Effortless English: Learn To Speak English Like a native

The Problem of Academic Writing
Why were these essays so bad, and why were they bad in such similar ways? The
answer lies, again, with the hidden curriculum of schools. Each of my students had
learned English writing in school. In their classes, they had been taught an academic
style of writing that emphasized complex sentences, complex vocabulary, and the
passive voice.
Both teachers and students use this style of writing in an attempt to sound
intellectual. The truth is, however, that most academic writing is terrible. Academic
journals, for example, are filled with convoluted sentences that seem designed to be
as confusing as possible. Students, influenced by their professors, attempt to model
this kind of writing. As my San Francisco class showed, the results are typically
disastrous.

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Write Like Hemingway
In contrast to academics, Nobel prize-winning writer Ernest Hemingway was
famous for his simple, direct style of writing. Hemingway typically used short
sentences, simple phrases, and common vocabulary to create beautiful and powerful
stories.
Though you are unlikely to write as well as Hemingway, his general style of
writing is the best one to use. Most English learners write badly because they make
their writing overly complex. They are trying to sound “intellectual” but instead end
up sounding unintelligible. The solution is to write more conversationally. In other
words, write like you speak.
Conversational writing is similar to (though not exactly the same) as speaking.
When you speak English, you likely use clear, simple, direct sentences. You express
your ideas as simply as possible.
Short, direct sentences are best. Break long sentences into a series of short,
simple sentences. In most cases, use the active voice rather than the passive. Model
your writing on journalists and Hemingway rather than on professors, journal
articles, or other academic material.
Good writing is a process of cutting and simplifying. Your goal, therefore, is to
communicate your ideas using as few words as possible. The simpler you make
your writing, the more clear and powerful it will be.