Do you like to write? Is it difficult to write your thoughts in English? 

Our featured English expert , Teacher Erna will share her tips on English Writing.

What do most students think about writing class?

Before I answer the question, I’d like to share my first English tip to all EFL students -Please consider writing as both challenging and fun class .

I ask students about their impression on English writing during their first day, and most of them think it is boring and difficult. But just like first impressions, these things don’t last. You need to learn English writing because it is your way of freely expressing yourself. Unlike speaking, you can undo what you have written. You can check your grammar and learn from your error.

How do you teach writing?

Writing can be taught in technical terms, I focus on the core which is grammar. Grammar could be difficult, but I always tell my students to write their ideas down first and never hesitate. They can always go back to what they have written and check whether there are errors. I hold individual writing consultation with them.

Is writing fun?

If you don’t have the heart to write, it will never be fun.  Writing is fun when you make it interesting. It’s you who can make it fun and it should be based on the topic you have chosen. I’m just the guide here. Write about your experiences in life. Draw the picture through words. That’s fun !

What’s the difference between English writing and speaking ?

If you don’t have the heart to write, it will never be fun.  Writing is fun when you make it interesting. It’s you who can make it fun and it should be based on the topic you have chosen. I’m just the guide here. Write about your experiences in life. Draw the picture through words. That’s fun !

What’s the difference between English writing and speaking ?

Learn new vocabularies and adjectives. Think in English then write in English.  Proofread your work. Reading your work is the best part of writing;  from there, you are able to check your improvement. Knowing your error means you have improve both on speaking and writing. Start writing using simple sentence, then make the sentence a little bit longer through compound sentences.

What do you guarantee to your writing class students?

Well, I cannot say that I am a magician. I cannot make students instantly love writing . What I want my future students to do is to take the first step with me, listen to what I have to say and learn with me. Learning to love writing class is a process. I can help you improve, but you have to be willing.

Article: Rona Dale Ortiz | Photos: Rudy Dragnel