I love to read.I read on a daily basis .I have to have a book on the go.It needs to be interesting but more importantly it needs to entertain me -its my main form of relaxation particularly in the winter months.Summer is different-thats when I am busy in my garden.But what makes a book entertaining?
I suppose this depends on each individual BUT a good book has to engage with the reader.Like any piece of writing.
Writing to entertain:
So ,as non native speakers ,how can you improve your writing so that its fit for purpose?
If its a story you wish to tell then it helps to use a lot of adjectives including the extremes (tired-exhausted../cold -freezing) to set the tone.Add in some adverbs here and there ,but not too many , to enhance the use of the adjectives and the story begins to take on greater depth.Compare the following...,
He was tired after working all day followed by the walk home in the snow
He was completely exhausted after working all day followed by the trek home through the freezing snowy landscape.
Which attracts more interest?
The use of the active voice rather than the passive is better for story telling -much better when writing fiction to use the Subject-Verb-Object style (The dog bit the child)..in the Passive this becomes (The child was bitten by the dog) which appears a little awkward to the reader who just wants to be entertained.
Use 'strong' words and try not to repeat yourself.Metaphors and similes have a place but use sparingly in fiction writing.
Academic Writing:
Academic writing is usually required in order for the writer to put accross his or her points on a particular topic.This style of writing is more formal.It needs to be clear ,concise and well constructed.The text must also be grammatically sound with no spelling errors.Colloquial phrases ,contractions and verbosity are not really acceptable for this style of writing.The text needs a clear structure with an introduction ,a main body and a clear conclusion.
When non native speakers take tests such as IELTS or CAE they are required to write in an academic style.
The first and most important part of these tasks is to read the question.And read it again to ensure you understand exactly what you need to write about.Usually there is a tight word count so the ability to answer the question while being concise is essential.
The next step is to plan what you will write-do not just launch in to it-remember the structure and word count -include this in the plan.
Now that you have your plan and structure organised its time to put pen to paper and start writing.Think about what linking words (used for giving examples,listing,highlighting points,showing results,generalising etc)can be used and which are more appropriate for your particular writing.Search your brain for synonymous words so that you avoid repeating yourself.
Here is a fairly recent Academic IELTS essay question.
Recently the freedom to work and live anywhere has become the main trend due to the development of communication technology and transportation. Do the advantages of these developments outweigh the disadvantages? Discuss.
Why not have a go -remember to stick to the word count and time limits -250 words and complete ,including planning ,within 40 minutes.
Good luck!
