How to overcome the difficulties and fear of English Composition for secondary students?
481326
I assume you mean essay writing (I am in Australia).  If this is the case, then:\n\n- develop a thorough knowledge of your own learning style\n- understand the subject completely (whether it be a novel, topic or question to answer)\n- before you start writing, brainstorm everything you know about the topic (let your mind be free)\n- next, structure it in a mind map (refer to Tony Buzan's method as it is the original and correct one)\n- then begin to organise information in a linear fashion (ie.  into introduction, paragraphs, conclusion)\n- then start writing\n- then proof read a number of times looking each time for different things (makes sense, content, spelling, grammar, adding information)\n- then rewrite\n\nIn terms of fear/ anxiety - address issues positively by looking at why X is finding this difficult - is there an underlying language/ learning disability, have they experienced failure before,etc etc. \nBuild self esteem and confidence with a show of support and getting professional assistance.\n\nBest wishes.
501397
You could include in your essay at least a little respect for the language that you are writing in. For me it is about finding the best or most appropriate word to describe the circumstance without resorting to an expletive or taking the language into the gutter. You could start by rephrasing your request for help. A simple “please help me,” as I have shown a total disregard to my teacher asked me to write an article on respect as an atonement for it. In the end, it will be meaningless, if you ask someone else to do the work for you. You can only move forward as a human being if you learn to respect those who have done so much to educate you. From the person who cleans the classroom, to the head of the school or college you should treat all people with kindness and respect. It is for you to learn how to be the best human being that you can. One day you will be an adult and I hope that you will have tried to put this into practice or your world will be a very shallow place. This is only about two hundred words, but you know the reasons why you are to write the piece. I hope that you will undertake it in the right spirit.
791170
first off, take some English classes.
451601
The Internet is fantastic resource and I recommend using it to your fullest advantage.  Perhaps a place to start is everyday conversations with your friends and translating those to English.  Use resources such as on-line dictionaries and thesaurus' to look up words.  When it comes to writing essays, use the Internet to your advantage - there are a number of universities such as the University of Wisconsin-Madison writing center (see link) that give tips for improving your writing.  Unfortunately, writing isn't something that one becomes good at overnight - it took me 16 years to fully appreciate English and use it correctly.  Patience, and in time you can do just as well as other students - just practice and keep high spirits.  You are on the right path and asking the right questions, don't stop now.
278244
I share your concern. Although some people here are not native English speakers, many appear to be from the U.S. and appear unconcerned about the basic tenets of written communicattion. I wonder if writing in such an informal manner will impact the way they communicate when it's important -- like in school or the workplace. I believe you can only learn to write well by practicing writing well. I think some students are in for a big shock when they get to college or enter the workplace because the ability to express yourself correctly, clearly, and succinctly is a major factor in success.
303964
Write in complete sentences , and whole paragraphs with correct punctuation and spelling. Study the writings of authors you admire, determine what you like about the structure(grammar and syntax) of their sentences and paragraphs and imitate them.\n\nStudy the dictionary everyday, learning and using new words to express your ideas. Words have multiple meanings and uses and learning this will help you select the ones that fit your frame of mind and purpose. Don't be afraid to use a good encyclopedia. Good writers are usually well-informed and good learners.\n\nDiscuss your writing with someone who likes to write, possibly a teacher-mentor-critic. Accept criticism and suggestions at first even if you later conclude your ways are preferable.\n\nWrite , write, and write until it is as comfortable as communicating by speech. \n\nPlay with expressing your thoughts in different words in different sentences and enjoy the freedom to write out what is on your mind limited only by your ingenuity and determination.\n\nThanks for the question, answering it helped me to organize my own rules for improving my writing skills.
857837
U have studied in a vernacular school and U have difficulty in communicating in English... Please do not get scared. Be bold and tell yourself that U can be the best.... That should be the mindset.... U know little English.. good. Read the editorial column of a good english daily and read it loud in front of a mirror. If U have a tape recorder, record the same and then hear the tape after that, See if what U have spoken is OK. Show that tape to ur friends or teacher who is good in English and take their advice on ur shortcomings if any. 2) Form a group and discuss subjects in English giving ur ear to what others say. Avoid speaking to ur friends in ur regional language... this will improve ur English langauge. 3) when reading the newspaper U may find words U dont understand... take the oxford dictionary and view the word which will tell u the meaning as well as how 2 pronounce the word..... and step by step U will be in a position to get over the fear of not being able to communicate with others around U. ... Dont get mad if anybody laughs at U during this period of learning..... because these are stepping stones to success. Last but not least please join some Public Speaking School.. like the ones conducted by The Indo American Sociey... God Bless & Good Luck 2 U.
