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Have You Ever Considered the Difference Between Writing and Speaking?
At first glance, the difference between writing and speaking may seem obvious—spoken language involves sound. While true, this is only part of the story.
In conversations, body language plays a vital role in adding depth to meaning. Additionally, conversations allow for real-time clarification, immediate responses, and opportunities to ensure the listener follows along. Writing, however, offers no such luxury. Writers have only one chance to communicate their point. If their message is unclear or overly complex, they risk losing their audience.
Communication and Support
When speaking, your audience might not always challenge your statements. They may already understand your perspective or simply prefer not to question you. In contrast, readers often lack this context. They may not know you personally or share your viewpoint, and they might not immediately understand why you believe what you do. For this reason, written communication requires robust support for every idea—through evidence, reasoning, and detail.
The Flexibility of Language
Language, including English, adapts to its users and the purposes for which it is employed. Developing a strong command of Standard English is particularly important, as it serves as the medium of public life.
Professor Schultz from CSUF emphasizes that while spoken language evolves quickly, written language changes more slowly and tolerates less variety. This stability explains why mastering written English takes considerable effort. However, proficiency in Standard English provides significant advantages, from academic success to professional advancement.
The ability to fluently engage with books, newspapers, and other formal mediums grants access to knowledge and opportunities. For ESL learners, mastering Standard English is an invaluable step toward excelling in college and the workforce.
Adapting to Context
Just as speaking adjusts to context, so too does writing. Casual conversations with friends allow for relaxed language—“Wanna grab a coffee?”—whereas formal discussions require more polished phrasing, such as, “Would you like a cup of coffee?” Similarly, writing can range from informal to formal depending on the audience and purpose.
How to Improve Writing Skills
A common question is: How can I become a better writer? While there is no simple answer, writing is a skill that develops over time through practice and reflection. Here are a few strategies:
- Keep a Journal: Writing daily helps track progress and improves skills over time. Some instructors even review and comment on journal entries, offering personalized feedback.
- Read Regularly: Reading expands your vocabulary and introduces you to different styles and techniques. Whether it’s newspapers, advertisements, or novels, analyze the structure and style to enhance your own writing.
- Build a Portfolio: A portfolio collects all your drafts, revisions, and related materials. It not only tracks growth but also highlights areas for improvement and sets goals for future learning.
Other methods include watching documentaries or films, observing language usage, and analyzing grammar and vocabulary. Whatever your preferred approach, consistency is key to reaching your writing goals.
Writing an Essay: The Process
Effective writing typically involves multiple stages:
- Prewriting: This initial stage involves brainstorming, clustering, and outlining to organize your thoughts.
- Drafting: Here, ideas take shape in a first draft, with the focus on content rather than perfection.
- Revising: During revision, you refine your message, clarify your tone, and ensure the composition aligns with your purpose.
- Editing: In the final stage, focus on grammar, sentence structure, transitions, and overall clarity. Address errors like fragments, run-on sentences, or
Verb tense issues.
By following these steps, you can craft a polished essay that communicates your ideas effectively.
Final Thoughts
Writing, like speaking, is an evolving skill. Whether you’re journaling, reading, or drafting essays, each step helps refine your abilities. Through persistence and practice, you can achieve fluency in Standard English and unlock the opportunities it provides.
Sabri Bebawi (C)