The Downs has helped me with essay writing more than four years of school did.
I get a lot of practice while RPing or just arguing my point in a Books' discussion. It also helps to learn grammar propper from speakers non-English.
Also, after I started visiting about every day, I learned how to type twice as fast as I used to.
On the less practical side, I want to thank the Downers for being Downers and mking the Downs such a great place! ...And, for bearing with me through all my nonesense posts. :-)