On 10 Nov 99, 10:48, Tong Sun wrote:
> I am looking for resources or references that can help me in English
> writing. The challenge is that there are so many of them out there but
> what I am looking for is not grammar-oriented. I'm looking for something
> that beyond that. i.e., what is the normal style to write a business
> letter, a technical document... It should be practical and
> application-oriented.
Writing for business, your profession or any other technical oriented
writing requires a strict adherence to grammatical rules and form. The
only writing profession I know of that does not require one to stick
closely to grammatical form would be ad writing. Commercials are
notorious for lacking in proper grammatical form -- sometimes
deliberate, but I think other times it goes to the writer's lack of
training and education.
Regardless of language, you learn writing by practice. The more you
write the better you get. You need to find forums that make you write
often or else just do this on your own. I think we might be able to
find you mailing lists in this vein.
Before we look for resources for you, could you clarify a little more
to what you are seeking? You ask for the "practical and application
oriented." To me that is technical writing - writing about a subject
to which you have some expertise and does require learning about proper
grammar.
Are you familiar with the ESL.net site? This site has many resources
for those pursuing English as a Second Language. Of all the methods to
learn a second language, I would opt for classroom learning. I realize
for some this may not be a viable option, but if you have a chance to
learn English in a classroom, you should take advantage of that
opportunity. There is no better person in the world to teach you to
write better than a real live teacher. :-)
The ESL.net site will have resources for ESL education, both in schools
around the world and the site will have online resources that you can
investigate.
http://www.esl.net/
Alan
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
