As you get assignments in your classes, use the resources here to help you with your papers. You can print out an outline for the organizational pattern of your assigned paper and fill in your own content into the correct structure. If you have to do research, use the Research Paper Plan before you get started to make sure you are on track. When you finish, double-check your work with the Research Paper Checklist. Finally, if you have to write a special type of document, like a summary, use our instructions here to make it easier.
Student Resources
Our Student Resources
Decision Fatigue and the Challenge of Writing
Writing involves numerous decisions, which can lead to decision fatigue. The CASE system of writing offers a way to manage the number and types of decisions to make writing more effective.
Writer’s Alley Interactive Writing Tutorial Gift Certificate
If you have purchased the Writer’s Alley Interactive Writing Tutorial as a gift, you can print this certificate and fill in the student’s name, your name, the registration code and date. You will get the registration code in a confirmation email after you subscribe.
Grammar Log
Use the grammar log to keep track of your most common grammar errors and to learn how to correct them.
Academic Arguments Worksheet
This worksheet will give you practice in taking opinions and formulating academic arguments, a vital part of your writing.
How to Write a Summary and Response
A common assignment in writing classes is to read an article and write a summary and response. This document will help you understand what is meant by a summary and how it is different from a response. You will also learn how to write a summary and response, with possible templates provided.
How to Write a Journal
Many classes require journals, and many people want to keep a journal just for fun. This document tells how to write a journal and provides 100 possible topics.
Classical Argument Outline Template
The outline for Classical Argument helps you to support a position based on reasoned arguments. In other words, you choose a side and use a number of claims, each supported with evidence, to prove your side is correct.
Comparison Contrast Outline Template
There are templates for the two ways to go about writing a comparison or contrast essay. You can discuss the criteria for comparison and then tell how each item fits with the criteria (Point by Point). You can also discuss one item, listing all criteria, followed by each other item to be included (Item by Item).
Narrative Outline Template
This is a typical outline for a chronologically developed narrative.
After you do your prewriting, you will be able to insert your content into the format indicated by the outline. You will want to create some variation based on your topic and purpose.
Research Paper Checklist
When you finish your research paper, go through the checklist of key components of strong research papers to make sure you have them all in your paper.
Research Paper Plan
This worksheet will help you consider all elements that you need for your research paper. Use it to plan how your paper will go.