The internet is often credited for making the world a global village, for bringing people across various countries, languages and ethnicity, together and inculcating a sense of sharing and oneness among all. All that is very well, but we cannot owe it all to the internet alone. Without English, how far do you reckon, internet could have reached. Whether it is writing programs, creating website and online platforms to the simplest form of online communication, chatting – English has played a pivotal role in the widespread and mass acceptance of the internet media.
Now, why are we stressing on the role of the internet when the topic of our discussion is developing writing skills? For that, answer this question: How many of us literally 'write' with a pen and paper? Writing, largely, is done online nowadays. Whether it is blogging, posting your thoughts or shooting an email, writing plays a key role in everything.
Many intellectuals and English enthusiasts have been blaming the very internet for spoiling the English language. And that seems to be true to a certain extent! People have developed a unique 'chat lingo' to save themselves from writing common phrases. 'You' became 'u', 'we' became 'v', 'there' is now written 'der' and 'gr8' stands for 'great'. Not just that, 'brb', 'ttyl' and 'rofl' have become commonplace too (they stand for 'be right back', 'talk to you later' and 'rolling on the floor laughing' in that particular order)!
This is the reason why it has become difficult for amateur English learners to know what correct English is and what is slang! It is at such times that you need the tips we are going to share. Yes, whenever there is an English language emergency, we will always be there to rescue you!
• Read: Anything and everything that you read online does not amount for real reading. The internet is jam packed with myriad blogs – on possibly every topic under the sun. But who will account for the language's accuracy? When we say read, we mean reading books and magazines. Publications have a strict discipline and a code to follow when it comes to language. Not only is the language impeccable, but everything is done with great detailing - the spellings, grammar, sentence formation, etc. After all articles and magazine reports are old age (and hands down, the original) blogging!
• D-I-Y dictionary: Why take the pain when you can buy a dictionary or consult an online dictionary easily, you will wonder. Have you seen the size of a dictionary, even the pocket one? It is so many pages of words with their words, but how many words do you actually need to refer? Building your own dictionary helps, as you know exactly what word or phrase is noted in your dictionary. And why just words? It is your dictionary, you can note down phrases, jargon, writing tips and amusing quotes, etc. Anything that you fancy and can come handy in the future.
• Get your work checked: Any time you write something, you are sure to think it is perfect, as you have given it your best. However, nothing is ever foolproof, and that is why it is important to get your work checked, preferably someone who is better at English. Another important tip is to take the criticism constructively and use your mistakes as an aid for improving your English writing skills.
If you are serious about improving and developing your written and spoken English skills, your best option is to join any of the numerous online language courses available. Online tutors like eAge are useful and offer amazing results!