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Purdue OWL

Welcome to the Purdue Online Writing Lab

General Writing

General Writing Resources

Writing Style

Style

What is style?

Creating Your Persona

Context

Using Models

What is style?

Style

Diction

What is Diction?

Tone, Mood, and Audience

Levels of Diction

Developing Vocabulary

Diction

Writing in Plain Style

Writing Style

The Writing Process

Writing Task OWL Resource List

Invention: Starting the Writing Process

Prewriting (Invention)

Introduction to Prewriting (Invention)

Prewriting (Invention) General Questions

More Prewriting (Invention) Questions

Organization & the CARS Model

Writer's Block

Symptoms and Cures for Writer's Block

Other Strategies for Getting Over Writer's Block

Stasis Theory

Stasis Theory for Research

Stasis Theory for Teamwork

Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements

Developing an Outline

Four Main Components for Effective Outlines

Why and How to Create a Useful Outline

Types of Outlines and Samples

Reverse Outlining: An Exercise for Taking Notes and Revising Your Work

Proofreading

Where Do I Begin?

Finding Common Errors

Suggestions for Proofreading Your Paper

Revising for Cohesion

Steps for Revising Your Paper

Time Management: Conquering Long Assignments

Writing with Feedback

Writing with Feedback Resource Overview

Giving Feedback for Peer Review

Instructor's Guide for Giving Feedback

Interpreting Instructor Feedback

Writing with Feedback on a Manuscript

Feedback

Academic Writing

The Rhetorical Situation

Rhetorical Situations

Elements of Rhetorical Situations

Aristotle's Rhetorical Situation

Text

Author and Audience

Purposes

Setting

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

Conclusion

Establishing Arguments

Developing Strong Thesis Statements

Using Research and Evidence

Organizing Your Argument

Using Rhetorical Strategies for Persuasion

Logic in Argumentative Writing

Using Logic

Logical Fallacies

Using Logic in Writing

Does Logic Always Work?

Improprieties

Historical Perspectives on Argumentation

Classical Argument

Toulmin Argument

Rogerian Argument

Historical Perspectives on Argumentation

Paragraphs and Paragraphing

On Paragraphs

Paragraphing (Length Consistency)

Essay Writing

Expository Essays

Descriptive Essays

Narrative Essays

Argumentative Essays

Conciseness

Concision

Eliminating Words

Changing Phrases

Avoid Common Pitfalls

Paramedic Method: A Lesson in Writing Concisely

Reverse Paramedic Method

Adding Emphasis

Visual-Textual Devices for Achieving Emphasis

Punctuation Marks for Achieving Emphasis

Choice and Arrangement of Words for Achieving Emphasis

Sentence and Clause Arrangement for Emphasis

Sentence Variety

Strategies for Variation

Sentence Types

For Short, Choppy Sentences

For Repeated Subjects or Topics

For Similar Sentence Patterns or Rhythms

Using Appropriate Language

Appropriate Language: Overview

Levels of Formality

Group Jargon

Deceitful Language and Euphemisms

Stereotypes and Biased Language

Appropriate Pronoun Usage

Active and Passive Voice

Active Versus Passive Voice

More about Passive Voice

Choosing Passive Voice

Changing Passive to Active Voice

Further Suggestions for Using Passive and Active Voices

Verbs: Voice and Mood

Active/Passive Voice Classroom Poster

Email Etiquette

Email Etiquette for Students

Using Foreign Languages in Academic Writing in English

General Translation Strategies

Quoting and Translating

Names and Titles

Public Speaking and Presentations

Learning from Lectures

Common Writing Assignments

Understanding Writing Assignments

Argument Papers

Introductions, Body Paragraphs, and Conclusions for an Argument Paper

Body Paragraphs

Rebuttal Sections

Conclusions

Research Papers

Writing a Research Paper

Genre and the Research Paper

Choosing a Topic

Identifying Audiences

Where do I Begin?

Writing a Research Paper: Generating Questions & Topics Workshop

Research Posters

Research Poster Overview

Research Poster Content & Context

Formatting Considerations

Ordering Information

Using Images

Supplementary Handouts

Printing Research Posters at Purdue

Research Posters

Exploratory Papers

Introductions, Body Paragraphs, and Conclusions for Exploratory Papers

Organizing an Exploratory Essay

Annotated Bibliographies

Annotated Bibliography Breakdown

Annotated Bibliography Samples

Writing a Book Report

Writing Definitions

Writing Essays for Exams

Writing a Book Review

Mechanics

Higher Order Concerns (HOCs) and Lower Order Concerns (LOCs)

Improving Sentence Clarity

Parts of Speech Overview

Sentence Clarity Presentation

Sentence Fragments

Transitions and Transitional Devices

Writing Transitions

Transitional Devices

Dangling Modifiers and How To Correct Them

Parallel Structure

Two-Part (Phrasal) Verbs (Idioms)

Overview of Two-Part (Phrasal) Verbs (Idioms)

Separable Phrasal Verbs

Inseparable Phrasal Verbs

Intransitive Phrasal Verbs

A Little Help with Capitals

Gerunds, Participles, and Infinitives

Gerunds

Participles

Infinitives

Comparing Gerunds, Participles, and Infinitives

Grammar

Spelling: Common Words that Sound Alike

Writing Numbers

Adjective or Adverb

The Difference between Adjectives and Adverbs

Avoiding Common Errors

How to Use Adjectives and Adverbs

Adjectives with Countable and Uncountable Nouns

Adjective or Adverb?

