How Staying Informed Can Boost Your Extemporaneous Writing Skills

How Staying Informed Can Boost Your Extemporaneous Writing Skills

So, you’re gearing up for the HOSA Extemporaneous Writing Test? That’s a fantastic challenge and a great way to hone your skills! But here’s the million-dollar question: How do you stay informed about current events? Let’s explore the most effective ways to ensure that your writing reflects not only clarity but also relevance to the pressing issues of today.

Read News Articles and Trustworthy Sources

First off, let’s get one thing straight: regularly reading news articles and credible sources is your best bet. Picture this: You’re sitting down to write an extemporaneous piece, and the topic is something like "climate change policy" or "healthcare innovation." Now, if you’ve kept up with daily news, you’re brimming with a wealth of knowledge, relevant stats, and current debates.

Examples make writing come alive! Informed writing enables you to draw upon current examples that resonate with readers. Imagine mentioning recent legislation or events that relate to your topic. It’s not just writing—it's conversation; it’s context!

Don’t Get Sidetracked by Entertainment News

Now, let’s steer clear of watching only entertainment news. Sure, it’s fun to catch up on the latest celebrity dramas, but unless you’re writing about the social impact of entertainment, that knowledge won’t help your cause. Think of staying informed as dieting for your brain—nourish it with quality input!

That means filling your mind with thought-provoking articles from established newspapers, magazines, and journalistic broadcasts. Ever heard of the saying, "you are what you eat?" The same goes for knowledge—you truly reflect what you read!

Tune In but Don’t Overlook

Okay, let’s chat about the next point. While it might be tempting to ignore online discussions or forums, hear me out. Engaging in discussions, especially on platforms like Reddit or Quora, can provide valuable insights into public opinion. It’s like eavesdropping on the world—what are people buzzing about? What are their concerns and interests? But, and it’s a big but—make sure you’re discerning. Not everything you read is factual or void of bias.

Follow Credible Influencers—With Caution

Then we have the ever-popular realm of social media influencers. While they can offer unique perspectives, let’s keep it balanced. Are they providing facts? Or just opinions sprinkled with personal bias? Staying informed might mean curating your feed to follow credible influencers who share data and expert insights, not just those who jump on trends without depth. You want the good stuff, not just flashy headlines.

Engaging with Credible Sources Matters

Finally, let’s circle back to the heart of extemporaneous writing. Engaging with credible sources helps build your understanding of issues. It supports the development of a well-rounded view on critiques and concludes you might wish to make. The ability to generate nuanced arguments is what elevates your writing from average to genuinely engaging.

Conclusion: Become the Informed Writer

So, as you prepare for the HOSA writing test, remember this: Stay updated with credible information. Transform your writing from just a text on a page to a stimulating dialogue with your reader. You want your extemporaneous pieces to not only inform but also provoke thought, generate discussion, and, most importantly, convey a sense of understanding and clarity about the world around us.

Stay curious, keep reading, and watch your writing transform! What current topic will you dive into today?