Online Resources
The Writing Center offers information on a wide range of writing challenges. Scroll down to see what topics are covered. Click on any topic to find useful help documents and links to outside resources.
Understanding the Prompt
If you need help deciphering a writing prompt, or if you're having trouble getting started on an assignment, this information may help. It includes guides for interpreting essay questions, brainstorming, and outlining.
Brainstorming & Outlining
If you need help deciphering a writing prompt, or if you're having trouble getting started on an assignment, this information may help. It includes guides for interpreting essay questions, brainstorming, and outlining.
Essays & Research Papers
Here you’ll find information designed to help you meet all the challenges of writing academic papers: developing a strong thesis statement, composing effective introductions and conclusions, writing abstracts, offering effective counterarguments, and more.
Lab & Research Reports
Technical writing has its own set of demands, and this material can help you meet them. Here you'll learn how to avoid some of the most common problems with lab reports and ensure that each section of your report or proposal meets the requirements.
Style & Mechanics
Do you have specific questions about grammar or punctuation? Would you like to make your writing clearer and more powerful? Some of the information here may be just what you need.
Editing & Proofreading
Editing your own work can seem overwhelming, but here are some guides that can make the process simpler and more effective.
Using & Citing Sources
If your assignment requires that you do some research or refer to outside sources, this information can help. You'll find abbreviated and printable versions of many of the major citation guides, and there's also information here on how to quote sources and paraphrase effectively.
Job & Scholarship Application Materials
If you’re applying for scholarships, fellowships, grants, or jobs, the material provided here can help. Read about writing resumes, cover letters, personal statements, and more.
Writing for Business & Industry
Here you’ll find information on writing various types of profession documents, from office emails and memos to executive summaries.