Appositives

Articles: A versus An

Using Articles

Prepositions

Prepositions for Time, Place, and Introducing Objects

Prepositions of Direction: To, On (to), In (to)

Prepositions of Location: At, In, On

Prepositions of Spatial Relationship

Pronouns

Using Pronouns Clearly

Pronoun Case

Reflexive Pronouns

Gendered Pronouns & Singular “They”

Relative Pronouns

Introduction and General Usage in Defining Clauses

Relative Pronouns in Non-defining Clauses

Defining vs. Non-Defining and ESL Tips

Count and Noncount Nouns

Count and Noncount Nouns: Basic Rules

Count and Noncount Nouns (with Plurals, Articles, and Quantity Words)

Count and Noncount Nouns (with Articles and Adjectives)

Making Subjects and Verbs Agree

Verb Tenses

Introduction to Verb Tenses

Passive Verbs

Active Verb Tenses

Verb Tense Consistency

Verbs with Helpers

Active Verb Tenses

Irregular Verbs

Irregular Verbs: Overview and List

Commonly Confused Verbs

That vs. Which

Punctuation

Brief Overview of Punctuation

Punctuation in Types of Sentences

Sentence Punctuation Patterns

Independent and Dependent Clauses

Identifying Independent and Dependent Clauses

Run-ons - Comma Splices - Fused Sentences

Conquering the Comma PowerPoint Presentation

Commas

Commas: Quick Rules

Extended Rules for Using Commas

Commas After Introductions

Commas vs. Semicolons in Compound Sentences

Commas with Nonessential Elements

The Apostrophe

Hyphen Use

Quotation Marks

How to Use Quotation Marks

Extended Rules for Using Quotation Marks

Additional Punctuation Rules When Using Quotation Marks

Quotation Marks with Fiction, Poetry, and Titles

Quotation Mark Exercise and Answers

Visual Rhetoric

Visual Rhetoric: Overview

Visual Rhetoric: Text Elements

Visual Rhetoric: Color

Visual Rhetoric: Use of Images

Analyzing Visual Documents

Visual Rhetoric: Analyzing Visual Documents

Elements of Analysis

Organizing Your Analysis

Using Fonts with Purpose

Font Features

Font Personality

Additional Tips for Using Fonts

Color Theory Presentation

Designing Effective PowerPoint Presentations

Designing an Effective PowerPoint Presentation: Quick Guide

Part 1: Before You Start

Part 2: Design Principles

Part 3: Practical Guides

Data Visualization

Data Visualization Best Practices

Data Visualization Best Practices Presentation

Activity: Assessing Visual Displays of Data

Additional Resources

Undergraduate Applications

Advice from Undergraduate Admissions Officers

Undergraduate Application Timeline and Additional Resources

Undergraduate Application Timeline

Undergraduate Applications: Entrance Exams

Starting Your Application & Asking for Letters of Recommendation

Advice for Writing Application Essays

Submitting Your Application and Financial Aid

Visiting Schools & Accepting Offers

Works Consulted

Graduate School Applications

Overview

Overview: Planning Timeline

Overview: Process and Materials

Overview: After you Apply to Graduate School

Researching Programs

Researching Programs: An Introduction

Researching Programs: Practical Considerations

Researching Programs: Profiling Your Research Interests

Researching Programs: Profiling Faculty

Statements of Purpose

Statements of Purpose: Overview and Before You Draft

Statements of Purpose: Drafting Your Statement

Statements of Purpose: After You Finish a Draft

Graduate School Applications: Requesting Recommendation Letters

Graduate School Applications: Writing a Research Statement

Personal Correspondence

Personal Letters

Newsletters

Media File Index

Workshops and PowerPoints

Sample Papers

Sample Employment Documents

Purdue OWL Vidcasts

Purdue OWL Podcasts

Purdue OWL Flash Movies

Purdue OWL Flash Movies: Contrast

Purdue OWL Flash Movies: Alignment

Purdue OWL Flash Movies: Repetition

General Writing FAQs

Research and Citation

Research and Citation Resources

Conducting Research

Research Overview

Research: Where to Begin

Types of Sources

Primary Research

Synthesizing Sources

Conducting Primary Research

What is Primary Research and How do I get Started?

