Learning English writing class online skills is not only an academic requirement, it would also be very useful when your child goes out into the world. The benefits of creative writing come from engaging with the course material, the writing prompts, and the other class members.
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How to maximise the benefits of English creative writing classes
1. How to Maximise the Benefits of English Creative
Writing Classes
English Creative Writing classes teach a wide variety of writing techniques and expose
you to different writing methods. They help you build your capabilities in crafting a story
of your own. More than ever before, parents in Singapore are taking advantage of this,
sending their children to tuition and enrichment classes. However, everyone in the class is
taught the same material. How can you ensure that you maximise the benefits of attending
class and make hay while the sun shines?
Making the Most of English Creative Writing Classes
Dare to Try
John Bradshaw once said, “It’s okay to make mistakes. Mistakes are our teachers – they
help us to learn.” Don’t be afraid to try something new, even if it means making mistakes!
Definitely don’t be afraid to ask for help.
One of the best ways to fine-tune your writing is to explore new perspectives and
techniques that you’ve learned in class, but never tried before. Spin a new plot, try a new
impressive phrase, have a go at that Story Starter you’ve never attempted. In class, you
have the benefit of your teacher’s guidance readily available. It is the best time to venture
into the unknown with a sturdy helping hand within reach.
Practise, Practise, Practise
Time in class is limited. Another way to maximise what you’ve gleaned from English
Creative Writing class is to practise it on your own. In your own time, write! Practise the
skills you learned in class. It doesn’t always have to be long-winded. Write about an
impactful incident that happened that day, describe the weather, talk about your dreams and
aspirations. You can even write a letter to a friend or a loved one.
Writing regularly helps you get used to giving voice to your thoughts about the world
around you and makes you more adept at expressing them in different ways. Better yet,
bring some of your writing to class and ask your teacher to review it with you. Together,
you can polish your work, watching out for errors such as awkward expressions, and
grammatical or spelling errors.
2. Read (With Purpose)
Every English Creative Writing teacher will tell you that reading helps you improve your
writing skills. However, blindly reading is not enough. The key is reading with intention.
Whenever you’re reading someone else’s work, make sure to look out for things that you
have learned – and things you can add to your own writing.
Reading
For example, did the writer use foreshadowing? What phrases or techniques did they
employ to build tension in their story that kept you on the edge of your seat? What are
some interesting metaphors, similes or idioms you spied on? Observe how they are used,
and practise applying them in your work.
Applying, Not Memorising
That said, be sure to avoid mindlessly memorising techniques or impressive phrases.
English is a beautiful language full of twists, turns, nuances, and hidden implications.
Simple rote memorisation not only restricts you to the few expressions you have on hand, it
robs you of understanding the contexts behind them and how to apply them to your work.
After all, a ‘quaint cottage in the forest’ is vastly different from a ‘dilapidated shack in the
jungle’ despite the individual words being synonyms. One is a welcoming, cosy home, the
other is a rickety shelter you wouldn’t want to run into on a hike. Remembering vocabulary
3. and techniques is important to build your repertoire, but don’t forget their hidden messages
and how to use them!
Enjoy the Journey
The last tip may be the most crucial yet: Enjoy yourself and come ready to learn!
Remember that score is not everything; growth takes time and effort that may not be
immediately apparent in standardised tests. Your score can be a good indication of where
you are, but it is not the be-all, end-all. A good score doesn’t mean you get complacent,
and a bad one shouldn’t get you discouraged!
As mentioned at the beginning, the most important thing you can do when you make a
mistake is to learn from it. Take every correction or suggestion from your teacher as a way
to improve yourself and your writing. There is always new knowledge to gain!
Disclaimer:
This is a non-exhaustive list of tips on how to maximise the benefits of English Creative
Writing class in Singapore. To truly make the most of it, you should find the best way you
learn and absorb information. Understanding yourself and what motivates you will help
you in the long run and across all the subjects you come across. The teachers at Write Edge
would be happy to help you along. All the best!
To find out more about the teaching methodology at Write Edge, click here.