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How to write well in English

• content (what you are writing about)
• format/ lay out (the way the content is is structured)
• style (the way it is written, including the register: formal or informal)

Planning the content

Planning is the first stage in writing. It is important to clarify your thoughts and the purpose of your communication before you start writing. It also helps you put your existing ideas into order and come up with new ideas. There are different techniques to plan your writing:

• Make a list of ideas.
• Use sticky notes.
• Brainstorming.
• Spidergrams.
• Drawing.
• Mind maps.

Lay out

A good structure will help you to express yourself more clearly. Organize your writing into introduction, development and conclusion.

Bear in mind that the topic sentence (also known as focus sentence) is very important because not only does it summarizes the main idea of the paragraph but also organizes the entire paragraph. It is also important to use linking words to give cohesion to the text. You may use examples, comparisons, anecdotes, quotes or statisticts to illustrate your ideas.

The following tactics may help you to structure your writing:

• Identify the key points, facts and themes.
• Decide on a logical order for what you have to say.
• Compose a strong introduction and ending. The first will make an immediate and positive impression on the reader; the second will remain in their mind after they have finished reading
• Keep to one idea per paragraph and put your point in the first line, then add the supporting information.
• Stand out the key points by the use of headings, sub-headings and bullet points. This will allow your reader to quickly scan your message for the main points.

Style

Think about your audience when choosing the right register, format and style for your writing. 

Finally, proofread your writing to spot and correct the mistakes. Edit it to improve it.