Ethical Considerations in Primary Research

Common Pitfalls of Primary Research

Interviewing

Surveying

Creating Good Interview and Survey Questions

Observing

Analysis

Analyzing Your Primary Data

Evaluating Sources of Information

Evaluating Sources: Introduction

Evaluating Sources: Where to Begin

Evaluating Sources: General Guidelines

Evaluating Bibliographic Citations

Evaluating Digital Sources

Evaluation During Reading

Evaluating Print vs. Internet Sources

Searching Online

Searching Online: Overview

How the Internet and Search Engines Work

Kinds of Search Engines and Directories

Searching with a Search Engine

Searching with a Web Directory

Search Engine and Web Directory List

Resources to Search the Invisible Web

Other Useful Sites for Finding Information

Other Strategies for Web Searching

Internet References

Dictionaries, Style Manuals, Grammar Handbooks, and Editing Resources

Indexes for Writers

Online Libraries

Online Books and E-texts

Newspapers, News Services, Journals and Magazines Online

URLs vs. DOIs

Archival Research

Introduction to Archives

Requesting Materials from Archives

Finding Aids

Visiting the Archives

Handling Materials

Citing Archival Resources

Digital Archives Materials

Writing a Literature Review

Using Research

Using Research Introduction

Quoting, Paraphrasing, and Summarizing

Paraphrase: Write It in Your Own Words

Sample Essay for Summarizing, Paraphrasing, and Quoting

Signal and Lead-in Phrases

Paraphrase Exercises

Paraphrase: Write It in Your Own Words

Paraphrasing Exercise

Paraphrasing Exercise: Possible Answers

Writing with Statistics

Overview and Introduction

Quick Tips On Writing with Statistics

Descriptive Statistics

Writing with Descriptive Statistics

Basic Inferential Statistics: Theory and Application

Writing with Inferential Statistics

Statistics and Visuals

Key Terms

Strategies for Fair Use

Writing Scientific Abstracts Presentation

Resources for Documenting Sources in the Disciplines

Documenting Sources in the Disciplines: Overview

Complete Discipline Listing

MLA Style

MLA Style Introduction

MLA Overview and Workshop

MLA Formatting and Style Guide

MLA General Format

MLA Formatting and Style Guide

MLA In-Text Citations: The Basics

MLA Formatting Lists

MLA Formatting Quotations

MLA Endnotes and Footnotes

MLA Works Cited Page: Basic Format

MLA Works Cited Page: Books

MLA Works Cited Page: Periodicals

MLA Works Cited: Electronic Sources (Web Publications)

MLA Works Cited: Other Common Sources

MLA Additional Resources

MLA Abbreviations

MLA Sample Works Cited Page

MLA Sample Paper

MLA Tables, Figures, and Examples

MLA PowerPoint Presentation

MLA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

MLA Classroom Poster

MLA 9th Edition Changes

MLA Eighth Edition: What's New and Different

MLA Formatting and Style Guide

MLA Style

Chicago Style

Chicago Style Introduction

CMOS Style Workshop

CMOS Formatting and Style Guide

Chicago Manual of Style 18th Edition

General Format

Books

Periodicals

Web Sources

Audiovisual Recordings and Other Multimedia

Interviews and Personal Communication

Legal, Public and Unpublished Materials

Bluebook Citation for Legal Materials

Miscellaneous Sources

CMOS Author Date Sample Paper

CMOS NB Sample Paper

CMOS NB PowerPoint Presentation

CMOS Author Date PowerPoint Presentation

CMOS Author Date Classroom Poster

CMOS NB Classroom Poster

CMOS Formatting and Style Guide

Chicago Style

IEEE Style

IEEE Overview

IEEE General Format

In-Text Citation

Reference List

Tables, Figures, and Equations

IEEE Style

AMA Style

Print Sources

Electronic Sources

ASA Style

Manuscript Formatting

In-Text (Citation) References

References Page Formatting

Manuscript Writing Style

APA Style (6th Edition)

APA Style Introduction

APA Style Workshop

APA Formatting and Style Guide (6th Edition)

General Format

In-Text Citations: The Basics

In-Text Citations: Author/Authors

Footnotes and Endnotes

Reference List: Basic Rules

Reference List: Author/Authors

Reference List: Articles in Periodicals

Reference List: Books

Reference List: Other Print Sources

Reference List: Electronic Sources (Web Publications)

Reference List: Other Non-Print Sources

Additional Resources

Types of APA Papers

APA Stylistics: Avoiding Bias

APA Stylistics: Basics

APA Headings and Seriation

APA PowerPoint Slide Presentation

APA Sample Paper

APA Tables and Figures 1

APA Tables and Figures 2

APA Abbreviations

Numbers in APA

Statistics in APA

APA Classroom Poster

APA Changes 6th Edition

General APA FAQs

Reference List: Basic Rules

APA Formatting and Style Guide (6th Edition)

APA Style (6th Edition)

APA Style (7th Edition)

APA Style Introduction

APA Style Workshop

APA Formatting and Style Guide (7th Edition)

