writing - ESL Blogs - MyEnglishClub2024-03-28T19:17:36Zhttps://www.myenglishclub.com/blogs/feed/tag/writingFrom Scribbles to Brilliance: Embracing the Unexpected in Your Writing Journeyhttps://www.myenglishclub.com/blogs/from-scribbles-to-brilliance-embracing-the-unexpected-in-your-wri2023-08-11T13:14:49.000Z2023-08-11T13:14:49.000ZPeter Easleyhttps://www.myenglishclub.com/members/PeterEasley<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12187346864?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p class="sc-2794ab5b-0 cjMtZG"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Have you ever experienced that magical moment when the words on a page seem to come alive, flowing effortlessly from your pen or keyboard? It's as if the universe conspires to guide your thoughts, leading you down unexpected paths and creating something remarkable. This, my friends, is the power of happy accidents in writing, and it's an exercise I've used with my students to significant effect.</span></p><p class="sc-2794ab5b-0 cjMtZG"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Think about it - how often have you started writing with a clear idea only to deviate and discover something entirely different? These detours, these unplanned twists and turns, are where the magic happens. They take us on a journey of self-discovery, unravelling layers of our thoughts and emotions we didn't even know existed.</span></p><p class="sc-2794ab5b-0 cjMtZG"><span style="font-size:12pt;">For English learners, embracing writing as a skill is crucial. It's not just about mastering grammar rules or building vocabulary; it's about finding your voice and expressing yourself authentically. Writing allows you to explore the nuances of language, experiment with different styles, and develop a deeper understanding of culture and context.</span></p><p class="sc-2794ab5b-0 cjMtZG"><span style="font-size:12pt;">As an English learner, it's easy to feel intimidated by the blank page or worry about making mistakes. But remember, writing is a journey, not a destination. Embrace the unexpected, let go of perfection, and allow yourself to be guided by happy accidents. Through these moments of serendipity, you'll discover your unique voice and unleash your creativity.</span></p><p class="sc-2794ab5b-0 cjMtZG"><span style="font-size:12pt;">So, the next time you write, let go of expectations. Allow yourself to wander off the beaten path, follow your curiosity, and see where it leads you. Embrace the scribbles, the crossed-out words, and the happy accidents that shape your writing. You may stumble upon profound truths while pursuing your original intentions. Who knows what treasures you might uncover?</span></p><p class="sc-2794ab5b-0 cjMtZG"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12187347660,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12187347660,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="12187347660?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a>Writing is a dance between intention and serendipity. It's about surrendering to the unknown and embracing the unexpected. We can all discover the power of happy accidents in our writing journeys. So, how does it work?</span></p><p class="sc-2794ab5b-0 cjMtZG"><span style="font-size:12pt;">1. Grab a blank piece of paper or a blank document.</span></p><p class="sc-2794ab5b-0 cjMtZG"><span style="font-size:12pt;">2. Don't edit, stop, panic, worry, or think.</span></p><p class="sc-2794ab5b-0 cjMtZG"><span style="font-size:12pt;">3. Write the first sentence that comes into your head, e.g. <em>The author of this blog asked me to write what's in my head, but how can I write what's in my head? You just did, and he told me not to stop, but that's like telling me to stop eating or thinking. I could carry on, but I'm getting distracted from this blog's true purpose, which is to encourage people to write - </em>That's less than thirty seconds of writing, and if I weren't finishing this blog, I'd have plenty more to say. It's challenging to stop once you've started, and only when you run out of steam should you look at it. At the very least, you'll have what most writers strive for - honest writing.</span></p><p class="sc-2794ab5b-0 cjMtZG"><span style="font-size:12pt;">So, grab your pen, open your heart, and let the magic unfold. Happy writing!</span></p><p class="sc-2794ab5b-0 cjMtZG"><span style="font-size:12pt;">I'd love to read your thoughts. </span></p><p style="color:#0e101a;background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color:#0e101a;background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;font-size:8pt;">Images from Unsplash</span></p><p style="color:#0e101a;background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color:#0e101a;background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;font-size:8pt;">Yannick Pulver, Hannah Olinger<br /></span></p></div>Writing Challenge: Avoid Using Veryhttps://www.myenglishclub.com/blogs/writing-challenge-avoid-using-very2020-06-27T14:37:57.000Z2020-06-27T14:37:57.000ZOnee-chanhttps://www.myenglishclub.com/members/Oneechan<div><p>Hello <strong>everyone</strong>! :)</p>
<p>Here comes a new writing challenge. Inspired by the post <a href="https://www.myenglishclub.com/photos/wechat-avoid-using-very" target="_blank">"Avoid Using Very" by Andy</a>, I would like to write <strong>a short paragraph</strong> using some words. Here I use <strong>three words</strong>. <strong>Anyone can join this challenge by writing a short paragraph and using at least three words from that list</strong>. Write it as a <a href="https://www.myenglishclub.com/blogs/blogpost/new" target="_blank">blog post</a>!</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">*****</p>
<p><em>Example of short paragraph, my entry</em></p>
