How to Write in English: Complete Step-by-Step Writing Lesson for Beginners

How to Write in English — Complete Lesson

A step-by-step guide for learners. Follow the sections, try the exercises, and press Start Now when you're ready.

Overview

This lesson covers the complete writing process in English: planning, drafting, revising, and editing/proofreading. Each section includes examples and short exercises you can do right away.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the stages of the writing process.
• Write clear paragraphs with topic sentences and supporting details.
• Use linking words to connect ideas.
• Edit your own writing for grammar and clarity.

1) Planning (Pre-writing)

Before you write, spend time to plan. Planning saves time and makes your writing clearer.

• Choose your topic and purpose (to inform, persuade, describe, or entertain).
• Identify your audience (who will read this?).
• Make a quick outline or mind map with main points.

Exercise: Pick a topic (for example: "My favorite city"). Write one sentence stating the purpose and three bullet points for the main ideas you will include.

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2) Drafting (Write your first draft)

Write freely using your plan. Do not worry about making it perfect — focus on getting your ideas down.

Paragraph structure

• Topic sentence: The main idea of the paragraph.
• Supporting sentences: Details, facts, or examples that explain the topic sentence.
• Concluding/transition sentence: Finish the idea or link to the next paragraph.

Example paragraph:

Paris is my favorite city because it has beautiful architecture and a rich culture. The streets are full of historic buildings, museums, and cafés. Walking in Paris gives me new ideas and inspiration, and the food is delicious. For these reasons, I always enjoy visiting Paris.

Exercise: Using your plan from the planning section, write a first draft of one short paragraph (3–5 sentences).

Back to planning

3) Revising (Improve content and structure)

Revision is about improving ideas and organization, not grammar. Ask yourself:

• Is my main idea clear?
• Are the paragraphs in a logical order?
• Does each paragraph have supporting details?
• Can I add a stronger example or explanation?

Exercise: Read your draft paragraph. Underline the topic sentence and add one more supporting detail or an example.

Back to drafting

4) Editing & Proofreading (Grammar, punctuation, spelling)

Now focus on language accuracy. Check for:

• Subject-verb agreement and correct verb tenses.
• Correct punctuation (commas, full stops, question marks).
• Spelling errors and capitalization.
• Clear and concise sentences — remove unnecessary words.

Common corrections:

Wrong: I has a dog. — Correct: I have a dog.

Wrong: Its raining outside. — Correct: It's raining outside.

Exercise: Proofread your paragraph and fix three errors (spelling, punctuation, or grammar). Use an online tool or ask a friend to check it.

Back to revising

Useful linking words

To connect ideas use words like:

• Adding: and, also, furthermore, in addition
• Giving examples: for example, for instance, such as
• Contrasting: however, but, although, on the other hand
• Concluding: in conclusion, therefore, finally

More practice

1. Write a short email to a friend describing your day (5–8 sentences).
2. Write a paragraph that describes your favorite hobby with reasons why you like it.
3. Write a short opinion paragraph (Do you agree or disagree with this statement?).

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