General Format

In-Text Citations: The Basics

In-Text Citations: Author/Authors

Footnotes and Endnotes

Reference List: Basic Rules

Reference List: Author/Authors

Reference List: Articles in Periodicals

Reference List: Books

Reference List: Other Print Sources

Reference List: Electronic Sources

Reference List: Audiovisual Media

Reference List: Other Non-Print Sources

Legal References

Types of APA Papers

APA Stylistics: Basics

APA Stylistics: Avoiding Bias

Footnotes & Appendices

Numbers & Statistics

Additional Resources

APA Headings and Seriation

APA PowerPoint Slide Presentation

APA Sample Paper

Tables and Figures

Abbreviations

Statistics in APA

APA Classroom Poster

Changes in the 7th Edition

General APA FAQs

Reference List: Textual Sources

Reference List: Online Media

APA Formatting and Style Guide (7th Edition)

APA Style (7th Edition)

Using Citation Generators Responsibly

Using Paper Checkers Responsibly

Style Manual Glossary

Research and Citation

Avoiding Plagiarism

Plagiarism Overview

Style Guide Overview

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Plagiarism

Common Knowledge & Attribution

Best Practices to Avoid Plagiarism

Safe Practices: An Exercise

Best Practices for Teachers

"Should I Cite This?" Poster

Common Knowledge & Attribution

Resources

Community Engaged Writing

Planning Community Partnerships

WID and Service-Learning

Community Engagement

Critical Reflection

Writing Centers Doing Community-Based Work

Writing Instructors

Parents

Grades 7-12 Instructors and Students

Full OWL Resources for Grades 7-12 Students and Instructors

Invention for Secondary School Students: Introduction

Invention for Secondary School Students: Creative Writing

Secondary Students: Invention for Research Writing

What to Do When You Are Stuck

Non-Purdue College Level Instructors and Students

Purdue Instructors and Students

Adult Basic Education (GED, ESL, Cover Letters, Résumés)

Writing Across the Curriculum: An Introduction

Writing Across the Curriculum Programs

Further Reading and Resources

Writing in Nursing Bibliography

Science Writing Bibliography Essay

Creative Nonfiction in Writing Courses

The Personal Memoir

Literary Journalism

Lyric Essays

Creative Nonfiction Assignments

Poetry in Writing Courses

Poetry in Mid to Advanced Level Writing Courses

Sample Assignment Sheet

Additional Resources for Poetry in Writing Courses

Teaching Detailed Writing and Procedural Transitions

Teaching OSDDP: A Guide for Professional Writing Instructors

Summary and Description of the Project

Suggested Deliverables and Evaluation Criteria

Week-by-Week Suggested Activities

Resources for Instructors

Sample Project Deliverables

Email Etiquette for Professors

Writing Letters of Recommendation for Students

Writing Letters of Recommendation

Writing Letters of Recommendation for Students

Tips for Educators and Guidance Counselors

Advice for Students

Annotated Sample Letter of Recommendation

Writing Tutors

Purdue Writing Lab Quick Tour

The Writing Conference: Meeting One-on-One with Students

Tutoring a Résumé

Tutoring Cover Letters

Tutoring Creative Writing Students

Working with Creative Writing Students: Tutoring Beginning Poets & Fiction Writers

Tutoring Creative Writing Students

Common Pitfalls for Beginning Fiction Writers

Using Metaphors in Creative Writing

Professional Resources and Reading Suggestions

Tutoring Lab Reports

Tutoring Grammar

Rationales for Tutoring Grammar

Strategies for Tutoring Grammar

Tutoring Deaf Clients

Teaching Resources

Remote Teaching Resources

Remote Teaching Resource Portal

Technology in the Writing Classroom

Adapting Projects to Online Classrooms

Sharing and Presenting Work in Remote Classrooms

Teleconferencing in the Writing Classroom

Cloud-Based Platforms in the Writing Classroom

Remote Peer Review Strategies

Writing Prompts for Analyzing Nonfiction

Nonfiction Analysis Framework

Writing Prompts for Analyzing Fiction

Activities for Remote Creative Writing Classrooms

Discussion Forum Practices for Writing Classes

Remote Teaching Resources

Conducting an Interview Presentation

Writing Process Presentation

Organizing Your Argument Presentation

Peer Review Presentation

Visual Rhetoric Slide Presentation

Writing a Literary Analysis Presentation

Effective Persuasion Presentation

Teaching and Assessing Grammar

Analytical Research Project Presentation

OWL Video Offerings for Instructors

Talking About Writing Presentation

Job Acceptance Letter Presentation

Invention Presentation

Preventing Plagiarism

Contextualizing Plagiarism

Truth or Consequences

Handout: Truth or Consequences

The Big Picture

Authorship and Popular Plagiarism

Handout: Copyright and Plagiarism

Collaborative Authorship

Handout: Collaborative Authorship

Defining Our Terms

Class Plagiarism Policy

Comparing Policies

Handout: Comparing Policies

Avoiding Plagiarism

Summarizing, Paraphrasing, and Quoting

Peer Summarizing

Anonymous Paraphrasing

Paraphrasing from Media

Handout: Paraphrasing from Media

Using In-text Citations

Handout: Using In-text Citations

Quoting Others

Handout: Quoting Others

Summary, Paraphrase, and Quotation in Context

Handout: Summary, Paraphrase, and Quotation in Context

Translingual Writing

Introduction to Translingual Writing

The Translingual Approach in the Classroom

Suggested Readings on Translingual Writing

OWL Presentation Mode

Teacher and Tutor Resources

Graduate Writing

What is Writing?

