Citing correctly using Purdue OWL
Access Purdue Online Writing Lab’s citation guides from their website. Select the Online Writing Lab From the menu on the...
Choosing and developing an essay topic
Your topic is what you’re writing about. Topics can be questions or problems (and theses can be answers or solutions). When choosing a...
Studying and taking exams: Online open-book exams
When first presented with open-book exams, many students think preparation is not needed since they can access course materials. However, they...
Studying and taking exams: Study groups
Meeting peers in small groups is a great way to become an active studier. They can also increase your motivation,...
Studying and taking exams: Multiple-choice exams
Misconceptions about multiple-choice exams: They’re easier. Not necessarily. Don’t rely on the fact that the answer is already on the page. Memorizing...
Studying and taking exams: Using mind maps
Mind maps help with connective thinking and categorizing information, which helps you study and write essays. To make a mind...
Studying and taking exams: Using four levels of questions
Take a concept and insert it into these questions. Then look for an answer! These questions might be at the...
Writing motivation
If you’ve ever had trouble starting an essay or staying focused, you’re not alone! Getting started and staying motivated can...
University-level writing expectations
Critical Thinking and Analysis Demonstrate reading, understanding, and thinking. Do not just state or summarize your sources; use concepts and ideas to make arguments and/or...
Writing thesis statements
After you’ve narrowed your topic, you must create a thesis. Your thesis is your argument and/or the answer to your research question and it belongs in your...
Writing scholarship applications
Here are some top tips for writing scholarship applications. Best of luck to you! Step 1: Brainstorm What are the...
Revising and proofreading
When you revise, you focus on the strength/clarity of ideas and organization of your text. Make sure the content and structure of your essay effectively communicate your main point. 1. Revise...
Quotation integration
What is quotation integration? Academic papers include cited ideas from other scholars. We show familiarity with other scholars’ work and build on their...
Writing lab reports
Before starting, review assignment expectations, learning goals, and the pre-lab report (if applicable). Common Structure (NOTE: Always follow your course laboratory...
Eliminating wordiness
What is wordiness and why should I eliminate it? Wordiness can hide information, making claims unclear or incorrect. Accurate writing...
Studying and taking exams
Active Study Strategies Studying = Thinking! Studying ≠ Memorizing: You need to remember some information to get started, but then...
Reading and note-taking
Note-taking Before Lecture: Consult learning objectives for lecture Review any slides Read assigned content Choose a note-taking strategy Add date...
Procrastination
Why do we procrastinate? Misguided perceptions. We mistakenly believe we’ll be more prepared tomorrow. It’s also easier to justify comfort...
Goal setting
When you link your day-to-day tasks to goals, you see the purpose behind your work. This helps you stay motivated. Think...
Time management
It is easy to get overwhelmed when trying to balance course work, extracurriculars, free time, and any other commitments you...