How to study writing
Recorded at Step Three

Part I audio
Writing is perhaps the most difficult of the four skills to study. There are a number of activities we recommend to improve your writing.

1. Reading
See our How to study reading page. Reading is what gives us the examples that make us good writers.

2. Writing every day
Practice makes perfect. There are two tasks to focus on when you practice. The first task is content, and the second task is the mechanics of writing. Both are important. Practice both, but do so at separate times. First, write for content. Without content, why write? Second, after you have written the content, revise your writing with the mechanics of writing. If this section is confusing, read our page, Being a good writer: two hats.

End of Part I audio

Part II audio
3. Finding someone to share your writing with
It is probably hard for you to clearly examine your own writing. Try to find someone to help you. While a native speaker is best, good nonnative speakers are great too. You could always try to find people on the Web too.

4. Reading more
Reading is the heart of writing. Reading is what gives us the examples that make us good writers. Did we say that twice? We meant to. Reading is what gives us the examples that make us good writers. Read and you will become a better writer.

Good luck!

The End

日本語の解説：
ここで挙げられている４つのポイントについて、何か気が付かれたでしょうか？ポイント１と４は、ほぼ同じ内容の繰り返しになっています。それほど、リーディングが英文ライティング力の向上に役立つのです。多くの英語の本や記事を読んで、ライティングの手本をたくさん学びとってください。そしてポイント２にあるように、最初は内容に集中して書き、その後で文章の表現、構成などを考慮して、推敲します。ポイント３で述べているように、英語を母国語とする人や英語を母国語としなくても優れた英語力をもった人に、ライティングについて助言や指導をしてもらいます。これにより英作文力をいっそう高めることができます。