According to experts, writing is an integral skill that everyone should master, especially students and professionals. When you write, you have the ability to take your time and use language that best represents the tone you wish to inflect. While in the process of writing, it’s only natural to make spelling and grammar mistakes or make poor word choices. This, however, does not mean you should quit writing. Instead, you should take it as an opportunity to learn from your mistakes, and further your writing skills. Additionally, there are many custom essay services that have essay samples you can use to help smooth out the process.
If you want to improve your writing skills in a foreign language, read on for some tips to help with the transition!
1. Use a Grammar and Spell Checker to Edit Your Writing
These days, writers and students have increased their dependence on services such as Grammarly, Ginger and other similar spelling checking programs. While writing English as a second language, you may make certain mistakes in the essay. One of the best and most thorough ways to mitigate this issue is to run the final draft through a spell checker. If you fail to do so and submit the paper to the teacher as is, it may lessen your chances of receiving a good grade.
2. Look at Mistakes as Learning Opportunities
As mentioned above, while writing in another language, you might leave a lot of spelling or grammar mistakes. The most important thing you need to remember is that you can learn from your mistakes. Though editing the text may alleviate most of these issues, you can save time in the future by learning the areas in which you need to improve.
3. Learn How to Write with Style
Experienced essay writer Joel Donnelly – from Essay Kitchen – states that “If you do not learn to write with style, it will not be possible for you to get recognized as a student or as a writer.” Do you know that more than 90 percent of writers and students, who call themselves intelligent and successful, know how to write with style? If your vocabulary is basic, then this is the right time to build vocabulary and to improve your writing skills by bringing home a dictionary. By enhancing your vocabulary, and learning how to use these words correctly, you will be able to further your writing style.
4. Become an Avid Reader
Before writing in a foreign language, it is important to read stories and essays written by others. For example, if you are a Chinese student who has just received admission in the United States, it is important for you to read papers that have been written in English. Once you have read enough work, you will be one step closer to being able to draft an essay of your own.
5. Create Your Own Phrasebook
Noting down new words and phrases in a notebook will allow you to reference them later. For example, when you read a new word or phrase from the internet, a book, or a dictionary, keep a note of them. Then, instead of learning them temporarily, you will be able to look back upon the new words you have discovered, and further acquaint yourself with them. You should repeat the same process every day so that your notebook becomes a good source of information. Then, when it comes to crafting your essay, you will have a notebook full of new and interesting words you will be able to use.
6. Think in the Foreign Language While You Write
Though it may take more effort than thinking in your native tongue, you should try and think in the foreign language while you write. This practice can be of great assistance when it comes to writing in a new language, as it forces you to become acquainted with new words and phrases. For instance, let’s say you are learning Italian. You can start by memorizing the complex words and practice your Italian grammar so you can use them in your essay. This way you can ensure that the final paper reads flawlessly and looks great. If you are unsure about how to think like a native, you can always seek help with essay writing.
7. Study Grammar
The best way to study grammar is by bringing home a couple of dictionaries. Be diligent in your studies by setting aside time to learn new words from the dictionaries you acquire.
Another helpful tip is to familiarize yourself with different writing styles. For this purpose, you can go through various essays in the foreign language that deploy different writing styles, and trying out some of these styles for yourself! This will help you improve your writing skills, sharpen your mind, and allow help you become a proficient writer.
8. Ask a Native Speaker to Edit Your Writing
Lastly, you should ask a native speaker to edit your paper. You may not know anyone personally who would be able to do this, but if you are studying in a foreign country, there are native speakers all around you! You can meet and interact with them in your college, or find a native editor on social media or another useful resource. It is important to remember that a different language is a different vision of life, so only a native speaker can fix your text to make it look flawless and professional.
Make sure to keep the above points in mind next time you try and write an essay in a foreign language. Just remember, it is a process, and it requires time and attention!
For more great college tips, check out the other blogs on College Basics.
