Module 4: Writing

Writing is a very unique skills learned by humans. The preservation of wonders from
the past were made possible by means of it. Writing, indeed, plays an integral part in
our today’s time. It is crucial in every working situation and even in our academics. In
this lesson you will be able to understand the definition and concepts of writing
alongside its importance and implication in the labor field.
The objective of this lesson is that, at the end of a successful lecture, students are
expected to:
1. define writing and its concept;
2. generate ideas to help in improving writing;
3. employ a variety of writing techniques in dealing with work-based tasks; and
4. discuss the importance of enhancing writing as an important communication
skill.

What is Writing?

"Writing" is the process of using symbols (letters of the alphabet, punctuation and
spaces) to communicate thoughts and ideas in a readable form.
"Writing" can also refer to the work/career of an author, as in: "Shakespeare didn't
make much money from writing."
Generally, we write using a pen/pencil (handwriting) or a keyboard (typing). With a
pen/pencil we usually write on a surface such as paper or whiteboard. A keyboard is
normally attached to a typewriter, computer or mobile device. Voice recognition
programs allow those who can't see or use their hands to have their thoughts
transcribed.
Writing is the fourth of the four language skills, which are:
1. Listening
2. Speaking
3. Reading
4. Writing
In our own language, writing is usually the fourth language skill that we learn.
To write clearly it is essential to understand the basic system of a language. In
English this includes knowledge of grammar, punctuation and sentence structure.
Vocabulary is also necessary, as is correct spelling and formatting.
A writer may write for personal enjoyment or use, or for an audience of one person or
more. The audience may be known (targeted) or unknown. Taking notes for study
purposes is an example of writing for one's self. Blogging publicly is an example of
writing for an unknown audience. A letter to a friend is an example of writing for a
targeted audience. As with speaking, it is important to consider your audience when
writing. There are many different styles of writing, from informal to formal.

Why writing is important?

In high school, teachers who hand out essay assignments are often met with groans
from the class. Why? Writing isn’t always easy! Yet, it’s one of the most essential skills
to learn, no matter where your life may take you in the future.
Why is writing important? It’s the fuel that drives communication, and communication
serves as a framework for society. Clear communication—and hence, good writing—
is critical because it facilitates coworker collaborations, business transactions and
interpersonal interactions.
In short, no matter what you plan on doing with your life or which academic fields
interest you, you will need to know how to write effectively. It’s one reason why you
can expect many college courses to have a writing- and reading-intensive curriculum.
The more you practice your writing skills, the more they will improve.

