Music, movies, readings…but where is writing?

Music, movies, readings…but where is writing?

We always talk about the four skills when dealing with languages: listening, speaking, reading and writing. This last one is, for some reason and, many times, for any reason, blatantly neglected and treated as unimportant.

What is it that makes writing boring for some and/or difficult for others?

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There might be other explanations, but one is certainly the fact that in order to write we have to start, develop and finish something. Not so with the other skills: we listen and enjoy; we read and learn; we watch telly or see a film and get involved with what’s happening; we speak and see what the reaction is and rely on the other part to help with the communication process. Although speaking causes some fear and blockages, it seems to be easier to chat for some minutes than to write a brief note.

Writing starts within

When we are writing we are in charge. Even though we can rewrite and delete, we are still left with a big task. We write for others to read and the readers are looking for something. Writing has to reach a destination that is in the writer’s mind regardless of whether personal interaction will ever happen. It is a creative process, but not a very interactive one. The interaction is within one’s mind and knowledge and life. Others are considered within these limits and perceptions.

The role of writing

You may be thinking ‘Oh, I do not need writing; I do not write and my English is great. I learn vocabulary and improve my grammar through the other skills.’

The kind of learning that writing provides is far more reaching than one can imagine. When putting pen to paper – or finger to keyboard – the words have to be picked, chewed, tasted and tested. Each word counts; each sentence has life in itself. When we are selecting, trying and adventuring ourselves in writing, everything is possible. All senses are used in the effort to convey a message.

However, even in the middle of a creative and crazy piece of text, we often thirst for something more. It might be that word that we do not remember or that expression that we do not know yet, but behold we are about to investigate. And this kind of learning, I guarantee, will not only remain but also trigger other things in your mind. A journey into discovery awaits you when you write.

Next time I will share some tips to motivate you and help you to put your thoughts on paper. Or on the screen.

MELHORE SUA PRONÚNCIA EM INGLÊS Nesta aula, o professor Adir Ferreira, autor do livro "A Chave do Aprendizado da Língua Inglesa", nos conta como se tornou um Expert em pronúncia e dá várias dicas para você se comunicar melhor em inglês. ACESSAR AULA

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Erica

Erica De Monaco Lowry

Erica De Monaco Lowry has been living in Ireland since 2008. She is a teacher, an interpreter, a translator, a tour guide and an insatiable learner. Her favorite pastimes include reading, travelling, socialising and catching up with her family.

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