The 5W and 1H method is a powerful tool for drafting articles and essays. It helps ensure all necessary information is covered by answering the following questions:
Who? (Who is involved?)
What? (What happened?)
When? (When did it happen?)
Where? (Where did it happen?)
Why? (Why did it happen?)
How? (How did it happen?)
By systematically addressing each of these questions, writers can create well-rounded and comprehensive pieces. Below are two examples of articles, revised for clarity and completeness.
Hobby
A hobby is an activity or task people engage in during their free time because they enjoy it. Hobbies vary widely; some individuals enjoy painting, others collect coins, some read books, and some prefer shopping. Personally, I like to chat on the phone with foreigners.
For instance, those who love painting need to collect different colors of paint and may choose to paint on paper or walls. Coin collectors often save coins given as change by shopkeepers. My hobby, chatting with foreigners, involves adding people on Facebook and convincing them to chat with me. This helps me improve my English.
I read books to gain knowledge that helps me communicate effectively with my chat partners. I usually chat on weekends because my schoolwork keeps me busy during the week.
One frequent question from students is, “How can I be fluent in English?” Understanding fluency is essential. Fluency refers to the ability to speak or write a foreign language easily and accurately.
A fluent speaker can communicate without hesitation. The opposite of fluency is stuttering. Frequent pauses or stops indicate a lack of fluency.
To become fluent, start by ignoring your errors. Worrying about mistakes scatters your thoughts and slows down your ability to speak. Relaxation can help; taking a moment to calm down can prevent stuttering during important conversations like interviews.
Speaking in front of senior management or authority figures can be intimidating, causing many to stutter even in their native language. Confidence comes with practice. Start by speaking with strangers who won’t judge your errors. After practicing for 4-5 months, you’ll gain the fluency needed for interviews and other important situations.
Find strangers to practice with, either online or in person. Consistent practice will build your confidence and fluency. For more detailed guidance, read my next article, “How to Practice English with International People.”