Why Writing Is Important for Landing a Job

One of the answers to the question, “Why is writing important?” is that it will help you.
Consider the typical process of applying to a job. You’ll usually be asked to submit
your resume and cover letter before the hiring manager will decide whether to invite
you to schedule an interview.
Your resume and cover letter are like your gateway to the job you want. It’s vital to be
able to write these items well so the hiring manager decides to extend an interview
offer. Another skill worth investing in is email writing. You may need to send emailed
inquiries to the HR department, for example. It’s essential to be able to write well
enough to impress the HR staff, and to ensure that your writing reflects a high degree
of professionalism.
Landing the job you desire is just one reason why writing is important. You’ll also need
writing skills to do your job well.
The Importance of Writing for All Types of Careers
There are certain careers in which solid writing skills are absolutely essential, such
as journalism, copywriting and technical writing. Yet, even if you do not intend on
becoming a professional writer, you’ll still need to know how to communicate clearly
and effectively. The ability to communicate is vital whether you plan on becoming
a nurse, cybersecurity expert, public servant, police officer or any other type of
worker.
Written communication skills are essential for allowing employees to coordinate their
work, collaborate with coworkers and respond to clients. However, there are some
hidden attributes of a good writer.
Employers generally recognize that someone who demonstrates good writing skills is
more likely to be someone who thinks clearly, knows how to organize information and
understands how to put themselves in someone else’s shoes. As a result, good writers
may be more likely to work well with other people. Plus, their ability to organize
information in logical ways can support their problem-solving and decision-making
abilities.
When an employer sees employees or job candidates who possess good writing skills,
they tend to form the following opinions about these people:
• They are intelligent. Grammatical errors, poorly formed sentences and
improper word choices can make a person seem less intelligent than they might
actually be.
• They are credible. Solid writing implies that the writer is competent, and this
leads to credibility and authoritativeness.
• They understand professionalism. A good writer is able to convey
professionalism in written communication.
• They are organized. The act of writing requires the careful organization of
information before it can be presented in a logical form.
Why Is Writing Important in Your Personal Life?
Take a few minutes to reflect on what you’ve done so far today. Perhaps you checked
your social media feeds, read the newspaper, checked out the latest emailed
announcements about your classes or texted with your family about an upcoming get-
together—not to mention taken a few minutes to read this blog. There are very few
activities in life that do not involve any reading or writing.
Being a fluent reader and skilled writer are critically important in all aspects of your life.
Beyond its importance for your career, knowing how to write clearly and engagingly
supports your interpersonal interactions with family, friends and peers. Here’s a quick
look at just a few of the reasons why it’s important to know how to write well.
 • When you know how to choose words carefully, you can reduce the risk of
creating misunderstandings in your social media posts and comments.
• If you decide to keep a daily journal, writing is an act that can give you greater
self-clarity, and which you can use to ponder your next steps or figure out the
solution to a problem.
• If you’re stressed, writing down what troubles you is a way to unburden your
mind.
• Writing personal letters—whether via email or old-fashioned snail mail—is an
excellent way to stay in touch with family and friends that you do not often see
in person.
Good writing and reading skills go hand-in-hand. When you actively work on improving
your own writing skills, you may be better able to appreciate excellent writing created
by others. This can enhance your enjoyment of both works of fiction and nonfiction.
Tips for Improving Your Writing Skills
Now that you understand the importance of writing, it’s time to take a look at ways of
improving your skills. One of the most effective ways to improve your writing skills is
to become a voracious reader.
Read a wide variety of materials—from novels and nonfiction books to magazine and
newspaper articles to industry blogs. Daily reading broadens your mind, expands your
vocabulary and instills writing techniques.
In the workplace, your written communication should be concise, clear, well-organized
and professional. Remember to keep your intended audience in mind. For instance, if
you’re communicating with a client or customer, your writing should convey warmth
and friendliness, as well as professionalism.
Always proofread your writing before finalizing a document or clicking “Send” on an
email. When proofreading, check for these issues:
• Unnecessary words
• Repeated words and phrases
• Run-on sentences
• Grammatical mistakes
• Misspellings (double-check names and other proper nouns for accuracy)
If possible, set aside a piece to proofread the next day. You’re more likely to catch
mistakes if you wait a while to proofread.
