4 Easy Ways to Improve Your Reading and Writing Skills
Being a good reader and writer doesn’t have to be difficult; it just takes a little practice! It’s important to have reading and writing skills throughout your schooling and in life outside of the classroom. If you struggle with reading or writing and aren’t sure how to improve, here are a few things you can try on your own time, in school or with a tutor.
Read for Fun
It goes without saying that the more you read, the better reader you’ll be. Even if you’re reading something that’s not considered educational or a classic, it’s still beneficial to read as much as you can. Of all the genres available, there’s bound to be one you like. By reading on your own time, you have the ability to choose whatever book you want without having to worry about a report or a quiz. This strategy may even help you come to like reading more if it’s not something you’ve found enjoyable in the past. If you’re typically a reluctant reader, think about what television shows or movies you tend to like and go for a book within that genre. You may be surprised at how much you actually enjoy reading!
Keep a Journal
Keep a journal and jot down your daily thoughts or plans. As a bonus, this is a great tactic for relieving stress. A journal can be an awesome way to explore your own writing style and may even open up some doors to your creative side. After a while, you’ll be able to see how much your writing skills have improved without even noticing. It might become easier for you to write quickly (great for timed tests!) or you might find that ideas flow faster when you’re starting on an essay. Try it out and you’ll see how many ways it can help you as a writer.
Writing Exercises
There are so many creative and fun ways to practice writing. Just like keeping a journal, writing a lot will make the process easier for you over time and you’ll definitely be able to see improvement. There are tons of books filled with writing exercises and prompts that you can find at the bookstore or online. You can even do some of these with a tutor if you’re really struggling and aren’t sure where to begin.
Take Notes
While you’re reading, even if it’s for fun, jot down what you’re thinking in the margins or in a notebook. This way, you’re not only practicing writing and reading, but critical thinking as well. Notes can help you stay organized and allow you to better keep track of your thoughts. This can especially be helpful if you’re reading something complicated; you might be able to better understand it by keeping notes as you go. Another note taking tip: highlight words you don’t know, look them up and write down the definition. Reading is the best way to expand your vocabulary. The more you read, the more you learn!
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