Learning to Write Spanish Online

March 18, 2009 3:28 PM

I'm thinking of preparing the DELE (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera, or official Spanish Language Diploma) exam. My spoken Spanish is OK, my listening is fine, and my reading skills are good. What I can't do, because I've never practiced, is write essays in Spanish, and essays are a part of the DELE.

So I'm looking for some online tuition in Spanish, say something where I submit written work, have it corrected and commented on for grammar and style and then returned to me for a second improved draft across several pieces of writing. I could probably pay someone to do this, but I'd prefer something online - and something where a human, not software, is doing the work. If you knew of any online service which offered this or something similar, I'd love to hear about it.

posted by Holly to education (9 comments total)

LiveMocha has all sorts of exercises, including written ones.
posted by Happy Dave at 3:35 PM on March 18

I could help you to correct pieces of writing and pinpoint the mistakes with a specfic method for you to find out the right way and correct it yourself.

But I am not a Spanish teacher so any grammar advice could be given.

We could work out 1 -2 weekly for which I'd like to know the amount you'd be willing to pay.

Let me know.

z
posted by zulonline at 3:41 PM on March 18

Thanks, for your honesty, Z - I guess I'm looking for (a site run by) someone with teaching experience and a little grammar thrown in, too. But thanks for your kind offer.
posted by Holly at 3:52 PM on March 18

Thanks, Happy Dave: I've checked out Live Mocha and it's great. I may be wrong, but their writing exercises seem to be checked by other learners, not professionals, which is what I really need.
posted by Holly at 3:54 PM on March 18

If you are adventurous (or can't find a teacher), one (free) method is to copy lots and lots of essays and articles from magazines, newspapers, etc. by hand. You will learn tons of vocabulary, grammar, and style, and eventually you will be able to produce your own work.
posted by Theloupgarou at 4:13 PM on March 18

I am in the same situation of you, but with the "Ielts "test in English. I've had the same concerns and was looking for the same help..

I been 4 years like this.. trying and trying to pass this bloody test.taken lots of courses.

I understood the best way is to take another course where you'll have some good feedback , or a private teacher specifically for writing .


I am taking a diff course now focused on grammar and writing hoping it will increase my score.

I hope you pass your test soon.

Best luck


z
posted by zulonline at 4:57 PM on March 18

z - I hope you pass yours, too. Good luck.
posted by Holly at 5:00 PM on March 18

Holly, I think a few of the people on LiveMocha are professional tutors, and most are also native speakers. If you search for 'tutor' or look for people with high 'teacher' scores, you should be able to find someone who can help you.
posted by Happy Dave at 2:37 AM on March 19

Thanks, Dave - maybe I need to look a little more deeply into LiveMocha...
posted by Holly at 4:40 PM on March 19