Step 4: Writing
One of the most important parts of learning any language is to actually use it. If you know the vocabulary words and grammar and are able to construct sentences, that’s not enough. It’s nearly worthless if it takes you too long to construct sentences on the spot.
Speaking out loud is very important and a great way to practice using the language, but writing is another important component. Some programs teach you a language just through listening and you never learn how to read and write the language.
That’s the equivalent of knowing English and not knowing how to read. Of course you would probably be able to figure some of it out if you already know how to read English, but you still need to know how to deal with a language in text format.
There are many ways you can include writing in your studies. You can keep a journal, write letters to pen pals, and write sample sentences. To get the most out of your writing, you need to include writing in your studies on a regular basis.
Writing sample sentences are a good way to practice writing, but these should just be included in your grammar study sessions. For your writing session, you will start writing besides practice sentences, a journal, or writing letters.
You will need to devote a notebook to writing. You can call this your (language) writing notebook. Write anything you like. You may decide write an essay today or a story tomorrow. Be as creative or simple as you like!
Use the grammar rules and vocabulary words that you previously learned in your writing. Instead of trying to write a certain amount, decide to write for a certain amount of time. You might decide to write for 10 minutes, thirty minutes or an hour.
Try to write the whole time. If it’s too hard to come up with something to write using your grammar and vocabulary, that’s okay, just keep writing. If you get stuck, just write simple sentences.
The goal is to keep you thinking in your language. When you are thinking about what you are going to write, try to think in the language. For example, if you are writing a sentence about flowers don’t think like this, “I love to plant flowers.” And then figure out how to translate it into your target language. Think first about how you would say it in your target language.
You will continue writing in the other forms with the small bits steps.
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