4 'Simple' Things I do to improve my writing skill (Part 1)

Yesterday, I noticed that one member left a comment on one of my blog posts. On the blog post, I shared about my blogging experience on MyEC. He asked me: Ranu, can you share me a tip on how you started?

Well, I know that I'm not an excellent writer and I'm still learning to write in English. But, since we are here to learn English, I think that we can share our learning experiences. So, we can take benefits from other experiences.

I started to blog several years ago. And my journey wasn't smooth. I hobbled in my journey, and often desperate. So, after I take a look at my past, I conclude several things that help me write in English.

Choose good grammar books
Read and write English articles daily
Maximize tools that you have
Ask for correction

I want to explain these tips as detail as I can. But, I'm afraid that my article becomes too long and make you feel boring. So, I decide to split it into 4 series. Here, the number one:

Choose good grammar books

There is a sad news, friends. There is no shortcut to develop our writing ability. We should learn English grammar. And it means we should read English grammar books.

I remember the first thing that appeared in my mind when I thought about an English grammar book. A thick and boring book full of explanations that I couldn't hardly understand. Well, I still think in that way.

However, not all of English grammar books are boring. You only need to find several good grammar books. My first favorite grammar book was "When Bad Grammar Happens to Good People." It was written by Ann Batko.

The book addresses some tricky grammar rules that not only trap us, English learners, but also trap native English speakers who have been learning English for their entire life. Ann Batko explained those in funny ways. The book also contains a lot of exercises and answer keys.

My new favorite grammar book is Essential English Grammar in Use written by Raymond Murphy. I knew this book for the first time from Tanya, our friend on EC who also an English teacher. This book actually for elementary students. But, I recommend this book for people who just start to learn English grammar.

Read these English grammar books and try to do exercices that are provided by the books.

So, my friends, have you known or read one of these books? Or maybe you have another suggestions, just let me know.

PS: If you find mistakes on my article, please don't hesitate to correct them.

For writing skill;

be focus your mind and collect & meet your imagine and your vocabulary

also reading an article before concentration is helpful to get inspiration.

in addition; it depends on your ability, how far you like writing, some people have an more dinamic character and their daily habbits not allow to develop attitude towards writing.

I am doing this way (mentioned above), I am a dedicated learner and as to my experience; your brain is shaped gradually in the process of time. Trust me.

at the begining, I had struggled with my grammar a lot, I'd lived with a grammar book (which are Betty Azar and another one are my best friend ), I've started look up into my grammar book decreasingly . Therotical and practical learning should be in a good balance. There are lots of grammar tips which I have to learn and I will. Especially for academic career or writings of business, it should be known.

and notice ! what happening in the language, notice your mistakes and catch the learning pattern to yourself.

Dear Ranu,

You've chosen a good topic, in spite of mentioned some ideas above but still I am suffering pain in selecting of topic . Because I am with the aim of keeping learners' interest.

If anyone not write any comment to your blog, you get dissapointed straitaway.

Anyway, I've written something however I feel, I hope you find it appropriate to your issue.

I like your entuhasiasim of learning.

If you find my grammar mistakes, please you show me too :=)))

Have a nice day,

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Comments

HH is Hisham Hussain* June 2, 2011 17:18

Good work my dear brother Ranu.

Advice with experience. Meantime, I appreciate for showing the books as references. Keep writing Ranu. We need you mannnn......
selma June 2, 2011 10:27
For writing skill;

be focus your mind and collect & meet your imagine and your vocabulary

also reading an article before concentration is helpful to get inspiration.
- in addition; it depends on your ability, how far you like writing, some people have an more dinamic character and their daily habbits not allow to develop attitude towards writing.
I am doing this way (mentioned above), I am a dedicated learner and as to my experience; your brain is shaped gradually in the process of time. Trust me.
- at the begining, I had struggled with my grammar a lot, I'd lived with a grammar book (which are Betty Azar and another one are my best friend ), I've started look up into my grammar book decreasingly . Therotical and practical learning should be in a good balance. There are lots of grammar tips which I have to learn and I will. Especially for academic career or writings of business, it should be known.
- and notice ! what happening in the language, notice your mistakes and catch the learning pattern to yourself.
Dear Ranu,

You've chosen a good topic, in spite of mentioned some ideas above but still I am suffering pain in selecting of topic . Because I am with the aim of keeping learners' interest.

If anyone not write any comment to your blog, you get dissapointed straitaway.

Anyway, I've written something however I feel, I hope you find it appropriate to your issue.

I like your entuhasiasim of learning.

If you find my grammar mistakes, please you show me too :=)))

Have a nice day,
Ario June 2, 2011 7:29

@Ruwan, Nadira, Ann

Thank for your comments, my dear friends. I'm so glad that you spent your time to read this blog post and I'm glad that this blog post can be helpful for you.
Anna June 2, 2011 5:32

Ranu, this is such a useful blog. I'll look for the books you recommended at the book stores in my country :)
Now, I'm using one English grammar book which's designed for self-study and gives simple explanations.
Nadira June 1, 2011 18:53

wonderful words of advice and feelings of experiences in acquiring Engllish
Ario June 1, 2011 16:09

@Martin

Thank for your comment Martin. You should check Batko's book because I think it would be helpful. I notice that Raymond Murphy has a lot of books. But, I didn't know that he wrote for different levels of English learners.

After I finish Essential English Grammar in Use, I will try to find his other books. Thank for the information.
Ario May 28, 2011 10:41

@ Ruth

Thank for your comment, Ruth. I happy to know that you thought I could write very clearly. It means my initial purpose to write this blog is successful.
Ario May 20, 2011 5:39

@ Ricardo

Thanks Ricardo...I'm glad this blog helped you...have a good time
Ricardo Concepción May 19, 2011 12:14

Great blog my friend. I am going to try to buy these book. Thanks for your recomendation.
Ario May 19, 2011 4:01

@ Anele

Anele, it's always a pleasure to have you here. You always be supportive and helpful. Yes, Mayumi is my role model as well. About the ebook version, I think it's better to discuss it outside this blog post :)

About the other series, I'm still thinking how to write them down..lol

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