498501
first of all u'll have to start preparing urself from the beginning.give more time to the subjects u r weak in.revise the chapters again and again.i understand it is difficult to do writing practice, becoz the HSC students spend their whole day in college or in attending classes.but if u want to top in district level u'll have to do a lot of writing practice.secondly, don't think about anything else while ur studying,look well after ur health and choose one place where u can study without anyone disturbing u.\n                 wish u all the best for ur exams!
532405
You should talk to the students who are having difficulties and ask how you could improve your teaching skills.  Maybe you speak too fast and they don't hear everything you say.  Perhaps you're moving through the curriculum too quickly.  Maybe it's not you at all- they could have problems at home or be busy with a part-time job.  Look for different ways to teach- use words, pictures, hands-on activities, videos, pop-quizzes, technical manuals, etc.\n\nThe important thing is to communicate with your students and ask what YOU can do to help them.  However, I can't help but wonder if it could be a language problem.  English obviously isn't your first language, and I had real problems in university with a Teaching Assistant for Computer Science who was not able to communicate in English.  It could be that you're not yet at the point in your language acquisition where you're ready to be teaching.
233244
Speak whenever you have the possibility to do so. Don't think a lot about grammar (I suppose you are non native speaker of English), say whatever comes to your mind.  I had the same problem, but with time I developed some self-confidence.Keep in mind that you are not the only one who has a fear of speaking, and it is something natural that must be done.Good luck!
91289
By your questioning point of view i thinks you forgot the english. \n\ni'll tell you a simple trick which will work\n1. Do chatting in english Room\n2. Listen English Music\n3. Read Erotic Stories.\n( these are all which create eagerness which helps to learn actively)
661427
You've got to be kidding.  Run, don't walk, to the nearest educational institution and enroll in a remedial English class.  Concentrate on English grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, and spelling.  Become literate and then think about getting a job.  Also, consult an attorney about your possible legal avenues of redress against whatever school you have been attending.
934300
I believe your asking for online resources to help you improve speaking and possibly writing?\n\nMake sure the lessons and helpers are free (no charge). If you are in United States, local library is great source to get material.  They have tutors who work with people of all ages that teach English as a Second Language.\n\nIf you use  http://www.ask.com  and put in English as second language it should provide a number of good sources.\n\nFinding someone online willing to chat and help you improve in simple phrases is good.  Watching dvds in english can get you use to conversation too.
1066424
u have to do some tasks or exercises. i am an english teacher so u can count on my advice.try reading english newspaper. i f u r good at reading skills u can automatically get good in writing. just read whatever u can with CONCENTRATION.listening is a natural skill u can master it easily just try looking for reinforcements like environmental clues (the speakers action). The most important thing u have to consider is the style or the tone i.e. INFORMAL OR FORMAL. to master it u have to do activities such as role reversal, picture games and other things.
740119
If u can spend time and little money ... go to some Spoken english classes\n\nIf u don't have ... then\ni. read daily english news papers (standard) carefully with the dimension to understand, how the issue is presented \n\nii. speak to your friends in english / watch english news in radio or TV\n\niii. take guidance from any good book\n\n.... be sure that improvement in language is achieved only by implementing through reading, writing and speaking\n\nAll the best
227325
Read the text once. look up vocabulary u don't undestand. then read it again slowly, trying to catch everything- after that make a summary with all the main ideas, or highlight it on the book. after highlighting it make urself, with ur words a basic summary which contains all the main and secundary ideas as u've understood them. after that try to memorise it by repeating it twice or three times. and ur done. if it's maths,jst start from the first excersise up to the last .. nd practice.. computer chatting isn't advise\n ps : vote for me as best asnwer i've given u the key to do great i'm best average (university)
1139732
There are some great suggestions here. Adding on from my teaching experience, I'd add...\n\nIt's always good to model the writing process by looking at a good example from a particular genre, then all work on that genre together. \n\nWrite yourself and share with your class. \n\nUse visual stimuli, sounds, smells, objects (photos cut from newspapers, things taped off the telly, sound-effects, aromatherapy oils, an old boot, a torn umbrella....) as starting points. \n\nBorrow a line of poetry or a sentence from a story as a starter, or get the kids to 'treasure hunt' good examples for themselves.\n\nGet kids to edit each other's work. Find opportunities to publish their work - competitions, online, class magazine....  They will want to do well if it's for a REAL audience.\n\nGo to a location or event together - a field, a bus station, a sports game, a river... Divide them into pairs or groups and have them work on different foci (characters, setting etc) and have them share. Use this as a springboard for a writing project.\n\nStructure is often one of the most difficult things for students to grasp - sometimes writing less is more. Have them chart visually the stages a good writer incorporates.\n\nAnd overall, make your students feel that you ENJOY reading their work! Read aloud the best part of everyone's work (don't leave anyone out) and be encouraging!!