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5 questions about writing in English

This week another insight into what people say about writing in English when it’s not their first language.

Ola is a graphic designer from Poland. Here’s what she feels and thinks about writing in English.

  1. How do you feel about writing in English? I usually feel reluctant to start writing because I know it’s not going to be easy. Once I begin I feel anxious if it’s going to be good enough. When I’ve finished I feel scared to hit send but also proud that I’ve written something that I hope is ok.

  2. What’s the hardest thing about writing in English? I know what I want to say but often I’m not sure how to say it so it sounds right. It’s also frustrating that I’m much slower writing in English, especially when I have to stop to check grammar or search for words.

  3. How do you overcome this? I do lots of reading. I also like to copy passages that I think sound really good and then I hope I’ll remember a suitable phrase when I’m writing.

  4. What are your writing goals? I want to find my words more easily, make fewer mistakes and write faster.

  5. What’s your advice for others who need to write in English? Keep practising and get feedback from someone who can explain why something is wrong. My native-speaker friends can tell me that it’s wrong but not why. So working with a teacher really helps.

So feel the fear and write in English anyway. 

Do you want to write more confidently in English? I can help you.

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© Christina Wielgolawski