Writing is an art

I was interested in some of the writer's points of view in the article Writing needs more recognition in your July 10 edition.

It is true if we consider that writing is one of the most difficult subjects not only to learn but also to teach. Writing is closely related to the language skills: reading, listening and speaking plus grammar competency. These skills are inseparable. We cannot hope that someone could write well if he does not have good basic grammar; we cannot write well if we dislike reading; we even cannot write a line if we never speak that language. The question is which we should learn first? Some experts state that listening comes first while the others say grammar. In my point of view, all the skills should be taught together. How? These questions should be answered by teachers or those who have competence in the field.

Although there are many things that can lead us to be a good writer, they do not guarantee us 100 percent success. Why? Because writing is an art. If we want to learn art, we need not only knowledge but talent. It is no wonder that many students do not like this subject. They do not hate it, but they really do not know how to deal with it. Once they hold a pen, they are at a loss in starting the first sentence. They get bored and frustrated because they are not interested at all.

What about teachers? Do they feel the same? I think many of them do.

Despite the complexity, writing is not an impossible subject to learn. What we need is practice (practice makes perfect). Teachers must encourage students to write as much as possible, and teachers themselves should not forget that they still need to practice. How can an unqualified writer teach someone to be a good writer?

LAY KA BUI

Bogor, West Java