how to improve english writing skills?

Question

Now I’m trying to learn how to write something like essay and diary in English. My English was already terrible when I decided not to study English anymore 2years ago and to study Chinese instead.
I already know some English grammars but my writing is jumbled somehow.
Does anyone know how a non-native grown-up guy can improve his writing skill?
I wish I had a native speaker mom..haha.
Non commercial suggestions please

Answer 1

Nah! reading is NOT enough. It helps, of course, but it is only half of the task.
You will never learn how to swim if you stay out of the pool. to learn how to swim you need to dive into the water!

So... WRITE! Read, yes, but also write a lot. Ask a native to make comments on your writings.

Answer 2

1. Weave the language you want to learn around something that interests you a lot, this will take you a long way. e.g. films, interviews of interesting personalities, cars, cooking, gardening etc. Try reading, viewing or listening to these in English as often as you can. 2. I am not sure if there are any 'Oprah' type of Talk Shows on Indian TV or Radio but view/listen to talk shows as often as you can. You may even try to follow political rhetoric type show e.g. Prabhu Chawla in which you might be somewhat familiar with the content of what is being spoken, so comprehension is easy. The listening and reading will take care of basics like grammer and usage etc. For writing, try to copy passages from any written material and then gradually start writing your own opinions etc. Computer and TV would definitely be helpful in this. Write on the computer, so spelling is corrected automatically in the short run. View English movies that interest you.. and you will be only getting better day by day.

Answer 3

The best way to learn more sophisticated writing skills than you already have is to read. Go to the library and borrow some journals and essays written by current writers. Read them carefully, then imitate their style, substituting events from your own life. If you write on the computer, it will do an automatic grammar check for you and will explain what you have done wrong. Also, read newspaper editorials. They are very much like journal entries. Good luck.