Effective Written Communication and Its Importance
Written communication can be an important part of both your personal and
professional life. Even if you work in an office that doesn't have you communicating
with people daily, having the right kind of written communication skills can help you
get promotions and jobs, as well as succeed at school or college.
To make sure that you’re always communicating the right way, it’s important to know
what kinds of written communication you should be using—and how those different
types differ from each other. Here are eight of the main types of written
communication skills that every modern person should have in their arsenal.
Types of Written Communication: The 8 Types You Need to Know
1) Persuasive
A persuasive essay is an argumentative piece that aims to convince the reader that
your opinion or idea is the best. There are many types of persuasive essays, but all
have one purpose- persuading the reader that you're right.
Persuasive essays can take different forms, but each one typically has five parts:
introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion, evidence, and a call-to-action (aka what
you want the reader to do).
2) Informative
There are many different types of written communication, each with its purpose.
Knowing which type you need for your situation can help you create a better outcome.
Below is a list of common types and what they are typically used for.
Personal letter- personal letters are often written when someone wants to write
something that will be shared with one person or a small group. Personal letters can
also be used for apologies, congratulations, condolences, or other sentimental
communications between close friends and family members.
3) Instructional
The types of written communication are cover letters, business letters, emails,
memos, proposals, research reports, and speeches.
A cover letter is a document that you include with your resume when applying for a
job. It's the first chance you have to make an impression on the employer and it should
show your interest in the position and why you would be a good fit for the company.
A business letter is typically written by an individual who wants to make an inquiry or
provide feedback about a product or service. An email is one of the most common
forms of communication today and can be used for anything from sending birthday
wishes to coworkers to asking clients for payment.
4) Narrative
If you want to communicate with people, you are going to need some form of written
communication.
There are many different types of written communication, but for this post, we will
focus on four that are most common and relevant. These are emails, text messages,
social media posts, and letters.
While all four have advantages and disadvantages and may be better suited for certain
contexts than others, they each deserve a mention because they can help you get
your point across in a way that is best suited for the situation.
5) Descriptive
Written communication is necessary for every type of project, job, and profession.
There are many different types of written communication, from professional memos
to social media posts. Here are the types you need to know.
1. Memo- a short note that may be informal or formal, which could serve as an
introduction or summary
2. Letter- a longer note with more detail that is typically sent via postal service
3. Email- messages sent over the internet in an email account such as Gmail
4. Meme- humorous pictures with words overlaid on them
5. Tweet- brief status updates on social media sites like Twitter or Facebook
6) Definition
There are many different types of written communication. Some examples are
formal, informal, and persuasive. Formal written communication is when you write in
a very formal style with a lot of professional jargon.
Informal written communication is when you write more like you would speak to
someone face-to-face; for example, using slang or misspellings. Persuasive written
communication is when the writer's goal is to persuade the reader by providing facts
and evidence to back up their argument.
7) Compare and Contrast
The four types of written communication are formal, informal, memoranda and
proposals. Formal writing is used for business purposes and meetings. Informal writing
is a casual way to communicate with friends or family members.
Memos are shorter messages that are intended to be read by a few people. Proposals
are used when you need approval from someone before moving forward with an idea
or project. Memos are usually more detailed than emails because they can provide
more background information on the topic at hand.
8) Cause and Effect
To write effectively, you need to know the different types of written communication.
The first type is persuasive writing, which is writing that tries to convince the reader or
listener to adopt a particular point of view or take an action.
Persuasive writing is often used in sales and marketing materials because it can
encourage someone to purchase a product. Another type of written communication is
informative writing.
This type of writing provides information so that the reader can make informed
decisions about a subject. Informative articles are often found in newspapers and
magazines but are also used on sites such as Wikipedia.
The third type of written communication is narrative-based writing, which tells a story
about an event or person's life using description and dialogue.

