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Writing Resources

Page history last edited by Sandra Shattuck 6 months, 3 weeks ago

ONLINE WRITING LABS (OWLs)

Some universities host an online writing lab that offers resources on topics such as doing research, using academic formats, editing and proofreading, and where to put that pesky comma. Purdue University hosts one of the oldest and most comprehensive OWLs, but other universities continue to develop their online writing labs, too. At Pima, writing courses use the Purdue OWL as our writing guidebook.

Purdue University's OWL - use the search box or the navigation menu to find what you want. Check out the vidcasts, too.
Excelsior College's OWL - if you like more humor and lots of whacky owls, visit this site. Don't let the fun fool you--the Excelsior OWL offers in-depth, clear, and helpful resources.

Writing Centers

Writing & Speaking guides - handouts from the Texas A&M University Writing Center - check out the Write Right podcasts

PROMPTS

Writer Igniter - a randomly generated writing prompt using character, situation, prop, and setting.

PREWRITING

Prewriting Strategies - Excelsior OWL
bubbl.us - a free, web-based clustering and mapping program. This is a rich program, and you can print out or save your mind map when you're done.
Wordle - copy and paste your text into a Wordle to help you see what words you use most. Use this tool to analyze your own writing.

OUTLINING

Outlining - Schmoop (video, 2:34)

FORMAT

Microsoft Word: How to Set Up an MLA Format Essay (for MS Word 2016) (4:00)
How to make a hanging indent - video that walks you through the process on Word

MLA 8 STYLE--CITING SOURCES

MLA Style, 8th Edition: An Introduction (4:30)

Language Use and Vocabulary

Merriam-Webster's Language Usage and Word History Videos - Nutritious quick bites of learning (most videos are under two minutes long), these videos feature editors from Merriam-Webster addressing such thorny topics as "Alright vs. All Right," "There, They're, and Their," and "Lay vs. Lie." Even if you're not a word geek, you'll enjoy these quick and highly informative short videos. Browse the list and follow your lexical curiosity!
Vocabulary.com -Take the challenge and expand your vocabulary. Vocabulary.com has a robust dictionary with witty definitions. Download the mobile app and become word-savvy while waiting for appointments.

Research Papers

Picking Your Topic Is Research! - North Carolina State University Libraries
Incorporating sources - The Quote Sandwich
Good Paragraph Development: As Easy As P.I.E.
Writing a Paper: Outlining
Outlining - Excelsior OWL
Integrating Quotations (Four Ways, YouTube 5:32)
MLA Style, 8th Edition: An Introduction (4:30)
LIBRARY RESEARCH RESOURCES - How to Research - Be sure to check out all the green tabs at the top of this page, especially "Get started writing/paragraph structure." While this page focuses primarily on the act of research, it also helps with writing the research paper.
Checking for CRAAP

GRAMMAR

Grammarly Handbook - This site offers clear explanations and illustrations.
Grammar Bytes! Grammar Instruction with Attitude - Also known as Chomp Chomp grammar, this site offers interactive exercises, clear explanations of the peskiest grammar problems, and handouts to record your progress.
Grammar Essentials at Excelsior College OWL - Who can resist a zombie-owl-themed online writing lab? Not I! But Excelsior's OWL doesn't just stare at you with bloodshot eyes. This page offers a helpful discussion on why you might want to bother with grammar. Check out the rest of the site, too.

DEFINING AND AVOIDING PLAGIARISM

Is It Plagiarism Yet? - OWL Purdue
PCC Library Research Guides - Citing Sources - Cite a Source: How and Why You Should Do It (2:24) and What Is Plagiarism? (2:18)

RHETORICAL ANALYSIS