Language Writing Prompts: How To Practice Writing In A Foreign Language
Introduction
As any language learner will know, in order to achieve fluency in your new language, you’re going to have to practice, practice, practice. This does not only apply to speaking and listening.
In fact, from my own experience, I can tell you that practicing forming sentences through writing will get you to your fluency goal a lot faster than simply focusing on speaking.
Writing in your new language allows you to carefully consider and hone your words, along with utilizing a dictionary for the production of more advanced sentences.
New vocabulary you learn is also more likely to stick in your memory through this method, as it will have more context, and you’ll be able to reread what you’ve written as often as you like.
This is where writing prompts come in handy.
What are writing prompts?
Writing prompts are questions and exercises designed to help you generate sentences in order to hone your creative writing skills. They’re usually used by authors with writer’s block, and those who have trouble generating ideas.
The idea is that, by answering the prompt, you get your creative juices flowing, making the writing process easier going forward.
How do foreign language writing prompts work?
Language prompts are pretty much the same as the regular kind, only with them you practice honing your language writing skills.
Though it’s not always easy finding these exercises in different languages, you can always use regular creative writing prompts in your native language, but write in your target language. The result will be the same.
Why are language writing prompts useful?
Foreign language writing exercises are useful in that they get you thinking in your target language, and producing well thought out responses that you’ve had time to hone. You are free to make them as simple or as in-depth as you like, depending on your skill level.
This method of reproducing the language can be far more effective than trying to come up with spoken responses on the spot, as you’ll be able to take more care with your words and grammar, with no time constraints.
What are the best ways to use language writing prompts?
- Language writing prompts are best used daily. You should set aside at least half an hour a day to complete one, so that you get into the habit of producing target language sentences. Once you make this a habit, your mind will more easily generate sentences.
- A target language dictionary should always be handy, so that you’re constantly working on boosting your vocabulary and perfecting your grammar. As you progress, you’ll start to notice your responses getting more complex. This can only be achieved through consistent writing and frequent reference to a dictionary.
- You should read over what you’ve written in order to familiarize yourself with new words you may have forgotten. Read aloud also.
Where can you find language writing prompts?
Writing prompts for authors are quite easy to find in English, so you could start with any one of the many creative writing exercise books on the market.
