Academic Writing Tools

Academic writing requires a specific writing style and structure. Since its purpose is to impart information on a central subject or theme in a formal, objective and precise manner, academic writing should be well written and polished. There are various writing tools available online to guide students at the college and graduate level through writing for academic purposes and disciplines.
  1. The Essentials of Academic Writing

    • The University of Ottowa's overview of college writing takes the reader through the steps of the writing process. Topics include expectations in college-level writing, time management, structure, references and resources, and other writing tools and resources. The guide is supplemented by tips from writing center staff based on their experience working with students in various disciplines. See the References section below for the link to the University of Ottawa Academic Writing Help Centre's Writing Kit.

    Grammar Guide

    • This resource is a database of articles, tip sheets and guides related to grammar. Topics are fairly specific, ranging from punctuation to the proper use of "this" and "that" and what conjunctions are. The material addresses common grammatical errors and questions in college writing. See the References section below for the link to the University of Ottawa Academic Writing Help Centre's Writing Kit.

    Grad Writing Kit

    • This tool includes resources specific to graduate level writing, including articles on what's expected in graduate level writing, how to write a thesis, and information management tips and tools. There is also advice on writing a literature review. There is also a guide on how to write a thesis proposal. See the References section below for the link to the University of Ottawa Academic Writing Help Centre's Writing Kit.

    Harvard College Writing Center Discipline-Specific Writing Guides

    • In addition to providing various resources on general academic writing and providing access to student-authored writing guides, the Harvard writing center provides discipline- and subject-specific writing guides. Students can find resources on disciplines from Asian studies and philosophy to art and history. There are even course-specific guides for classes such as Government 101. See the References section below for a link to the Harvard College Writing Center.

    Cal State Style Manuals and Writing Guides

    • This database includes links to the most common academic writing styles. Resources include style and reference guides on the American Psychological Association style, Chicago Manual of Style, Modern Language Association style, American Anthropological Association style and Turabian styles. The site also has printable guides, FAQs and annotated bibliographies. See the References section below for a link to Cal State's style manuals and writing guides.

    Brainstorming Tool

    • This handout provides various options for brainstorming, one of the first steps in the academic writing process. Students can learn about techniques like freewriting, clustering and mapping, cubing, listing and bulleting, three perspectives, and using journalistic questions, as well as other approaches. The article also gives an overview of the next steps in the writing process, including outlining and writing in chunks. See the References section below for UNC-Chapel Hill's guide to brainstorming.

    Writing Kit: Avoiding Plagarism

    • This University of Ottawa tool provides information on the definition and types of plagiarism. It also details ways to avoid plagiarism and to properly cite references and resources in different circumstances, including quoting, summarizing and paraphrasing. It also cites exceptions and sources that do not need to be referenced. See the References section below for the link to the University of Ottawa Academic Writing Help Centre's Writing Kit.

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