Thanks MarcP I feel better about all of this!
So how do I learn to write? Page 4
Yep, I'm extra careful now, when writing. I don't have diagnosed dyslexia, but if I didn't have spell check and the practice I get from these boards, I'd be screwed.
Quote: Morrace @ August 4 2009, 6:45 PM BSTBut by then they would no longer be be topical.
Hey I hardly write anything topical these days I'm more of a snickers.
Quote: Morrace @ August 4 2009, 6:45 PM BSTBut by then they would no longer be be topical.
I think you put in too many be's there Morrace, now if you proofread your work carefully this wouldn't happen. 
If it's any consolation Sooty, I was always really bad at spelling at school. Above average to top of the class in everything else, except spelling. I read all the time, wrote all the time, but couldn't grasp how to spell very well.
It never stopped me getting As in English GCSE and A-level, a 2:1 in English and working as a journalist - I just had to double check alot. But I got better over time and don't do too badly now. I can't write words down as people spell them out or take down numbers, but have to remember words as colours and shapes. Maybe thinking like that may help you.
Quote: Dolly Dagger @ August 4 2009, 6:55 PM BSTIf it's any consolation Sooty, I was always really bad at spelling at school. Above average to top of the class in everything else, except spelling. I read all the time, wrote all the time, but couldn't grasp how to spell very well.
It never stopped me getting As in English GCSE and A-level, a 2:1 in English and working as a journalist - I just had to double check alot. But I got better over time and don't do too badly now. I can't write words down as people spell them out or take down numbers, but have to remember words as colours and shapes. Maybe thinking like that may help you.
Thanks I always memorise numbers by reducing them to prime numbers. I think my biggest failing has been in punctuation, which can make some of my works quite clunky to read. But I think since using this site my punctuation has improved.
Thread - "Bad spelling in my scripts is a form of protest"
Remember it? Classic.
Quote: Jane P @ August 4 2009, 1:27 PM BSTI've worked with people with literacy problems and I recommend the free classes around the UK to anyone who's really struggling/ slipped through the net.
But in your case it sounds like a couple of 1 to 1 sessions with a qualified teacher might be of more use. They could help you in the specific areas you need and/ or point you in the direction of the best books/ methods applicable to you, rather than including areas you're already skilled in.
Hopefully it wouldn't cost too much either.
JP
In my area adult literacy classes are aimed at people with low intelligence. Most dyslexics are highly intelligent. These classes are brilliant when delivered to appropriate students, but can seem patronising and even insulting if not geared specifically towards students with dyslexia.
I agree with Jane that one to one sessions could be a good idea. You could contact the British Dyslexia Association to discuss your requirements and they should be able to link you up with someone. It may even be worth contacting a local school or college as sometimes Special Needs Teachers will give one to one lessons to adults.
I know of someone who had such severe dyslexia, dyspraxia and other associated learning difficulties, who could not read or write at the age of 8, but who achieved a reading and spelling age of 11 after 6 weeks of one to one, two hours a week and homework inbetween.
So if you know exactly what your difficulty is, then targeting that difficulty specifically may well be worth a try. Good luck.
Sootyj (I remembered the j) - if you want to do a course, great, but I'm not sure you actually need to. I've noticed fewer clunks as time has gone on (not that I'm stalking your posts, mind - that'd be creepy). Like several people have said, a bit more review and self-editing would help, and I appreciate you are already doing this to some degree. My guess is you will continue to improve by writing more, reviewing your own work more, and reading more.
If you really want to do a course, my tuppence-ha'penny worth opinion is why not try learning a new language? Seriously, back at school I learnt far more about English grammar by learning French and German.
Quote: Badge @ August 4 2009, 8:08 PM BSTIf you really want to do a course, my tuppence-ha'penny worth opinion is why not try learning a new language? Seriously, back at school I learnt far more about English grammar by learning French and German.
True, though the way they teach languages in this country, you might not find it so helpful. I recall midway through my O level getting a French teacher who was actually French, and she was appalled how little grammar we knew. I thought maybe things would have changed, but last year I signed up for a Spanish course at my local Uni, and it was all about language in context, ordering a meal, asking for directions, talking about the weather etc., nothing about the structure of the language. Couldn't get my head round it at all. But I have now bought some American textbooks, and those are really good, and yes I am learning about English as I am learning about Spanish.
Quote: Timbo @ August 4 2009, 9:11 PM BSTa French teacher who was actually French, and she was appalled how little grammar we knew.
Yeah, had the same.
Quote: Badge @ August 4 2009, 8:08 PM BSTSootyj (I remembered the j) - if you want to do a course, great, but I'm not sure you actually need to. I've noticed fewer clunks as time has gone on (not that I'm stalking your posts, mind - that'd be creepy). Like several people have said, a bit more review and self-editing would help, and I appreciate you are already doing this to some degree. My guess is you will continue to improve by writing more, reviewing your own work more, and reading more.
If you really want to do a course, my tuppence-ha'penny worth opinion is why not try learning a new language? Seriously, back at school I learnt far more about English grammar by learning French and German.
Thanks good suggestions, I was truly hopeless at French at school I believe I got a grade below an F. Maybe I should have another go?
Quote: sootyj @ August 4 2009, 9:18 PM BSTThanks good suggestions, I was truly hopeless at French at school I believe I got a grade below an F. Maybe I should have another go?
It's "G".
If you are interested in doing another language it will give you another skill anyway. But be careful with German though 'cos you'll end up putting all your words in a funny (if logical) order. Also as Timbo says check courses carefully because a conversational course isn't going to include much/any grammar at all.
Quote: sootyj @ August 4 2009, 3:21 PM BSTmy Uni paid for me to have a Dylsexia test. The end result is I'm very fast thinker, but lousy at multi tasking and creating new memories.
This sounds exactly like me. And, yes, Aspergers (rather than dyslexia) came to mind. Although I'd follow up Loops' suggestion re: approaching the Dyslexic society for advice on sourcing tailor-made help.
Agree with Badge, the fact that you're aware of this issue means you're already in the process of becoming a better self-editor. And your work has always been on an upward arc though you may not have noticed it yourself.
Can I just say that this thread is not only about honesty (as you mention in the opening question) but also about bravery and modesty. Few people have balls the size of yours and I've never hidden my appreciation of you... and your balls.