Where Art and Science Meet...Writing: An International Students Guide to Writing

Quality writing is an art form. As second language learning occurs in a specialized portion of our brain (different from first our language) it is logical to present the tools of art form in ways that capitalize on this knowledge. Hence, the focus of this writing guide.

Yes, there are grammatical, syntactical, and linguistic rules that must be adhered to, however great writing is more than the mastery of these skills. Recognition that all our cognition skills are guided by the brain’s chemical and physical nature then allows us to utilize this information to our best advantage, especially in a second language.

For example, we must tap into the visceral reaction that happens seconds into our encounter with everything, in our case, text. We need to recognize and write in a way that our customer (reader) feels a connection with us as the author. And more importantly, we need to make sure that same customer feels safe with what they are buying (reading), for safety is agreement. And agreement is what we seek in all instances of writing, both personal and professional.

Synthesizing writings basic skills, such as grammar, with the masterful use of creative thinking delivered through the understanding of how humans perceive information is the end goal of this guide for second language writers.