Writing is a Conversation

Writing is a Process

Writing is a Social Endeavor

Writing is Discipline Specific

Introduction to Graduate Writing

Getting Started with Graduate Writing

Drafting Your Document

Revising and Editing

Project Planning

Introduction to Graduate Writing: Vidcast Series

Graduate Writing Topics

Style

Editing & Proofreading

Organization and Structure

Graduate Writing Topics

Graduate Writing Genres

Academic Proposals

Abstracts

Conference Presentations

Submitting Journal Articles

IRB Narratives

Graduate School-Specific Genres

Reading for Graduate School

Sample Academic Proposals

Graduate Writing Genres

Thesis & Dissertation

Thesis & Dissertation Overview

Thesis and Dissertation: Getting Started

Conducting a Personal IWE

Setting Goals & Staying Motivated

Ways to Approach Revision

Genre Analysis & Reverse Outlining

Sentences: Types, Variety, Concision

Paragraph Organization & Flow

Punctuation

University Thesis and Dissertation Templates

Thesis and Dissertation

From Dissertation to Book

Subject-Specific Writing

Creative Writing

Teachers

Example Assignments Overview

Example Assignments

Example Poetry Assignment

Example Nonfiction Assignment

Example Fiction Assignment

Sample Assignment Sheet

Teachers

Teaching Poetry in Writing Courses

Poetry in Mid to Advanced Level Writing Courses

Additional Resources for Poetry in Writing Courses

Activities for Remote Creative Writing Classrooms

Poetry in Writing Courses

A Guide to the Creative Writing Workshop

The Iowa Model

Liz Lerman Critical Response Process

The Peer Workshop Model

Key Questions and Other Resources

Tutors

Common Pitfalls for Beginning Fiction Writers

Tutoring Creative Writing Students

Working with Creative Writing Students: Tutoring Beginning Poets & Fiction Writers

Creative Writing Tutors

Writers

Creative Nonfiction Basics

Creative Nonfiction: An Overview

Finding Your Footing: Sub-genres in Creative Nonfiction

Fiction Basics

Fiction Writing Basics 2

Fiction Writing Basics 3 - Sample Assignments

Writing Compelling Characters

Characters and Fiction Writing

Characters: A Brief Introduction

Types of Characters

Building & Revealing Characters

Writing Compelling Characters

Poetry Basics

Pattern and Variation in Poetry

Pattern, Generally

Variation, Generally

Pattern and Variation: Aural

Ear Training: Sound and Meter

Meter and Scansion

Poetic Feet and Line Length

Sound and Rhyme

Other Matters of Sound

Patter and Variation: Aural

Pattern and Variation: Visual

Eye Training: Visual Patterning

Visual Variation and Exercises

Eye Training: Visual Patterning

Poetry in Mid to Advanced Level Writing Courses

Poetry Basics

Invention

Invention for Secondary School Students: Introduction

Invention for Secondary School Students: Creative Writing

Invention Examples

Fiction Invention

Poetry Invention

Poetry Invention Overview

Poetry Invention Exercises

Poetry Invention

Invention Examples

Professional Resources and Reading Suggestions

Helpful Books for Creative Writing Students: On Writing

Helpful Books for Creative Writing Students: On Poetry

Helpful Books for Creative Writing Students: On Prose

Helpful Books for Creative Writing Students: Anthologies

Helpful Books for Creative Writing Students: On Craft and Workshop

Professional Resources for Creative Writers

Submitting to Literary Magazines

Publication and Other Online Resources

Writing in Literature

Healthcare Writing

Medical Journalism

Medical Writing Sample: Original Scholarly Article

Medical Writing Sample: Revised Article

Medical Writing Sample: Reporting on a Conference Presentation

SOAP Notes

SOAP Note Sections: S, O, A, & P

Tips for Effective SOAP Notes

Additional Resources

Patient Education Materials

Patient Education: Organization and Style

Patient Education: Document Design, Medium, and Distribution

Patient Education: Works Cited and Additional Resources

Writing as a Veterinary Technician

Patient Signalment, Client Information

History, Presenting Chief Complaint

Current Health Status, History

Past, Birth, and Referral History

Patient Assessment

Technician Evaluation

Interventions

Rationale for Interventions

Continued Patient Reassessment

Desired Resolutions

Progress Notes

Discharge Planning

Legal Issues of Documentation

Sample Care Plan Example

Writing as a Professional Nurse

Writing in the Field

List of Nursing Resources on the Purdue OWL

Journalism and Journalistic Writing

Journalism and Journalistic Writing: Introduction

The Components of "Newsworthiness"

Associated Press Style

Media Ethics

The Inverted Pyramid Structure

How to Write a Lead

Writing Press Releases

Professional, Technical Writing

Workplace Writers

Effective Workplace Writing

Rhetorical Awareness and User-Centered Design

Applying User-Centered Design

Glossary and References

Participatory Design

Audience Analysis

Audience Analysis Overview

The Development Stage

Reading and Action Stage

Stakeholder Considerations

Considering Your Stakeholders Activity

Prioritizing Your Concerns for Effective Business Writing

Higher Order Concerns: Is Your Document Sound?

