Resources for Students

There are thousands of resources available to help you develop your writing skills so that you can communicate your ideas effectively and with style. To help you access some of the best resources quickly, the consultants in Bierce Writing Commons have compiled a list for you.

• Online Resources:  This link will take you to two comprehensive online resources:  The Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab) and the U-W Madison Writer's Handbook. It will also provide access to RefWorks, an online bibliography manager. Spend some time reviewing these sites to see what is available.  Bookmark the locations you will visit often.

• Types of Academic Writing Assignments:  Your professors will use many different types of writing assignments to help you master the content and critical thinking skills of their discipline. These include argument papers, annotated bibliographies, book reports, and essay exams. Visit the section of the Purdue OWL that describes the most common assignments. The U-W Madison Writer's Handbook also has good descriptions of writing assignments. 

• Resources about Plagiarism:  What It Is and How To Avoid It:  Learn exactly what plagiarism is and strategies you can use to avoid it. 

• Style Manuals:  MLA, APA, ACS, Chicago?? At some point in your academic career, you will need to use a style manual. This link will take you to a page that explains what style manuals are, why you need them, and how you can learn more about them.   

• Resources for ESL Writers: If English is your second language, you might find some useful information about academic writing at the Purdue OWL.  The ESL section of the OWL addresses a range of topics, from tips for writing in a North American academic context to using prepositions and pronouns correctly.

• Subject Specialists in the UA Libraries:  The UA Libraries have subject specialists in every field of study, from art to sociology, English to polymer science, history to music. These librarians are experts in conducting research in their academic areas and can help you find the sources you need for your academic writing assignments:  articles, books, databases, and websites. Subject Librarians can save you hours of research time because they know where and how to search for information. This link will take you to the library page that lists academic subjects. Find your subject area on the left side of the page, click on the link, and meet the librarian who can help you with your research. You'll find the librarian's name and contact information.