you never checked your writing. Reading your essays helps you become an expert on your writing strengths and weaknesses. This will just make your English compositions better and better.
Moreover, you should read back your essay or text because it’s enjoyable to see how skillfully you have explained your ideas in English. You did it! Well done! Enjoy the moment with some positivity!