Lower Order Concerns: Does Your Document Look Professional?

Parallel Structure in Professional Writing

Activity and Postmortem Reports

Activity and Postmortem Reports Introduction

Activity Reports

Postmortem Reports

Tone in Business Writing

HATS: A Design Procedure for Routine Business Documents

Basic Business Letters

Writing the Basic Business Letter

Sample Letters

Business Letters: Accentuating the Positives

Memos

Memos: General Introduction

Audience and Purpose

Parts of a Memo

Format

Sample Memo

Sales Letters: Four Point Action Closing

Grant Writing

Introduction to Grant Writing

Specificity in Writing: Say Exactly What You Mean

Clarity in Writing: Avoiding the Department of Redundancy Department

Making the Request

Grant Writing in the Sciences: Introduction

Grant Writing in the Sciences: Planning

Grant Writing in the Sciences: Writing

Donation Request Letters

Beginning Your Donation Request Letter

The Rhetorical Situation

The Genre

Language Considerations

Technical Reports & Report Abstracts

Writing Report Abstracts

Reports, Proposals, and Technical Papers

White Papers

White Paper: Purpose and Audience

White Paper: Organization and Other Tips

White Papers PowerPoint Presentation

Revision in Business Writing

Language: Revising for Concision and Clarity

Tone: Tailoring Language to Your Audience

Organization and Correctness

Business Writing for Administrative and Clerical Staff

Knowing Your Audience

Genre and Medium

General Guidelines for Business Writing

Sample E-mails

Writing in Literature

Writing About Film

Writing About Film: Terminology and Starting Prompts

Film Writing: Sample Analysis

Writing About Film

Film Writing: Sample Analysis

Literary Terms

Writing About Fiction

Close Reading a Text and Avoiding Pitfalls

Developing a Thesis

Pre-writing Activities and Drafting Your Essay

Writing About Literature

Introduction

Literature Topics and Research

Formatting

Writing in Literature (Detailed Discussion)

Writing in Literature: Overview

Writing in Literature: Writing the Prompt Paper

Writing in Literature: General Research Papers

Researching Literature and Libraries

Reading Criticism

Arguments in an Essay on Literature

Reading a Novel or Story

Reading a Poem

Reading a Play

Writing About Poetry

Image in Poetry

Images and Their Uses

Exercises

Poetry: Close Reading

Writing about World Literature

Writing a Thesis Statement for a World Literature Paper--PowerPoint

Writing in the Social Sciences

Social Work Literature Review Guidelines

Writing in Psychology: Experimental Report Writing

Writing in Psychology Overview

Rhetorical Considerations and Style in Psychology Writing

Writing the Experimental Report: Overview, Introductions, and Literature Reviews

Writing the Experimental Report: Methods, Results, and Discussion

Tables, Appendices, Footnotes and Endnotes

References and Sources for More Information

APA Sample Paper: Experimental Psychology

Writing in Engineering

Engineering Project Documentation

Engineering Project Documentation: Introduction

Stage 1: Conceptual Design

Stage 2: Preliminary Design

Stage 3: Detailed Design

Stage 4: Manufacturing and Next Steps

Writing in Engineering

Writing Engineering Reports

Handbook on Report Formats

Purposes and Types of Report Formats

Informal Lab Reports, Short Memo or Letter Reports

Checklist for Reports

Sections of Reports

The Report Body

The Report Abstract and Executive Summary

Mechanical Elements of Reports

Writing in the Engineering Classroom

Why include writing in engineering courses?

Using Bloom’s Taxonomy

Types of writing assignments for engineering courses

Conceptual Writing Prompts

Explain-a-Problem Writing Prompts

How Stuff Works Writing Prompts

Real-World Example Writing Prompts

Design-a-Problem Writing Prompts

Open-Ended Design Writing Prompts

Writing tips for students

Assessment and Feedback of Engineering Writing

Writing in the Engineering Classroom Research Team

Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS)

EPICS Design Notebook and Overview

EPICS: Project Charter

EPICS: Travel Writing

Mechanical Engineering Writing Enhancement Program

Memo Writing

90-Second Semicolon Vidcasts

Report Writing

Writing in the Purdue SURF Program

SURF Workshop Resources Introduction

SURF Workshop Resources: Problem Statements

Problem Statements PowerPoint Presentation

Problem Statements Handout Instruction

Problem Statements Handout 1: Situating Your Work

Problem Statements Handout 2: Reading a Project Poster

SURF Workshop Resources: Designing Scientific Research Posters

Submitting an Undergraduate Journal Article

Writing in Art History

Writing a Museum Catalog

Writing a Museum Title Card

Writing Essays in Art History

Taking Notes & Preparing for an Exam

Subject-Specific Writing

Job Search Writing

Preparing an Application

Writing a Statement of Teaching Philosophy

Preparing an Application

Tailoring Employment Documents For a Specific Audience

Tailoring Documents

Determining Audience

Addressing Audience

International Student's Job Search: Tips and Terms

Writing the Personal Statement

Examples of Successful Statements

Advice from Admissions Representatives

Personal Statement: Top 10 Rules and Pitfalls

Job Skills Checklist

Action Verbs to Describe Skills, Jobs, and Accomplishments in Employment Documents

What is an Action Verb?

