In her speaking and writing class, Judith asked her students to make a list of the strategies that have been proved effective to improve their English writing.The longest list has got 22 strategies, but some are repetitive. Here is the list. Can you add more to it?

1.       Do more reading.By reading you can get more input. You can enlarge your vocabulary, learn a lot of useful expressions, sentence patterns and the knowledge of English cultures and customs.

2.       Keep English diaries. By keeping a diary you can keep a record of your daily activities.

3.       Find a native English speaker as a pen pal. Find a person to write to so that you can exchange some useful information with each other. In this way you can keep yourself well-informed.

4.       Take English writing courses. If you want to equip your mind with some writing skills, go and take an English writing course.

5.       Keep a blog and post your writings online. If you have a group of readers you will have more incentive to write.

6.       Do translation. Translating English into Chinese or Chinese into English can also help your writing.

7.       Write emails to your friends in English or chat online.

8.       Get feedback from your English teacher. You teacher’s feedback is very helpful in improving your English writing.

9.       Do peer’s review. Asking your classmates for comments on your writing is another form of getting feedback.

10.   Recite some sample essays. Imitation is a very useful method.

11.   Memorize some English proverbs and sayings. English proverbs and sayings can enrich your mind.

12.   Make further study in English speaking countries. Interact with native speakers will undoubtedly help you with your writing.

13.   Revise your essays when you have finished writing.

14.   Read the topic carefully before you start writing.

15.   Make an outline before you write.

16.   Use brainstorming method.

17.   Keep a dictionary nearby and consult it whenever you feel necessary.

18.   Form the habit of writing in English.

……

My monthly record of this speaking and writing class(For September).

I missed my first class on September 1 because I couldn’t get registered.

I attended Judith’s second writing class on September 8 and I did my first English writing homework. It was a three-part personal summary. I put a print copy into her mailbox.

I didn’t have class on September 15 because it was the Moon Festival holiday.

I went to Judith’s class this afternoon(September 22). It was rather hot today and the classroom was just like a steaming cage with about 50 students in a closed space. No air-conditioners, just old electric fans. Judith kept wiping her forehead with tissue paper. I was told to have the last writing & speaking class for this month on September 27.

That’s end of this diary.