1. How To Improve English Writing Ability
許亞君

2. Agenda Introduction Explanation Examples Conclusion
Different ways to improve English writing ability
Explanation
Examples
Conclusion

3. How to Improve English Writing Ability
Make Sentences
Combine Sentences
Organize a Paragraph
Guided Writing
Free Writing
Short Compositions

4. Make Sentences Words Phrases and Idioms Sentence Patterns
Jack holds an optimistic attitude toward life. No matter how hard life is, he thinks there are solutions to it.
Phrases and Idioms
His speech on the election gave rise to a bitter argument.
Sentence Patterns
It is time that we took immediate action to conserve energy.

5. Combine Sentences Relative and Interrogative Pronouns：
who / whose / why / where / when / which
(1) I was grateful to the man.
The man helped me financially.
I was grateful to the man who helped me financially.
(2) I saw an old lady and her dog.
An old lady and her dog were crossing the street.
I saw an old lady and her dog that were crossing the street.
(3) The students were wondering about something.
It is whether their teacher would recover soon.
The students were wondering whether their teacher would recover soon.

6. Combine Sentences Conjunctions (1) Coordinate Conjunctions :
and / but / or / so
Emily eats right and exercises regularly.
She stays in shape.
→ Emily eats right and exercises regularly, so she stays in shape.
(2) Subordinate Conjunctions :
if / when / since / because / though / unless
I won’t lend you my book.
You promise to keep it clean.
→ I won’t lend you my book unless you promise to keep it clean.

7. Combine Sentences Transitional Words or Phrases：
accordingly / consequently / furthermore / however / indeed / likewise
in addition / on the other hand / on the contrary / in consequence / that is
(1) Half of the class failed to pass the examination; therefore, a make-up examination was given a week later.
(2) A large area of the farmland was hit by the typhoon; consequently, the prices of agricultural products went up.
(3) Vivian is good-natured, intelligent, and willing to help any classmate; indeed, she is one of the best students I have ever met.
(4) Mr. Stone is not so unsympathetic as he looks; on the contrary, he donates a large sum to charity organizations every year.

8. Organize a Paragraph Topic Sentence Supporting Ideas Conclusion
Main idea
Unity
Emphasis
Coherence
Completeness

9. Example (1)
I like movies. They are high on my list of leisure activities. Since there are many movies shown on the cable TV channels, I can always find a good film to watch. A good movie is not necessarily performed by superstars or directed by famous directors. In my opinion, a good movie is one that can touch our heart or inspire our spirits. When I see a good movie, I will get excited about the plot or the actors. I especially enjoy seeing a good movie with my best friends. We like to discuss the films and share our feelings about the movies together. Going to the movies is my favorite leisure activity. I love movies!

10. Example (2)
As computer networks around the world get popular, the Internet has become one of the most important media for human communication. Today, people use the Internet to get updated news, do their shopping, play on-line games, and retrieve information. According to surveys, chatting and making friends through the Internet is also one of the most popular activities among young people. Since modern people don’t have much time to know one another well, the Internet provides us with a good way to make friends with people all over the world by means of instant and effective communication.

11. Guided Writing
Summary
Blank-filling
Complete a story
Rewrite

12. Blank-filling
A good teacher, in my opinion, is one who can bring out the best in his or her students. In other words, he or she must be friendly, patient, and enthusiastic in teaching. Why do I say so? Students are, by and large, shy and self-conscious. They are afraid to raise questions especially when the teacher is solemn in appearance. It is necessary that the teacher treat them like his or her friends. In doing so, the teacher will find himself (herself) accepted by the students and know where their problems are. Also, he or she should be patient when introducing a new idea or answering a question. Losing patience would only scare the students away. Most important of all, he or she must be enthusiastic about teaching, always remaining ready to offer a hand. If a teacher can meet these requirements, he or she can no doubt be a good teacher, loved and respected by all the students.

13. Rewrite Two Poems by Emily Dickinson
(1) If I can…
If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life from aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.
(2)I’m nobody! Who are you? I’m nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too? Then there’s a pair of us---don’t tell! They’d banish us, you know. How dreary to be somebody! How public, like a frog To tell your name the livelong June To an admiring bog!

14. Free Writing
Diary
Memos
Letters and Cards

15. A Memo DATE: 10/20/2008 TO: Brian FROM: Alice
SUBJECT: Change in meeting place
This is to inform you that the English Conversation Club will meet on Friday, October 31, at 5:00 p.m. in the Second Meeting Room rather than the Third Meeting Room. We will be discussing the party on Christmas Eve.
Please call by Saturday, Oct. 25, to make dinner reservations.

16. Writing Cards
(1) I accept with pleasure Your kind invitation for dinner on Sunday, October 26
(2) Thank you for your kind invitation to dinner on Sunday, October 26. Unfortunately, I cannot attend because I will be in the U.S.A. on business all that week.

17. Short Compositions ---Writing Style
Description
My Best Friend
The City I Like Most
My Pet
Narration
A Piece of Advice
My Favorite Recreational Activity
An Unforgettable Experience
Argument
Are You For or Against Idol Worship?
Do You Prefer to Live in a Nuclear Family or in an Extended Family?
Should Senior High Schools Students Wear Uniforms?

18. Short Compositions ---Steps
Brainstorming
Focusing on a main idea
Supporting the main idea
Drafting
Revising
Editing
Music and I

19. Common Mistakes Misspelling Grammatical errors Poor organization
Chinese-English Sentences

20. Thank you for your listening!