Categorized List of Action Verbs

Example Employment Documents

Job Search Letters

Letters Concerning Employment

Applicant Request For a Reference

Follow-up to an Interview

Inquiry about Cover Letter and Resume

Follow-Up After No Response to an Interview

Acceptance Letter

Rejection of Job Offer

Request for Further Negotiations

Letter When You Receive a Rejection

Thank You Letters

Model Letters for Various Purposes

Model for Writing a Reference Request Letter

Model for Writing a Request for Further Negotiations

Model for Writing a Reply to a Rejection

Model for Writing an Inquiry about a Cover Letter and Resume

Model for Rejecting a Job Offer

Model for Acceptance Letter

Model for Writing a Reference Request Letter

Cover Letters 1: Quick Tips

What Is a Cover Letter?

Quick Content Tips for Cover Letters

Quick Formatting Tips for Cover Letters

Should I show off my knowledge of the company?

What should I do before sending off my cover letter?

Cover Letters 2: Preparing to Write a Cover Letter

How can I learn what will impress prospective employers?

How do I read job advertisements carefully?

How do I research corporate websites?

How do I talk to insiders of the company?

How might I use my university's career center?

What if I do not have a qualification the employer is seeking?

Cover Letters 3: Writing Your Cover Letter

What do I include in my cover letter heading?

To whom do I address my letter?

What do I include in my introduction?

What do I include in my argument/body?

What do I include in my closing?

Cover Letters Workshop

Cover Letter Workshop - Introduction

Cover Letter Workshop - What to Include

Cover Letter Workshop - Formatting and Organization

Academic Cover Letters

Academic Cover Letter Sample

Résumés and CVs

Introduction to and Expectations for Résumés

Résumé Sections

Contact Information Section

Education Section

Work Experience Section

When to Use Two Pages or More

Scannable Résumés

What is a Scannable Résumé?

General Guidelines on Preparing a Scannable Résumé

Résumé Design

Scannable Résumés Presentation

Management Résumés

Résumé Workshop

Education Section

Experience Section

Honors and Activities Section

Skills Section

Résumé Workshop Presentation

Reference Sheets

Writing the Curriculum Vitae

Sample Résumés

Skills Résumé Sample

Chronological Résumé Sample

Functional Résumé Sample

Interactive Résumé

Résumés for Military Veterans

Translating Military Terminology & Experience

Common Questions & Additional Resources

Video Résumés

Introduction to Video Résumés

Planning Your Video Résumé

Filming Your Video Résumé

Editing Your Video Résumé

Distributing Your Video Résumé

Skilled Labor Job Search Resources

Skilled Labor Job Search Resources (Résumés, Applications, and Letters)

