In some ways, everyone is a writer. Have you thought about how much writing you do in one day? Don’t overlook these seven daily writing tasks!
Emails
According to Lifewire.com, people around the world send more than two billion emails per day. That’s 2.4 million emails every second! The format of some emails closely resembles that of physical letters. For example, business emails contain the salutation, body, and closing that you would find in a business letter. Other emails are like articles or bulletins, providing news and information. How do you use email?
Instant Messages
Even if you are reminding your husband to pick up some mustard on his way home from work, an instant message counts as writing! Some people don’t mind writing out whole phrases. Others try to keep messages as short as possible. IMs (instant messages) often contain slang, abbreviations, and shorthand. For example, ROFL means “rolling on the floor laughing.” Can you guess what LMK means?
Lists
Lists are also writing exercises. One of the most common types is the grocery list, which enumerates all the things someone needs to buy at the store. However, people make lists for all kinds of reasons. A to-do list details what someone plans to accomplish in a given period of time. If you are moving, you may make an inventory, a list of all the items included in an individual box. This article itself is a listicle, an article that provides brief explanations of topics in a list form. Lists are all around you if you look. Can you think of some other types of lists?
Forms
A trip to the bank or the driver’s license bureau may involve some writing. You might have to fill out forms with account details to receive service. If you are applying for a job, you may even have to include some short answer responses to questions.
Journaling
Writing doesn’t have to be for the public. Do you sometimes record your daily affairs in a journal or private blog? Most people already know that journaling improves mental health, but did you realize it can also be good for your body? James Pennebaker, a researcher at the University of Texas at Austin has found that journaling strengthens the immune system and decreases the severity of asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. How’s that for motivation to pick up your journal tonight?
Agendas
When you jot down the time and date of an appointment in a datebook, accurate writing is more important than ever. One mistake could cost you, so this form of writing needs your full attention. Putting things down in writing does more than help you remember them. Seeing all your appointments and due dates in one place can help you to manage your time wisely and avoid scheduling conflicts.
Captions
When you post a picture to social media, do you provide a little explanation of what it is? Often, these descriptions are informative or amusing ways to share your memories. If you haven’t tried adding a caption, visit the Frequently Asked Questions section of your social media site to find out how.
Now, do you agree? Everyone is a writer! Surely, though, this list is not exhaustive. What other ways do you use writing every day?
