<p>how can i enhance my writing and get better at it? are there any certain books i should buy or anything that i should do to get better at writing? thanks</p>
<p>Just write frequently. Write and develop a style. Ameliorating your vocabulary helps too. You see, writing is like playing an instrument: you can't get better at an instrument by reading about how to play one; instead, you must get pick one up and play it.</p>
<p>READ. Definitely the cornerstone of my education. Read as widely and as often as you can. Listen to what your English teachers say. Most are very willing to help explain something. And practice.</p>
<p>Do you want to get better at writing for the sake of being better at writing? Or do you want a good grade on the SAT and the AP English tests? If the latter, buy prep books and learn the standard, bland, but (for most readers) effective style. If the former, buy every other book and read them all. Then write your own. Write in all different styles. Try to mimic the style of a news article, then a Dickens novel, then philosophy, then Dan Brown, then a legal document. Also, speak how you want to write. Use your vocabulary, as long as you're sure you know the meaning and proper use of the word. Good denotation is nothing if the connotation is off. And make sure that your writing feels fresh to you---that's the best way I can describe it, a crisp freshness, and maybe only you can feel it.</p>
<p>Read A LOT. One thing that also helps is something called "automatic writing". The idea is to take a piece of paper, write down the first idea that comes into your mind, and then expand upon that idea for 10 minutes without stopping. It really works, and it's fun too.</p>
<p>I think everyone covered it, but I would definitely stress the "reading" aspect. Reading does more than strengthen your vocab, it also helps with your analytical and writing skills.. in the sense that when you write, you are merely imitating the styles of other people. If you read a lot, you form your own. Whenever I read, I have a pen in hand and annotate by making personal observations on the margins of the page, or underline/highlight certain words/phrases. If you're concerned about writing with time contraints, writing creatively, or any other specific form of writing, you just need to practice with prompts.</p>
<p>practice both reading and writing, A LOT...i cannot stress the "a lot" enough. if you have a chance, take AP Literature as soon as you can. looking back on that class, it helped my writing (and reading) skills more than i could have ever hoped for. i went from getting like a 6/12 on the SAT I, to getting 4s and 5s on aps this year (apush and lit). </p>
<p>of course this idea wont work, unless you actually DO THE WORK THEY GIVE YOU...read all of the books, do the essays, and you will get better if you try. you could also have your parents proof read your stuff (if they are into that/are willing) and maybe you will learn some fine points from them. good luck</p>
<p>stop imitating iverson, G-U-NOT :P</p>
<p>rofl that iverson thing was sooo funny. how many times total did he say the word practice? i think it was 26 lol funnny [stool]</p>
<p>Read and imitate.</p>