<p>Never have I stayed in such a <strong>freezing</strong> place. I used to wear blanket even in the warmer place. How would I survive now? Double or tripple blankets? The tips of my toes and fingers are almost stiff. My body is trembling. I cannot think of anything. I'm in <strong>awful</strong> condition. I'm<strong> frail</strong> now. I won't care even if you bring me delicious sweet cake, or otherwise you jeer me. I only wish you turn off the Air Conditioner, please. :p</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">*****</p>
<p style="text-align:left;"> </p>
<p>Thank you for reading.</p>
<p>Now your turn! :)</p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:8pt;"><strong>NB:</strong> I'm a teacher of English. Even so, I'm weak at using certain words and phrasal verbs. I'm not perfect in grammar as well. So, I'm also a learner of English and corrections are always welcome. :)</span></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><strong>Freezing</strong> = very cold</p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><strong>Awful</strong> = very bad</p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><strong>Frail</strong> = very weak</p></div>Why should the government limit welfare to women with only one child?https://www.myenglishclub.com/blogs/why-should-the-government-limit-welfare-to-women-with-only-one-ch2020-06-01T22:37:17.000Z2020-06-01T22:37:17.000ZLinda Driggershttps://www.myenglishclub.com/members/LindaDriggers<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/5496510082?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=287"></div><div><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Welfare is provided to help single mothers provide the right care for their children, but these funds are often misused. A number of women receiving welfare funds use the money to wear designer outfits, drive fancy cars and others spend the money on substance abuse. Single mothers would spend the money they get to purchase new apartments and take vacations without minding the child’s well-being. These acts result in child’s expulsion from schools, suffering from malnutrition, going into the streets, and indulging in prostitution. The government should set rules and regulations that will monitor how the single mothers spend the allocated funds to them. Among the requirements for recipients will be taking drug abuse tests. This will make sure that the parents do not take advantage of the child fund and use for personal benefits from custom writings </span><span style="font-weight:400;"><a class="in-cell-link" href="https://elegantessays.com/custom-essay-writing.html" target="_blank">https://elegantessays.com/custom-essay-writing.html</a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Welfare does not motivate single mothers to find a job. Percentage of women who are unemployed and receive welfare funds tend to be reluctant to find new jobs that contributes extra funds besides what they receive from the government. Their expectation is to receive considerable amount of cash at the end of the month; hence, they become demoralized and spend their time just sitting at their homes instead of indulging in economical activities. There have been reported cases that some mothers abandon their lucrative jobs just to stay at home. The government should limit the funds remitted to single mothers so that they can find any other income to support the child and pay expenses. This will also come as an added advantage since the state will save millions that are spent to support the needs of the children.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Long-term effects in welfare dependency are both a cause and a consequence of several conditions best termed as social pathologies. These disciplines include poverty, dependency, out-of-wedlock births, abortion, non-employment and violent crimes. A study conducted in 1992 shows that the effects of an increase in Aid to families with dependent children benefits grew by 1% of the average personal income in the state. The number of people depending on child welfare funds would increase by 3% and the number of poverty by 0.8%, the number of births to a single mother would increase by 2.4% annually, the abortion rate would rise to 1.2% and the crime rates would increase by 1.1%. The social pathologies related to the current welfare system no longer seem acceptable, not because of child welfare support fiscal costs, but the effects they have in the society or on individuals under the system.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Welfare assistance should emphasize job–search assistance to help single mothers surrender welfare. Single mothers have difficulties in getting jobs in the effective economy. The majority of working single mothers have low-wage jobs, placing them at poverty category. They cannot get permanent jobs with good salaries because they have to carry the burden of parenting. Single mothers have the most absenteeism in the job market that occurs due to emergency issues like attending to their kids when sick or while picking them from school. This has resulted to bigger percentage of their dismissal. In addition, time schedule is one of the barriers that single mothers face when looking for a job. Household responsibilities take much of their time hence hindering them from saving time and searching for better jobs. The government should introduce policies that accommodate single mothers in the organizations they work for.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">How has welfare changed from previous years to today?