The importance of writing

I would like to emphasize the advantages that writing brings to the process of learning. I present different kinds of creative writing which involve self-reflection and imagination. I also try to show the importance of writing as a way of communication  between people.

1. The importance of writing

Trimmer (1992) suggests that previously writing was perceived as the least useful language skill which was neglected by teachers at schools. However, nowadays writing can be a great opportunity which brings a lot of advantages to teaching a foreign language. Writing allows to explore, express and explain ideas and in this way to get audience. Additionally, by formulating, organizing ideas and finding the right words, one can gain power and develop the confidence in the classroom and out of it.
Furthermore, according to Byrne (1995), writing nowadays is described as a productive skill which no longer is a servant to the three others. Writing is also a communicative act with an intended purpose and audience.

1.1 Writing as a way of communication

According to Littlewood (1981), one of the most important features of language is its communicative function. That is why, people pay attention to both, functional and structural aspects of the language.
The structural meaning of the language focuses on the grammatical system, which describes ways in which linguistic items are combined. The functional view of the language depends on specific situational and social factors.
Byrne (1995) claims that people in the past did not pay attention to communicate in a written form. They communicated mainly orally due to the fact that few of them could read and write. However, times have changed and a written message plays an important role in a social life. Additionally, students may find themselves in different kinds of situations involving the need to communicate in a written form. They may need to complete various sorts of forms or write formal and informal letters.
Hedge (1998) underlines that writing has a communicative and social meaning. Some kinds of social writing which includes letters, advertisements and reports, help to establish and maintain social relationships between people. Thanks to them one can share opinions, attitudes, exchange information and be aware of a variety of forms and functions of a language.

1.2 Writing and other skills

Although many teachers emphasize the importance of developing all four language skills at the same time, Byrne (1995) suggests that writing is a very difficult process. It involves taking into consideration its psychological, linguistic and cognitive aspects. Additionally, writing differs a lot from other three language skills.
Speaking unlike writing is a natural form of communication for people and it is usually provided with ...