You can only start writing when you can read a little. If you feel you need more reading too, this is OK. Learning to write is about both how, what, why and when to use particular words when writing. Try the simple writing challenges here.

Each of the following sentences has at least two errors - spelling, grammar or meaning! See if you can work out where the original author went wrong. No prizes, but you should be able to spot the errors without too much difficulty.

• The dores was shut with a bang.
• Afteer the bell he waked up.
• Sometime it is useful to think about thing.
• I went besides the river for a wark.
• They're a long pair of soks.
• There were a number of policy issues.
• The door's a glass paneel in it.
• Everyone love his' performance.
• The audiance are blown away.
• The mat sats on the cat.

Now you have worked out the errors, write down the corrected sentences - this is, after all, a writing test!

Intermediate Writing

If you feel that writing simple things like shopping lists, lists of parts, recipes and so on is OK, then you will want to think in terms of writing messages - even sentences too. To see how easy it is to make mistakes try the following exercise.

The following are supposed to be short messages someone took down on the phone for you to read when you get in. Once again, these all have errors; this time they are more subtle errors! Mind you, I reckon you might need to get a better 'telephone-answering person' too!

• Jenny rang. You are to see her later because she hasn't got a phone. Try not to go when she is out as she won't be there.
• Phil's at home in the garden. Please call him some time today - don't worry if he doesn't answer 'cos he is outside.
• Please ring her this afternoon - but not on her phone as it's broken. Look for her in the Plaza.
• Don't answer this message as Mary isn't in today. She needs you to write a letter but will tell you when you ring.
• The car needs some bits. They will be coming when they arrive you will need to wait. The car needs to stay there for the night.
• Easicare rang to tell you you have a new visitor. See her tomorrow on your way home before work.
• Find your way to work when you get home. It will be too late before that.
• John says you need to work it out when you get home. Does he have your phone number.
• Ring work when you get home after work. You have the number.
• See psychiatrist tomorrow afternoon when you are at home.

Perhaps you should also write out the corrected form of the message - and show what you have written to your 'telephone-answering person' too!

Specialist Writing

There are many kinds of specialist writing for both the ordinary person and for those whose specialist work requires more advanced skills. Just try the challenge below to see if you could do with more help in your specialist area.

The following is a letter written to make a (fictitious) claim on an insurance company for some damage to your house caused by a storm. While you might be payed as a result, the errors could certainly lead to much confusion in working out what you are actually claiming for. Once again you might like to try to work out where the sentences - and even whole paragraphs - could easily be misread by the insurance company!

Now re-write the letter correctly!