</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">The welfare initiatives began three decades ago and have changed as the states have grown. The needs of a single family and individuals have become more diverse and varied. In reaction to these changes, the government has made reforms and reauthorized existing welfare legislation. The welfare funding for child support and social welfare program was reauthorized in 2005. The welfare program continues to offer better services in Food Stamps, supplemental security income, Medicaid and temporary assistance to impoverished families. In addition, Earned Income Tax credits are being offered to individuals of low income to help them stabilize their finances.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Ethnic groups’ welfare dependency</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">The citizens of the United States have linked welfare and race. Attitudes towards welfare allocation have been for long correlated with racial attitudes. Recent studies by different analysts have unveiled that the general opinion considering the domination of minority racial and ethnic groups over the welfare rolls has been incorrect for the minorities account for less than the white families. Ethnic minorities have had the bigger share than their fellow white people. In a statistical research conducted in 2000, temporary assistance to the needy families indicated that the Latino recipients grew by 25%, the blacks remained at 39% and the whites dropped from 38% to 31%.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">In conclusion, welfare should be limited in a developed economy. The government should limit financial assistance to the mothers who have one child because if the government gives assistance to every single child that a mother has, it affects the economy in a negative way. Socially, it does not motivate the dependent to return to work.</span></p><p> </p></div>Writing Challenge: Let's TRY TO Fight Climate Change!https://www.myenglishclub.com/blogs/writing-challenge-let-s-try-to-fight-climate-change2020-01-23T03:49:31.000Z2020-01-23T03:49:31.000ZOnee-chanhttps://www.myenglishclub.com/members/Oneechan<div><p>Hello everyone!</p><p>It's been a while we don't try to write or participate writing challenge. I got an idea of this topic as I read a news on EnglishClub and combined with Rose's post.</p><p><strong>Read the news</strong>, it takes no more than 5 minutes to read: <a href="https://www.englishclub.com/efl/listen-learn/the-causes-and-effects-of-climate-change/">https://www.englishclub.com/efl/listen-learn/the-causes-and-effects-of-climate-change/</a></p><p>Read the <strong>Discussion/essay questions</strong>. There are <strong>two questions</strong>.</p><p>And this is Rose's blog: <a href="https://www.myenglishclub.com/blogs/try-to-do-or-try-doing">https://www.myenglishclub.com/blogs/try-to-do-or-try-doing</a></p><p>Observe <strong>the use of 'try to do' and 'try doing'</strong>.</p><p>OK. The task is simple. <strong>Write your answers</strong> of the essay questions in <strong>one or two short paragraps</strong>. <strong>Include the grammatical rule of using 'try to do' and 'try doing'</strong>.<br /> I will add special question on it: <strong>Do you change a certain habit/routine due to this climate change?</strong></p><p>Here is my part:</p><p style="text-align:center;">***</p><p>To use less energy, I <strong>try turning off</strong> the computer while I am washing my clothes, cooking, or doing something else. The temperature is so hot here, 32 degrees Celcius with real feel 40 degrees Celcius on daylight. That is why I can't turn off air cooler in my room. At least I don't use Air Conditioner but I'm not sure of not using it in the near future. :D Public transportation is not really good here, so I use motorcycle. At least I<strong> try not filling</strong> the road. :D Of course I eat meat less. Do any of you dare to have much cholesterol in the body? lol But wait...! What does the meat do to the climate change? [wondering...] According to me, another thing to fight climate change is planting trees or at least any plants in our small garden, even a pot will do. The plants will help reduce the melting ice. How about you? What have you <strong>tried to fight</strong> climate change?<br /> Do you change a certain habit due to this climate change? Yes, I turn on air cooler while sleeping. Before climate change, I didn't like using any cooler or fan while sleeping.</p><p style="text-align:center;">***</p><p>You are welcome to spot my mistake.<br /> Thank you and have a good day! :)</p></div>Dictionary Love Letterhttps://www.myenglishclub.com/blogs/dictionary-love-letter2016-02-05T00:20:25.000Z2016-02-05T00:20:25.000ZYeshiwuahttps://www.myenglishclub.com/members/Yeshiwua<div><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-6" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';color:#ff9900;"><strong>Dictionary Love Letter</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';color:#ff9900;"><strong>BY: KELVIN G. NOYNAY</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">Hi friend</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">Do you know me?</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">I know you know me</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">But you often times ignore me.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';"> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">I am your friend</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">A really good friend</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">I can make things clearly</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">If you just visit me.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';"> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">I am always here to guide you</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">Willing to give everything that you need,</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">Because I am your friend and I will never leave you.