Improving my English grammar
When asked how to improve my English writing, my previous advisor simply mentioned that I just needed to pay more attention to what I wrote. It sounds easier than it really is. I relied on my advisor too much on writing when I was in school. As long as I got the papers published, I just did the mimimum and did not care about how to improve my writing by myself. Now, I am looking for a job and then realize that good writing skills are essential for almost all the jobs I have applied.
I know that the structure and the content of an article are the foremost for attracting readers. However, when practicing my English writing, I realized that I made too many grammar mistakes, which made my writing lousy. Some of the mistakes were made because I was reckless; others were made because I did not even have a clue about the right rules to use. Then, in order to have a solid grammar training which is fundamental towards a good writing, I started to read grammar books again, ten years after I took my TOFEL exam when was the last time I read a grammar book.
When I got to the details of the rules and the exceptions of English grammar, my hands were sweating. The more I read, the more I realized that how many mistakes I have made. I even made lethal mistakes in my cover letters for job applications. No wonder I get no responses from those hiring companies. On the other hand, I felt lost in all the rules and exceptions. It is hard to memorize all the details without using them on a daily basis. Thus, I decide to practice everyday. Try to write something and utilize what I have learned. My grammar practice is really weak based on my self-evaluation and feedbacks from others. The good part is that I have a large room to improve, whereas the bad part is that I have a lot to do to be on the right track.
If I just practice on my own, those blind spots in my wrting may never be found. So, I need help from you guys. Please help me to correct my mistakes and therefore make my writing better. Hope you do not mind that my writing is really poor. I also beg you for the tips towards proper usage of grammar in writing. Thanks.