Reasons Why Written Communication Is Important

Everyone knows that talking to people in person (or on the phone) can be effective.
But what about communicating with them through text?
There are plenty of people who think that written communication is sub-par compared
to face-to-face interactions, but there are just as many reasons why written
communication should be considered important, even in 2016 and beyond! Here are
10 reasons why written communication is important no matter what your industry or
career path may be.
1) Helps to Get the Message Across Clearly
Written communication is important because it helps you get your message across
more clearly. Whether you are sending an email, text, or writing a letter, written
communication is a great way to express yourself with words on paper.
You can take your time and not worry about being interrupted or having someone else
talk over you. You can even stop and go back if need be. Plus, you know that the
person reading it will have time to think about what they just read rather than having
the information thrown at them all at once in a meeting or phone call.
2) Helps to Keep a Record of What Was Communicated
Communicating in written form is important for many reasons, including the ability to
keep a record of what was said or agreed upon. For example, if two people agree on
a certain date and time to meet, it's often helpful to write this information down.
It also helps when you want to make sure that you're interpreting things correctly. If
one person says It's going to be hot tomorrow. while the other says It's going to be
cold tomorrow. then they may need to clarify their messages by adding more detail.
3) Helps Avoid Misunderstandings
Written communication is crucial because it helps avoid misunderstandings. If you are
having a conversation with someone and they don’t understand what you mean, the
conversation will stop until you can find a way to clarify your message.
When writing a message, however, there is time to reword sentences or find other
ways of communicating the same idea so that both people understand what's being
said. This leads to less confusion and frustration on both sides.
Written messages also save time because there's no need for back-and-forth
conversations; one person sends the message, then another person responds with a
response or reply.
4) Helps Save Time
Written communication is a great way to save time. In the modern world, many different
types of written messages can be sent back and forth. For example, with email, it is
possible to type out what you want to say and then hit send.
Then your message will be delivered in a matter of seconds! Messages like this allow
people to communicate quickly without having to spend any more time than they need
on their phones or computer.
Additionally, not only do messages like this save a person's time but they also
conserve their resources. When sending an email someone doesn't have to talk on
the phone or use any paper which saves them money.
5) Helps to Communicate Complex Ideas
Written communication can be very helpful in situations when verbal communication
is difficult. For example, written language can more accurately communicate complex
ideas than verbal speech. It also helps to reduce misunderstanding and assure that
all parties are on the same page.
Plus, written communication allows you to more thoroughly explain your thoughts and
put them out there without having the pressure of being interrupted or worrying about
how someone will react if they don't like what you're saying. To make sure a message
gets across effectively, it's important to be specific and straightforward - which is much
easier in written form because you have time to edit your work.
6) Helps Reduce Ambiguity
Written communication is important because it helps reduce ambiguity. In the business
world, ambiguity can lead to miscommunication and costly mistakes. For example, if
you are running a company and have hired someone to be a part of your team but
they never said they were interested in the position, you may find yourself without a
vital part of your organization.
That's why written communication is so important - it ensures that everyone is on the
same page and there's never any confusion. It also allows for records to exist that
people can refer back to later. Plus, writing out what you want someone to do means
you won't forget it when they're not around or ask them again over email when time is
precious.
However, while writing can help reduce ambiguity at times, some people think that
writing has the opposite effect. They say verbal communication conveys more emotion
than writing does and can convey intent better than an email ever could. But even
these naysayers agree that having good verbal communication skills will always help
in many different situations as well as give others a clearer understanding of what is
being communicated.
7) Can Be Reviewed and Revised
Communication is important in all walks of life, and it's even more important in
business. When you communicate with your employees and clients, you need to make
sure that they understand what you're trying to say. This is where written
communication comes in handy. It makes it easier for people to read and comprehend
what's being said.
Plus, it helps eliminate any misunderstanding or misinterpretation that might occur
during a verbal conversation. It also allows you to review and revise before sending
your message.
What would happen if an employee sent out an email without double-checking the
content? The information could be off-base, confusing, or just plain wrong! Using a
method like an email, blog post, or social media post, allows us the opportunity to edit
our message before hitting send.
8) Can Be Shared Easily
Written communication is important because it is easy to share, it can be saved for
later, and it can be read at your convenience. The most obvious reason why written
communication is important is that you don't have to worry about mispronouncing a
word or forgetting what you want to say.
It also makes communicating in different languages easier since the words are spelled
out for you. And since written communication can be saved for later, you can refer
back to it if needed. Finally, written communication allows people from all over the
world to understand each other without any barriers to understanding through
language or culture.
9) Allows for Standardization
Written communication is important because it allows for standardization, which can
lead to more effective interactions.
One of the benefits of written communication is that it provides a quick and easy way
for people who might not be in the same location to communicate with each other. It
also makes it possible for people to store information in a centralized location and
access it at any time.
Finally, written communication makes it possible for people who speak different
languages to communicate as long as they both have access to the same writing
system. It has been used by organizations such as the United Nations (UN) to facilitate
international relations between nations that don't share a commonly spoken language.
10) Improves Communications Skills
Written communication is often more formal and concise than verbal communication.
For example, you might be able to get a point across more effectively in an email or
text than you would during a phone call. Plus, written documents are easier for people
to refer back to later.
You can also communicate with people who don't speak your language by using
Google Translate or other translation tools. In this way, many people around the world
will be able to understand what you have to say.
1. Keeps Record of Ideas: Writing something down means that it won't just
disappear into the ether if you forget about it - the document will remain on your
computer or device until you delete it.
2. Saves Time: If someone else needs clarification about something that was
discussed at work, they can read through all of the documentation from
previous meetings and conference calls. It's much faster than having everyone
meet again just to go over things one more time!
Conclusion
In this day and age, it's almost impossible to run a business without using any type of
written communication. From email to memos, to sign-in sheets and beyond, you need
to be able to write to stay connected with other people in your field of work.
FAQS
What is effective written communication?
Effective written communication is clear, concise, and follows a logical progression. It
is one that the reader can easily follow and understand with little effort. The
importance of written communication should be grammatically correct and free of
any spelling errors. When writing an email, for example, an effective email will have
the subject line in bold letters at the top of the email to make it easy to find when
someone goes looking through their inbox.
What is an important element of effective written communication?
An important element or importance of written communication of effective written
communication is that it's clear, concise, and to the point. Another part of effective
written communication is providing enough information for the reader to get what
you're trying to say without being too wordy or vague. Effective written communication
also needs to be respectful and professional when it's addressing a person in a
different position than yours.
Why effective written communication is important in the workplace?
Effective written communication is important in the workplace because it can help
build relationships and open up new opportunities. By writing professionally, you can
show that you're knowledgeable and competent in your field. Sending a personalized
email to someone will often lead to an invitation for a face-to-face meeting, which could
lead to the beginning of a great business relationship.
In addition to building relationships, effective communication can also help you find
employment.
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