Improve Your Written English

Write frequently, in a wide range of formal and informal situations.

Get the most out of your dictionary by understanding how to use it correctly . You can use a good English dictionary to find words, for meaning, for pronunciation, to check your spelling and to understand explanations.

Copy out short passages of English text from newspapers, magazines or books.

Try dictation exercises. You can do this online or get friends to read out text for you to write and then check your writing - concentrate on spelling and punctuation.

There are many forums and communities aimed at learning English on the net, find one about your interests or hobbies. Observe the niceties of forum use , and apologise if you think you have made any mistakes.

Use a blog to create a diary about your life. Write it in English and if you have a thick skin, ask for feedback. Remember blogs are not private, so do not write anything there which you do not want the whole world to read. I recommend blogger.com, it is free and very easy to use.

Be careful about using abbreviations when writing on forums and in chatrooms, they are fun and quick, but can cause bad habits to form.

If you are using a computer, use an English spell checker (but don't rely on it). There are spell checkers built in for Google and Firefox browsers.

Check what you've written. Even better, get someone else to proofread what you've written. Check for spelling, capitalisation and punctuation.

Try to find English speaking pen friends and write to them or, use a messenger service like MSN, Yahoo, Google or find a chatroom. If you can't get in touch with native speakers then contact other learners:-

  • You can find ePals on the Internet!

!On the Network :- Use the Learn English Network Discord server to practise your writing.

!On the Network :- Try our proofreading tips.

! Note - If you are going to use forums and chat services, it's as well to brush up on the niceties - otherwise known as Netiquette.

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