<p>Hi, I need some advice regarding my reading/writing skills. What is the best way to better my reading and writing skills. How can I become a better writer. Should I just read a lot more? Does that really help?</p>
<p>Hate to say it but yes reading a lot does help. But not just picking up a book one day and suddenly your better. Its a continuous process, not something gained over a short period of time. Start reading books or newspapers or magazines. I would suggest the New Yorker magazine to read. </p>
<p>As for writing, the best way is to read and gain ideas as well as to practice. Consider keeping a journal of short stories. That might help you. Consider asking your english teacher for help, maybe write a few extra papers or ask where you are going wrong. </p>
<p>Practice does help a lot.</p>
<p>Scarlet is quite right.
Also, corny as it sounds, keep a dictionary handy. Or at least as you read make a list of words you don't know or if you aren't familiar with the context in which they are used. I have an electronic dictionary/thesaurus that is small and looks like a calculater.
Don't assume that just any type of reading will really help. Though by all means the more the merrier, if you start gulping down romances or light novels meant only for entertainment, your writing may actually become less mature. What you write will resemble what you are reading, so choose carefully. Pick books (or newspapers, the New Yorker is fine) that are well-written. This often means books that are not on the recent bestseller list. For example, 'Confessions of a Shopaholic', entertaining though it (may)be, is not the best...though again, any reading can be helpful. If you haven't already read it, The Great Gatsy is a fantastic book and the language is beautiful. Authors like Fitzgerald can manipulate words in ways that most writers can only dream about. When you get into a book like that, don't just read it. Soak it up. Study the sentences, reread the parts that stand out, and highlight your favorites. (My copy is probably 90% highlighted...:)) Not to scare you if this is not your thing, but you would be amazed how much making a habit of reading and studying what you read will help you out. Good writing will often stem from that. If you simply do not like to read, ask an English teacher (well, actually, ask one regardless) to recommend a few really top notch books that you might enjoy. Tons of people don't like to read just because they haven't gotten a hold on the right books.
Best of luck!</p>
<p>thank you.</p>
<p>for starters, don't post a topic on college confidential asking for writing tips</p>