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Writing Assistance: Writing Assistance

Overview

This page is filled with information that will assist you with all aspects of writing while at CWC.

We have created assets that can help you from the beginning to proof reading your papers.

Here are the basic steps to writing a well developed paper. 

1. Read the Assignment

  • Make sure you understand the Assignment.

  • If you have questions ask your professor in class or during their office hours.

2. Prewriting - Think & Decide What You're Writing About

  • Decide on a topic (thesis) you would like to write about.

  • Make sure the topic (thesis) is sufficient for the assignment Consider who is your audience What type of paper is it?

  • Brainstorm ideas about the subject and how those ideas can be organized

 

3. Researching

  • Start with a few articles or book chapters before you dive into full blown research.

  • Evaluate your sources

    • Will you continue with this topic?

      • YES? THEN - Go back over your initial readings and look at their sources.

      • This can help you find additional resources.

4. Drafting

  • Make an outline to help organize your research

    • Write sentences and paragraphs about the over arching topics (even if they are not perfect).

    • Organize these into a linear way that flows.

  • Develop your Thesis

    • More than just a topic, your thesis is a statement that you are defending throughout your writing assignment.

    • A well-written thesis is a tool for both the writer and reader, reminding the writer of the direction of the text and acting as a "road sign" that lets the reader know what to expect.

5. Paragraph Construction

- Introduction Hook the readers attention

  • Introduce area of focus Provide context, background, and key terms Thesis statement

- Main Paragraphs

  • Background
  • Historical Overview
  • Major Points I/II/III/IV
    • Points associated with Point I/II/III/IV
    • Evidence
    • Analysis of evidence etc. etc. etc.

- Conclusion

  • Restatement of the thesis and summary of points.
  • Connect back to audience
  • Next steps
  • Limitations in research
  • Final notes?

6. Organizing Information

  • Read what you have written, Edit, Read it again, Edit, etc.
  • Do more research if you think you should.
  • Replace overused and unclear words.
  • Take out and add information as needed.

7. Editing

  • Be sure that all sentences are complete.
  • Correct spelling, capitalizations, and punctuation.
  • Change words that could make the reader unclear.
  • Make sure you are using the correct citation & formatting style.
  • Have someone read over it with you to catch anything you may have missed.

8. Take A Break

  • Give yourself enough time to Proofread a few times.

  • Your mind needs a mental break between writing the paper and proofreading.

    • Go on a walk

    • Take a nap

    • Play a board game

    • Take your mind off the paper

  • Then get back to your paper to proofread at least 2 times.

9. Proofreading

  • Read your paper aloud.

    • Sometimes we correct words in our head that do not appear on the page.

    • This helps with correcting punctuation.

    • Read it slowly and clearly.

  • Print out a hardcopy so you aren't looking at a screen.

  • Make sure you're sticking to your chosen style.

  • Do not rely on grammar or spelling applications.