How to Improve Your Writing Step By Step: 10 Simple Ways

A lot of people are thinking about becoming full-time writers. They see it as an easy job that would just require a few hours of typing. But the reality is much different. Even when doing an essay writing assignment for school, you have to put a lot of effort into it. But if you’re set on learning how to improve your writing skills, the 10 tips below are a must-know!

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Tip 1: Recheck Sentence Structure, Grammar, and Spelling 

Using correct grammar and spelling means that you know what you’re doing. Today, plenty of online tools (that you don’t need to pay for) help check whether your grammar is correct. It also helps you to fix any spelling mistakes. 

Of course, pay attention to the sentence structure, as it shows your knowledge of the language. Browse through these two sentences:

  1. Can you bring the bowl?
  2. You can bring the bowl.

The alternation of the first and second words completely changes the meaning.

Tip 2: Create an Outline

Never go blindly into a text. One of the basic writing skills is knowing how to create a simple outline that you follow. It allows you to keep track of what is necessary to “easy write” a piece and not stray and add useless text. 

Regardless of what you’re creating, whether it’s blog posts, posts for social media or content marketing, a college essay, etc., you always start with an introduction and follow with a heavy focus on the body part, wrapping it up with a short outro.

Tip 3: Do Your Research

Research is always part of the creative journey. It doesn’t matter what method of writing you’re using—whether doing a factually heavy piece or a simple fictional drama, there will come a point when you have to research some part. In fact, research helps you embellish your work and even add some parts you didn’t think of when starting.

Tip 4: Always Self Edit

When you’re first starting to write, you’re bound to make some mistakes. Whether that’s a spelling mistake or repeating something you’ve previously said, it reflects badly on you. That is why self-editing before you finish your piece is a must! It requires more time and effort, but you’ll be sure that what you’ve created is 100% done.

Tip 5: Keep It Simple

If you really want to up your writing skills level, then always keep it simple. Ask yourself, “Can a kid understand it?” If so, then you’re right on track. Of course, not all texts work within this mold, but the point is simple—the simpler the wording and structure, the easier for the reader to comprehend and understand your point.

Tip 6: Ask for Feedback

Two pairs of eyes are 10x better than one. Many studies indicate that feedback helps students improve their overall learning. If you feel comfortable, give your work to someone else to read and give you feedback on it. It helps you to see what things you need to improve. Another read from a different perspective adds some interesting views you missed.

Tip 7: Passive Voice Is a “NO”

If you’re aiming to create something that’s as close as possible to professional writing, then stick to only active sentences. Of course, you may use passive in your text but aim to reduce it to a minimum. Active voice always creates a better bond with your reader—it seems as if you’re directly talking to them. On the other hand, passive distances you from them—which is something you definitely don’t want.

Tip 8: Be Natural

Don’t use extravagant words just for the sake of it. Since you keep your texts simple, you also have to use a more conversational approach. Or better said, use your own voice—the one that shares your thoughts and ideas. That way, you’re creating something that has a unique touch to it.

Note: Try to use such a tip even when you’re doing an “easy write” assignment for school. 

Tip 9: Don’t Think—Try!

Don’t just think about how your assignment (or any other one) needs to look like—write. The beginning is difficult, and you ponder whether you start it in one way or another. But you only know if you try. Grab a pen or a keyboard and start putting down anything that you think of. It is similar to creating a structure, only here you’re letting all your ideas out, so you see what is scrapped and what is kept. 

Tip 10: Read, Read, Read!

Among the skills of a good writer, one always stands out—reading. In fact, all top writers have one thing in common—they all love to read. By grabbing a book, regardless of the genre, you’re fueling your brain with more material, simultaneously opening it up to new ideas. You can even call it your research! 

For instance, you see how different people use poignant in a sentence and maybe tailor your style to fit one of those in your next piece. It also improves your vocabulary and lets you describe things better, bringing your book/text closer to readers.

Concluding thoughts…

Making a great piece is not easy. It is essential to do your own research, use a compelling and eye-grabbing style, edit the piece, and so much more. But that is the beauty of creating a text. Yet, finishing one text doesn’t mean that’s it—now you know how to write. 

It is an ever-growing, ever-changing concept—you always improve, add new things and erase old ones. Plenty of people do it professionally, so if you think that is not your forte, don’t worry — you may pay for essays and have an expert do them.

Will Fastiggi
Will Fastiggi

Originally from England, Will is an Upper Primary Coordinator now living in Brazil. He is passionate about making the most of technology to enrich the education of students.

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