how can I write better, like a native english language speaker?

Question

How can I write better? I am beginning high school (freshman). I live in Puerto Rico, I attend a bilingual school. Since in Puerto Rico people speak much of the time in Spanish, I would like to write well like a native English language speaker. How can I? I know it's practice, practice, and practice. I think I am lacking behind in writing, especially when it comes to analyzing. When I read good articles or analysis of others, I wish to write like them.

Answer 1

Wow!! You write better than many of the "mainland" kids I've taught--and they speak English most of the time! In fact, you write English better than my husband, who was born in Ponce and grew up in Guanica, but who has been in New Jersey or Pennsylvania for 20 years now! (Don't tell him that; he's a little self conscience.)

Are there any publications that are written in English that you could write for since you are most interested in writing analysis? Since you attend a bilingual school, there should be newspapers and the like written in English that you could write for to better develop this type of writing.

Answer 2

My greatest doubt is this:: If all the Prime Ministers, Presidents and other Heads of States of First World countries do not use English in this fashion and such a high level, why should we do so? English is such a beauty of a language and any piece of writing should be crafted in such a way as to bring the meaning or message across in a clear, logical and simple manner, so that most people can comprehend, instantly. Total communication, instead of just 50-75%, is preferred. Unless of course the above article was meant to be read by English professors, Lords, newspaper editors, luminaries,gifted persons and elite groups. Most articles in the 18th and 19th centuries and some articles in past 60 years were written in an archaic and pompous fashion. This is a rare article i have come across and would not recommend such a style. Sorry!

Answer 3

The key is to think IN ENGLISH. I know it's hard because your first language is Spanish and sometimes you tend to sort of merge the two languages, but you're right, it takes a lot of practice. Read, listen, and write... Read on topics that will help you be familiar with the variety that you want to learn (ex. AmE) like the idioms and terms that are unique to the variety. Then listen. and watch. Observe how the natives make use of their language and in which situations do they use the terms/idioms,etc. You'll find tv shows of that country helpful. Then,try writing,by then you probably would have absorbed all that you have learned to apply them to your writing... Good luck!

Answer 4

You seem to write fine? The articles you read are professional writers, and most native English speakers don't write like that. Take lots of English classes though, such as Creative Writing and Shakespeare.

Answer 5

It's all in your head. If you can say it, if you can think it, you can write it. Try not thinking so much about syntax and grammar and write as if you were conversing with someone.