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';"> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">Remember those times</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">That you have difficulties</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">In understanding words, I guide you</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';"> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">Remember those times</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">That you have difficulties</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">In pronouncing the words, I teach you</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';"> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">And remember those times</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">That you have difficulties</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">In spelling out the words, I guide you</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';"> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">That was the moment that I felt in love with you,</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">that’s why I’ve decided to be always with you.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';"> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">But I don’t know what happened when you met your new friend,</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">the one always in your hands that gives you an entertainment.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">You started to ignore me and almost forget me.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';"> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">But I am still your friend,</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">A really good friend,</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">But how many times</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">Are you going to ignore me?</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">It really feels hurt,</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">When you do that to me.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';"> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">Don’t let the dust covered my body</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">Because I don’t want you to get sick</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">When you visit me.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';"> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">I love you more than myself</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">And I am willing to sacrifice just to give you strength.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';"> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">All I want is to help you,</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">To improve you and to guide you</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">That’s how I show my love and care</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">For you.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';"> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">I am always here,</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">Wherever you need me</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">Because I am your friend,</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">A really good friend.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';"> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';"> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';"> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">Love,</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">Dictionary</span></p></div>I am beautiful , toohttps://www.myenglishclub.com/blogs/i-am-beautiful-too2015-11-26T06:00:00.000Z2015-11-26T06:00:00.000ZAnnahttps://www.myenglishclub.com/members/Anna_Eve<div><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2347166541,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2347166541,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2347166541?profile=original" width="600" /></a></p><p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family:verdana, geneva;"> </span></p></div>If a flower were a princess , what flower would be Cinderella ?https://www.myenglishclub.com/blogs/if-a-flower-were-a-princess2015-03-16T15:30:00.000Z2015-03-16T15:30:00.000ZAnnahttps://www.myenglishclub.com/members/Anna_Eve<div><p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva;font-size:12pt;">If a flower were a princess , a balloon flower would be Cinderella . Why ? Because the blue petals remind me of Cinderella in her gorgeous blue gown. </span></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2347027140,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2347027140,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2347027140?profile=original" width="500" /></a></p><p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family:verdana, geneva;">The flower doesn't need magic to be beautiful like Cinderella . It needs only sunlight and water and can remain beautiful all through the night not just at midnight .</span></p><p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva;font-size:12pt;"><br /> At the beginning ,the flower bud is a hollow balloon .</span></p><p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva;font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2347027466,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2347027466,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2347027466?profile=original" width="500" /></a>Then finally the bud is burst and opened . All petals unfold like a blue night gown . They are as lovely as their names . I like to call it " Balloonrella "</span></p><p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family:verdana, geneva;">I would love to read your idea about if a flower were a princess , which princess would be what flower ?</span></p><p> </p></div>