WRITING
Definition of Writing
Like the other skills, writing skill can be learned and improved. Writing is the skill that
must be learned by students at all levels. So, everyone can learn to write well and improve
this skill.
According to Byrne defines writing as “The act of forming grapich symbols; making marks
on the flat surface of some kinds, he continues that these symbols have to be arranged,
according to certain convention, to from words, and words have to be arranged to form
sentences it can be said to be “writing” merely making lists of words, as in investories of
items such as shopping lists.
Regarding the statement above, it is clear that writing is a forming formal symbol
(alphabet); on that surface, these symbols have to be arranged , according to certain
convention, to form words to form sentence, it is a form of visual of communication.
Brookes and Grundy say that “Writing is an activity made up of several processes, such as
thinking what to write and the other to put it in”.
In communication activity, human bieng can not only communicate to each other by
writing. But also by writing a letter and a note. By the letter, they can communicate among
people aboard indirectly. So, they can make their relation closer. In line with this, Tarigan
states that, “Writing is a skill language that is used to communicate indirectly, not face to
face with others. In this writing activity, then the writer must skillfully use graphology,
grammar and vocabulary.”
So, according to him writing is a language skill that used to communcate indirectly, not
face to face each other. In writing process, the writer must be able in using graphology,
structure and vocabulary.
Writig is a skill that improves through practice. Writing skill doesn’t come automatically.
In other words, learning to write well is a process that begins for most people when they go
to primary school and continues throughout their life. So, we should practice regularly.
Without it we can not write well,. In line with this, Tarigan states that, “Writing skills will
not come automatically, but must go through training and practice are numerous and
regular.”
So, according to him that writing skill does not come automatically, but through exercise
and practice a lot and regularly.
The Purpose of Writing
Byrne presented five purpose of writing, they are:
a. The introduction and practice of some form of writing enables us to provide for
different learning styles and needs.
b. Written work serves to provide the learners with some tangible evidence that they are
mking progress in the language.
c. Exposure to the foreign language through more than one medium, especially if skill are
properly integrated, appears to be more effective than relying on a single medium alone.
d. Writing provides variety in classroom activities, serving as a break from oral work (and
is therefore a quieter and more relaxed time for both students and teacher!).
e. Writing is often needed for foral and informal testing.
Regarding the statement above, it is clear that writing is often defined by the purpose.
Writing purpose have to do with goals, often referred to as aims of writing or writing
intentions. Thinking about purpose for writing mean thinking about motivating forces that
more people to write. Student often think their purpose for writing is to fulfill a class
assignment. But the concept of purpose means more, it refers to what the writer seek to
achieve.
The Types of Writing
Types of writing mean the form or kind of writing used. Clearly, the writer and the
circumstances of writing shape the type of writing. According to Alkhuli states, there are
four types of writing, namely:
1. Descriptive
A Descriptive composition is just an account of the described thing. Such an account
may be factual or imaginative.
2. Narrative
Narrative is simply telling a story. The sequence of idea here is normally chronological
and verbs are usually in the past tense. Of course, the story may be factual or
imaginative.
3. Expository
The purpose of expository writing is to explain and clarify idea directly through
definition, analysis, comparison, or information.
4. Persuasive
The purpose of persuasive writing is to persuade emotionally or convince rationally of a
certain opinion.