Writing this article takes me back many years, when I was a girl of 16 and studying at one of the most prestigious educational institutions in Kolkata. The teachers were absolutely amazing, though, they could do nothing about my English which remained completely hopeless. In fact, it remained like that till I reached ninth grade. It was then that I met Ms Chatterjee, my English teacher and the most beautiful person I have met to date.

She would talk to us about everything, from the pattering of the rain on glass windows, to the difference between grey and black shadows. Her words awakened the sensitivity within me in such a way that soon not only could I comprehend prose and poetry, I also appreciated their beauty.

My marks soared even though they didn’t seem to matter anymore. It was my new-found skill of writing which became my passion and which helped me connect the world outside with the person that I was inside.

So, does it mean that to write well you have to first meet someone who inspires you? No. Yet, writing skills are absolutely essential for classwork, tests and examinations, and throughout life.

Emphasise on writing the way you talk, that is write naturally with warmth and while being yourself. This will make it interesting to the reader. Adopt a simple manner avoiding the passive voice. Try to use short sentences and short paragraphs. Remove words which serve no function so that you write using the least words and still remain precise. This will make the matter crystal clear, be easy for the reader to follow as well as get your message across using less time. Express your views using the most appropriate words.

Never over explain. The matter once explained should suffice clearly. Stay focused and avoid irrelevant details. As far as vocabulary is concerned, know your reader. Decide whether he needs to be impressed by your vocabulary or would prefer simple monosyllabic words. Organise your thoughts and information in a meaningful way. Do you remember the connecting the dots book you did as a child? Writing is very similar. Go from one idea to the next in a methodical manner.

Learn your work or prepare well before sitting down to write as it is easier to write about what you know rather than about what you have less knowledge about. Avoid words like ‘clearly’, ‘obviously’, etc., because clearly if something is obvious, that fact will, of course, be obvious to the reader.

If you have the opportunity, read it aloud before handing it in.

Develop a hobby for reading, as it goes hand in hand with writing. This it because reading adds to vocabulary, organisation of thought, improves spellings and naturally enhances language skills.

Creativity and editing are two separate processes so try not to edit while creating your first draft. Most importantly, remember practice makes perfect and this skill is no different.

The writer is a teacher