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Writing

Writing Some Definitions The Need to Write Reasons Good Writing Skill Importance Insight Activity

What is writing? Writing is a method of representing language in visual or tactile form. Writing systems use sets of symbols to represent the sounds of speech, and may also have symbols for such things as punctuation and numerals. "Writing" is the process of using symbols (letters of the alphabet, punctuation) to communicate thoughts and ideas in a readable form.

STOP "Writing" can also refer to the work/career of an author, as in: "Shakespeare didn't make much money from writing."

Definitions of Writing Here are a number of ways to define writing systems: A system of more or less permanent marks used to represent an utterance in such a way that it can be recovered more or less exactly without the intervention of the producer or the writer. (From The World's Writing Systems) In A History of Writing, Steven Roger Fischer argues that no one definition of writing can cover all the writing systems that exist and have ever existed. Instead he states that a 'complete writing' system should fulfill all the following criteria:

it must have as its purpose communication; it must consist of artificial graphic marks on a durable or electronic surface; it must use marks that relate conventionally to articulate speech (the systematic arrangement of significant vocal sounds) or electronic programming in such a way that communication is achieved.

The Need to Write Five Primary Reasons to Write Seven Essentials to Write Well With the exception of speaking, writing is the most popular and prevalent method of creating connections among people. As a means of building links between individuals and within communities, writing serves as the flexible foundation for almost every type of communication. Media, Print, video, audio, speech and interactive web media all begin with writing. Writing connects people across time, space and culture. Because of the influence of writing, individuals can learn from yesterday, gain knowledge about today and design for tomorrow. Writingbeing inanimate, amoral and disinterestedcan transmit good or evil. It can destroy or create, cover up or reveal. Writing can prevaricate or be straightforward. It can build up or tear down, poison or heal. Writing can cause conflict or encourage peace.

Because writing in itself is neutral and indifferent, its purposes and results depend totally on the intentions and hearts of writers and their audiences.

Reasons to Write Writers write to inform, educate, entertain, persuade and motivate. Writing to inform tells the audience about a person, place, thing or idea in a neutral, unbiased and fair manner. Informative writing seeks fairness. The background and beliefs of the writer distort and skew attempts at objectivity. Instead of striving for objectivity, the information writer aims for even-handednessresearching a topic from multiple points of view before sharing the findings in a straightforward manner. Informed writing requires honest self-analysis, plus accuracy in research, followed by the services of a skilled editor to eliminate any biases. According to their own training and ethics, news reporters should write to inform with fairness, not objectivity. Educational writing begins at the knowledge level of the audience and increases their learning. More than reporting information, writing to educate explains the meanings of personalities, locations, events, objects and concepts. The educational writer studies audiences to meet their intellectual expectations. Researching with accuracy keeps this type of writing interesting and fair. Writing to entertain is often the most effective means of transmitting a message. While there is no guarantee of successful results, amusing the audience may open otherwise closed minds. Writing to lighten the heart has the ability to remove the dread from frightening events and alarming ideas. In a world overly burdened by solemnity, a merry hearted delivery of serious content can keep audiences interested. Even so, the entertaining writer must research with accuracy and write with fairness and sensitivity. Persuasive writing presents supportive arguments for a specific point of view. These favorable defenses must be, if not logical, at least thoughtful and reasonable. Importantly, this type of writing should acknowledge the positive values in other opinions. Showing this courtesy to alternative viewpoints adds confident strength to any argument. Persuasive writing should concentrate on ideas and actions, addressing personalities only when essential to the argument. It also requires the foundation of accurate research.

Motivational writing seeks to prompt people to action, where persuasive writing asks for consideration of an opinion, writing to motivate requests changes in behavior. Unlike persuasive writing, motivational writing can ignore thoughtful and reasonable arguments. Appeals for emotional responses are common, often disregarding sensible evidence. Conversely, calls for action can result from carefully considered lines of reasoning. Whether emotional or rational, motivational writing requires careful research and thought. How to Write Well There is no secret to writing well. Following these guidelines can improve your writing: Research- so you have something to say. Read-to enrich your insights and knowledge Think-to address the interests and needs of your audience. Organize- to make your content sensible. Write- with carefully chosen words and meaningful phrases. Edit- out inaccuracy, rumor, fluff, rage and pretense. Revise- to improve your writing. Relax- to regain your energy and focus.

Skill Writing is the fourth of the four language skills, which are: 1. 2. 3. 4. Listening Speaking Reading Writing

In our own language, writing is usually the fourth language skill that we learn.

To write clearly it is essential to understand the basic system of a language. In English this includes knowledge of grammar, punctuation and sentence structure. Vocabulary is also necessary, as is correct spelling and formatting. A writer may write for personal enjoyment or use, or for an audience of one person or more. The audience may be known (targeted) or unknown. Taking notes for study purposes is an example of writing for one's self. Blogging publicly is an example of writing for an unknown audience. A letter to a friend is an example of writing for a targeted audience. As with speaking, it is important to consider your audience when writing. There are many different styles of writing, from informal to formal.

The power of writing Today, the scripts we use bear little resemblance to each other if we look at them on a page. Arabic looks nothing like the Latin alphabet, for example, but as systems of recording information, neither of them requires the author to be with us, or a very good memory, if we want to understand the message recorded in them. If we can read the script we can understand the message. Writing is therefore among the most powerful tools we have. Some ancient people considered it so important and so powerful that they believed it was invented by gods, deities or mythical heroes. Some ancient Egyptians, for example, believed that writing was the creation of the god Thoth.

STOP For a moment, turn your eyes inward and see how much of your waking hours you spend in communication, it is nearly 70% in writing, reading, speaking, & listening. As a college student, 69 percent of your communication time is spent on speaking and listening. You spend 17 percent of your communication time on reading and 14 percent on writing. Dont forget, therefore, that communication is inevitable in ones life. Today, in this age & world, a successful person is the one - who can communicate effectively. Pick up any newspaper and scan the jobs wanted advertisements. You will find that communication skills are one of the essential prerequisites in most of the occupations. Be it engineers, business managers, sales officers, operators, etc. Any vocation you choose- oral

communication skills are identified as valuable for both obtaining employment and successful job performance. Big corporations and multinational organizations need better communication skills in their employees so that they are able to work in teams.

Activity/Activities

Ask for a debate Indulge the learners to practice a piece of writing

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