In a previous blog entry I shared about a lifehack for improving your English – Reading. I was doing some of that – reading – recently online and found it on someone’s list of 20 things to do everyday that’ll make you smarter. Guess what else is on that list? Writing. It’s also one of the ways ESL students can accelerate English learning and improve confidence with using what you know.
Why write?
Like reading, writing encourages vocabulary growth, grammar skills, and use of proper syntax. It’s a great exercise for after wrapping up (finishing) a lesson or two on tense usage, sentence structure, vocab, etc. Learn a new word or two? Put into practice what you learned – write some sentences using different tenses and structures.
Writing helps the brain store information more effectively and fosters better memory skills. You will be better at recalling that word or phrase that is just on the tip of your tongue (you know it, but can’t quite remember it). Studies show that students who regularly take handwritten notes during college classes consistently score better on tests. They have better retention of what they have been taught.
Writing forces a person to pay attention to their memories, experiences, and internal dialogues – a combination that increases brain function altogether. Studies have shown journaling, the activity of writing down thoughts, experiences, short summaries of how you’re physical and mental health is, and so on, improves overall mental and even physical well being.
What to write?
I’ve already given a couple of examples – practice writing sentences using what you’ve recently learned and journaling. You can write short stories about a real or fictional (not real) character or scene – focus on the who, why, what, when, and how …. answer those questions and you’ll be well on your way. Practice writing by answering a prompt or question. Write about a previous trip or memorable (something that is worth remembering) experience. It doesn’t have to be long or take much time, but it is something you should be doing.
If you come up short (you’re not successful) and can’t find something to write about, drop me a line (send me a message) and I will share some prompts to get you started. And if you do get going and start writing, why not schedule some time with me and we can go over it on Skype, if it’s on a topic you are comfortable sharing with me. I’d be happy to review and correct as needed. It would probably be a great opportunity to learn some new vocabulary, different sentence structures, and definitely give you an opportunity to practice listening and speaking – two other suggestions for improving your English.
Any idea what some of the other things are on the list of 20 things to do everyday? Why not write about something you think should be on the list and why?
Click here to schedule a class over Skype – from conversation practice to test preparation and specific topics like Business English, improve your English skills with one-on-one sessions that fit your schedule. Skype @ alex.g.k5
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