Follow the writing process. Just about any work we do can be improved by writing an outline, drafting, editing, and getting the work proofread. These simple steps can go a long way to improving overall writing skills. An outline can be as basic as writing the first sentence and some bullet points of ideas or as detailed as the writing the exact order of the content.

Drafting should always take place after outlining and should fill in every area stated in the outline. Write the first draft from the outline without worrying about grammar. Edit rigorously---correct grammar mistakes, insert and/or change words to your liking, eliminate repetitive words, and delete unnecessary phrases and sentences. And even though you will proofread your own work closely, have someone else read, review, and give advice on what else should be changed or where the work is confusing.

Practice writing exercises. The fastest way to improve any skill is to practice it until it is no longer difficult. Write essays, short stories, or even poetry. Just write. You will add to your vocabulary and you'll get a feel for different writing styles. Writing exercises can be found in spelling and grammar books or online. It's also a good idea to keep a journal.

Keep a dictionary, thesaurus, and grammar book available for reference while writing. Many students struggle with vocabulary or grammar, so reference books that are readily available are an excellent resource. Students can greatly improve writing skills by increasing vocabulary, looking up words that are confusing, and looking up grammar rules.

And read. Read books, magazines, newspapers, articles, and short essays. Reading is a wonderful way to improve English writing skills. Novels and short stories can give students new ideas for sentence structure and can improve vocabulary. Reading with a dictionary nearby is even better because that will gradually help build vocabulary over time.

Play online writing games. They can improve your vocabulary and help familiarize you with sentence structure. The type of online writing game to look for are those that are geared toward increased vocabulary or that focus on sentence structure. Many of these can be found in English language classes for students learning English as a second language. But even those who have grown up in English-speaking countries can improve writing skills through games.

Ask peers to proofread your writing. Peers point out areas that are awkward or hard to understand. Be sure your writing is understandable so that the reader doesn't become confused.

Get help from a tutor or teacher. The best way to improve is to work with someone who is a good writer. A teacher or tutor can point out mistakes or ask for clarification where there are problem areas. Over time, when you work with a good writer, you will make fewer mistakes.