On this page you will find informational handouts to support you with various stages of the writing process. Whether you need help starting a paper, doing some self-editing of grammar, or working on citations, these resources are a great place to start to answer some common questions about the writing process. Our tutors can go into more detail during one-on-one appointments.

This page is still being built, and new writing resources are being added almost every day. Don't see information that you need? Book an appointment so we can address specific questions you have!

Getting Started

These resources are designed to focus on the beginning stages of the writing process -- sometimes before any writing has actually started! Look here if you are interested in learning about strategies for generating ideas (or getting over writer's block), understanding assignments, or working on early organization of your paper.

Paper Organization

These resources focus on the organization of your paper, sometimes refered to as "global" or "big picture" concerns. Look here for ideas on organizing your paper, drafting outlines, or crafting thesis statements.

Writing Genres

Not all types of papers require the same kinds of responses. The way you write a discussion board post will look very different from the way you write a cover letter for a job or a research paper for your capstone project. Check here for guidelines on different genres (or styles) of writing.

Grammar and Style

Once you are satisfied with the argument and organization of your paper, you can begin to focus on sentence-level aspects of your paper. This section focuses on grammar, punctuation, and sentence style -- all the little things that help make your paper shine.

While grammar is often viewed as hard-and-fast rules that are dictated by "proper English," the Tutors at the Online Composition Hub take the position that there are multiple ways to write, that English is constantly evolving, and that our role in this service is to resist white supremacy in writing. Therefore, please keep some things in mind as you read these resources on grammar:

  • There is no one right way to write! There are many ways to address the issues listed here.
  • Generally, it's a good idea to wait to edit your paper for grammar until your draft is fairly finished so you are not editing sentences that will significantly change later.
  • An important thing to remember about grammar is that its function is to make your paper more clear for your reader.
  • Grammar rules can always be broken. "Standard English" in the US often ignores the many different Englishes that we use. Depending on the point you are trying to make or the dialect you use, some of these rules won't apply.