Learning To Write Well

What does the Bible say about writing? There are many scriptures that speak on this very subject. Jesus, who so often taught by telling stories, spoke a special word to the scribes who became His followers. The word scribe here refers to a clerk, public servant, secretary or recorder.

Other synonyms for scribe include: writer - journalist - engros - indite

Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord. Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old. Matthew 13:51-52 KJV

Day 1 - Lesson 1 - The Writing Process

The Writing Process is a set of steps that writers use to help them plan, organize, and complete writing assignments. You can find different ways of describing these steps, but most writers believe that five steps must be taken. Before you begin any writing assignment, be clear on the format that is required for the final document.

Day 2 - Lesson 2 - Principles Of Composition I

Day 3 - Lesson 3 - Principles Of Composition I

Day 4 - Lesson 4 - Principles Of Composition II

Day 5 - Lesson 5 - Principles Of Composition II

Day 6 - Lesson 6 - Learning The Writing Process

Day 7 - Lesson 7 - Brainstorming

Sometimes coming up with an idea is the hardest part of a creative task. One way to come up with ideas is by brainstorming. Brainstorming is a way to think of many different ideas. For example, if you are trying to plan a birthday party, you might brainstorm many ideas for party decorations. If you want to buy a new video game, you might brainstorm ways that you could raise money for it. Brainstorming is a tool that you can use in many different situations to help you come up with ideas or solve problems that have more than one possible solution.

Day 8 - Lesson 8 - Outline

An outline is an ordered list of the main points of your essay. Outlining helps you define and organize your topic and subtopics so that you bring the reader on a logical journey from your thesis, through your supporting evidence, to your conclusion.

My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer. Psalm 45:1 KJV

Day 9 - Lesson 9 - Writing An Introduction Paragraph

The introduction paragraph is the first paragraph of your essay. What does it do? It introduces the main idea of your essay. A good opening paragraph captures the interest of your reader and tells why your topic is important. 1. Attract the Reader's Attention - Begin your introduction with a HOOK that grabs your reader's attention and introduces the general topic. 2. State Your Focused Topic - A sentence or two about the specific focus of your paper. 3. State your Thesis - include your thesis statement.

Day 10 - Lesson 10 - Writing A Closing/Conclusion Paragraph

A conclusion is the wrap up of the information in your essay. It shows how you have proven your thesis (point). It provides a sense of closure on the topic your essay was about.

Day 11 - Lesson 11 - Revising, Editing, Proofreading

In composition, revision is the process of rereading a text and making changes (in content, organization, sentence structures, and word choice) to improve it. During the revision stage of the writing process, writers may add, remove, rearrange, and substitute text.

Editing requires you to fix grammar mistakes, spelling or punctuation errors, repetition, and style. You should wait to edit until you are done with revising. There is no point in editing something you will later delete or rewrite.

Proofreading is a review of spelling/punctuation and is the final step before publishing. It is usually done after you have a final copy of your formatted work. A proofreader will look for typos as well as formatting issues. Their job is to make sure your work looks amazing.

Day 12 - Lesson 12 - The Final Draft

Your final draft is your completed document. It has passed through all of the previous stages and is ready for publication or grading.

Day 13 - Lesson 21 - Practice Lessons

These lessons are to practice what you have learned.

A list of resources for writing: