I want to know the answer . . .

My primary language is Japanese (I use English every day). Japanese is a complex language. There are different writing systems, homophones, and honorifics.

When I was an English learner, I always translated from Japanese to English. One day, the English (native) teacher read my essay and said, “English is different from Japanese, so write simply!”

I think her advice was right. Whether I am writing in Japanese or English, first I summarize my stance (opinion and position) and write a strong conclusion. Then, I get information (evidence) to support my stance.

As a reader, I like blogs and articles that clearly state conclusions and share personal experiences. My blog is also based on personal experience.

Someday, I want to write a short story. I don’t have time now . . .

「他の人が読みたいと思うもの (文章) は、どうやって書けばいいですか?」っていう質問なんですが、私がその答えを知りたい…

私の第一言語は日本語です(英語は毎日使ってるけど)。日本語はひらがな、カタカナ、漢字があるし、同音異義語、敬語などがあって複雑。

英語を学んでいた頃は、いつも日本語から英語に訳してたかな (前にも書いたとおり、私は日本語だけの環境で生まれ育ったから)。ある日、英語の先生が私の作文を読んで、「英語は日本語と違うから、もっとシンプルに書こう!」と言いました。

彼女のアドバイスは、正しかったと思います。私の場合、日本語でも英語でも、まず自分の立場 (意見) をまとめて、明確な結論を出します。それから、自分の立場 (意見) を裏付ける情報 (説明) を集めるように。書く順番としては、結論 → 序論 → 本論 → タイトルかな。

読者として、結論がはっきり書かれてたり、個人的な体験が綴られているブログや記事を読むのが好きです。私のブログも、個人的な体験に基づいてるし。

いつか、短編小説を書いてみたいけど。今は時間がないから…

 

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2 responses to “How do you write what people actually want to read?”

  1. Voice Of Rohingya | Anowar Sadak Avatar

    I really enjoyed this reflection. Your teacher’s advice to “write simply” is powerful, and I agree that clear ideas and personal experiences make writing more meaningful. Your approach of sharing your own perspective honestly is what makes your blog special. I hope you find time to write that short story someday!

  2. vermavkv Avatar

    I think you already know more of the answer than you realise. 😊 Your teacher’s advice—“write simply”—is a wonderful starting point. Readers connect with writing when they can easily understand the writer’s thought, but they stay when they can feel the writer’s experience.

    Your approach of stating your conclusion, supporting it with evidence, and adding personal experiences is very effective. I would only add one more ingredient: write something you genuinely care about. Your curiosity, emotions, small discoveries, and personal stories are what make your writing uniquely yours.

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