I would suggest learning the ins and outs of basic sentence structure before perfecting writing skills. Basically, you begin a paragraph or essay with a specific point or thought. Then make sure all your following sentences or paragraphs relate to that main point. Some writings are creative and playful and some are serious and informational. Make your words match your type of essay. (4 basic kinds of essays: Expository, Descriptive, Narrative, and Persuasive.)

There are MANY websites: the owl (at Purdue?) is great, daily grammar.com, just type in what you want and start exploring. Also, if you’re that serious and willing to work, try going to a teacher/educational supply store and get a good workbook on essay writing. Get a higher level, of course. Also, maybe check out those “Dummies” books that are yellow and everywhere! Look for “Writing for Dummies.” I’m sure they have one for that; they have them on just about everything!

Good luck!

Self study is hard in this case because you do not get feed- back from anyone about your errors. The courses are better and more helpful.

Take a look at this: http://www.ielts-exam.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=category§ionid=7&id=15&Itemid=28

http://www.infoplease.com/homework/writingskills1.html

http://www.ncistudent.net/StudySkills/WritingSkills/Introduction.htm

http://www.betterwritingskills.com/

http://www.act.org/compass/sample/pdf/writing.pdf

http://www.act.org/compass/sample/writing.html

http://www.wonderfulwritingskillsunhandbook.com/

http://bubl.ac.uk/Link/w/writingskills.htm