Dear Mr. Bradshaw,
I am a freshman in high school and want to improve my writing skills. I like math and science and my Spanish classes, but I have a hard time relating to the writing assignments in my English class. While I do not enjoy writing I know it will be an important skill to have mastered before I begin the college application process.
Freshman
Dear Freshman,
The fact is that effective communication skills, both speaking and writing, are necessary if you are to succeed in this world — in high school, college and a career.
You will find that a mastery of English skills will set you apart in the college application process, in your classes there and even more so when you apply for a job. The ability to write a concise and coherent document is evidence of a well-educated and well-rounded person and will open doors for you throughout your life. The person taking notes in a meeting is often the one who sets the agenda. Winston Churchill once said that history would be kind to him “for I intend to write it.”
When students enter high school they carry over skills they learned in middle school. Some students will have learned how to write 500-word essays, while others will have gone deeply into the structure of the English language and have a turn of phrase that will turn heads. As a freshman it is important that you master fundamental writing skills and English composition. The key is learning how to write a strong expository essay and how to cite authorities supporting your arguments.
Writing skills cannot be broken down into formula and facts for students to memorize. For some reason males tend to get turned off more than females at the prospect of essay writing and the inherent vagueness of the task as compared to math or science.
Seek out a writing center in your high school or a local writing course or workshop. They will tailor a program for your skill set and help you with specific writing assignments and general writing skills and techniques. You may also wish to consider an online course.
Try to keep in mind that writing is a form of expression. As such it improves with practice. The very lack of scientific precision gives it life beyond the more precise rules in the natural sciences. The rules of grammar are there to help guide us.
Whether analytical or creative writing, the ability to write well is one of the most important skills you will ever learn.
Gerald Bradshaw is an international college admissions consultant with Bradshaw College Consulting in Crown Point.