Reading & Using Job Ads

Reading & Using Job Ads Part 1

Reading & Using Job Ads Part 2

Understanding Job Ads Part 1

Understanding Job Ads Part 2

Job Applications

Job Application Overview

Application Worksheet Part 1

Application Worksheet Part 2

Application Worksheet Part 3

Application Worksheet Part 4

Résumés

Résumé Overview Part 1

Résumé Overview Part 2

Résumé Sections Part 1

Résumé Sections Part 2

Résumé Sections Part 3

Résumé Design Part 1

Résumé Design Part 2

Checking Your Résumé

Cover Letters

Cover Letter Overview

Cover Letters Part 1

Cover Letters Part 2

Cover Letters Part 3

Cover Letters Part 4

Cover Letters Part 5

Cover Letters Part 6

Interviews

Preparing for a Job Interview

What to Do During and After a Job Interview

Follow-Up, Thank You Letters

Follow-Up & Thank You Letter Overview

Follow-Up & Thank You Letters Part 1

Follow-Up & Thank You Letters Part 2

Follow-Up & Thank You Letters Part 3

Follow-Up & Thank You Letters Part 4

Sample Résumés & Letters

Working Class Résumés & Letters

Academic Cover Letter Sample

Sample Résumés

Skills Résumé Sample

Chronological Résumé Sample

Functional Résumé Sample

Interactive Résumé

Example Employment Documents

Cover Letter Workshop - Formatting and Organization

Résumé & Cover Letter Presentations

Résumé and Cover Letter Slide Presentations

Skilled Labor Job Search Resources

Model for Writing a Reference Request Letter

Job Search Writing

Multilingual

English as a Second Language

World Englishes

World Englishes: An Introduction

World Englishes: Variation, Development, and Function

World Englishes: Regional Examples

World Englishes: Classroom Applications and Activities

World Englishes: Suggested Readings

Multilingual Instructors, Tutors

Multilingual Orientation for Writing Lab Tutorials

Multilingual Teacher Resources

ESL Teacher Resources

Code Switching in Student Writing

Multilingual Instructors and Students

ESL Students

Multilingual Students Introduction

US Higher Education: A Local Introduction

US Higher Education: A "Local" Introduction

Maintaining Lines of Communication

Tips for Writing in North American Colleges

Tips for Writing in North American Colleges: The Basics

Tips for Writing in North American Colleges: Directness

Tips for Writing in North American Colleges: Objectivity

Tips for Writing in North American Colleges: Reasonability

Tips for Writing in North American Colleges: Concision

Tips for Writing in North American Colleges: Revision

Tips for Writing in North American Colleges: Writing from Sources Glossary

Self-Editing Workshop

Elements of an Email Workshop PPT

MS Word Bells and Whistles Part 1: Using Grammar and Spell Checkers Effectively

Plagiarism and ESL Writers: An Overview

Writing for Global Business Audiences: An Introduction

Writing for an Indian Business Audience

Writing for an Indian Business Audience: Samples

Writing for a Chinese Business Audience

Understanding Writing Assignments

Understanding Writing Assignments: Introduction

Information Included in the Assignment Prompt

Reading Practices for Assignment Prompts

Conclusion

Annotated Example Assignment Prompts

Writing for a North American Business Audience

Key Concepts for Writing in North American Colleges

Stages of the Writing Process

Style, Genre & Writing

Reference & Citation in Writing

Common Expressions in Academic Writing

Audience Considerations for ESL Writers

Audience Considerations for ESL Writers: Introduction

Writing for a North American Academic Audience

Stance and Language

Tone and Purpose

Medium and Design

Words Matter: How to Effectively Use Idioms, Slang, & Stock Phrases in Academic Writing

Combining Sentences

Conjunctions and Coordination

Discourse Connectors

Combining Sentences

Sentence Clarity: Nominalizations and Subject Position

Prepositions

Prepositions of Direction—To

Prepositions of Direction—Onto

Prepositions of Direction—Into

Prepositions of Spatial Relationship—A

Prepositions of Spatial Relationship—B

Prepositions of Spatial Relationship—F-O

Prepositions of Spatial Relationship—T-W

Prepositions of Time, Place, and Introducing Objects

Pronouns

Pronouns—Clarity

Pronouns—Issues of Gender

Punctuation

Punctuation—Commas

Punctuation—Quotation Marks and Apostrophes

Punctuation—Semicolons, Colons, and Parentheses

Punctuation—Hyphens and Dashes

Paraphrasing and Summary

Paraphrasing

Summarizing

About the OWL

OWL Information

OWL Fact Sheet

Frequently Asked OWL Questions (FAQs)

Terms and Conditions of Fair Use

Purdue OWL Art

OWL Vidcast Redesign

Navigating the New OWL Site

Spotlight Resources

Giving to the Purdue OWL

Privacy Notice

On-Campus Writing Lab

Welcome to the On-Campus Writing Lab

About

Awards

National and International Recognitions

On-Campus Recognitions

Awards and Featured Articles: Past Archive

A Welcome from the Directors

About Our Writing Lab Leadership

OWL Annual Reports

OWL Through Time

Mission, Goals, and Description

Giving to the Purdue OWL

Students

Navigating the On-Campus Writing Lab

Student/Client FAQs for On-Campus Writing Lab Services

Student Resources

One-on-one Tutorials

English Conversation Groups

Graduate Writing Events

General Writing Workshops

Student Tutor Guides

Students

Faculty

Faculty Resources

Faculty and Instructor FAQs

Faculty Guides

Request a Consultation or Workshop

Alumni

Alumni Annotations

Events

Newsletter

The Weekly Writer Newsletter

Employment

Employment Opportunities at the On-Campus Writing Lab

Opportunities for Purdue Graduate Students

Opportunities for Purdue Undergraduate Students

OWL Exercises

Grammar Exercises

Adjective or Adverb?

Exercise : Adjective or Adverb Exercise 1

Exercise : Adjective or Adverb Exercise 2

Answer : Adjective or Adverb Exercise 1

Answer : Adjective or Adverb Exercise 2

Appositives

Exercise : Appositive Exercise

Answer : Appositive Exercise

Articles

Exercise : A or An?

Answer : A or An?

Exercise : Articles Exercise 1

Exercise : Articles Exercise 2

Answer : Articles Exercise 2

Answer : Articles Exercise 1

Count and Noncount Nouns

Exercise : Count and Noncount Nouns Exercise 1

Answer : Count and Noncount Nouns Exercise 1

Exercise : Count and Noncount Nouns Exercise 2

Answer : Count and Noncount Nouns Exercise 2

Exercise : Count and Noncount Nouns Exercise 3

Answer : Count and Noncount Nouns Exercise 3

Exercise : Count and Noncount Nouns Exercise 4

Answer : Count and Noncount Nouns Exercise 4

Exercise : Count and Noncount Nouns Exercise 5

Answer : Count and Noncount Nouns Exercise 5

Exercise : Quantity Terms with Count and Noncount Nouns

Answer : Quantity Terms with Count and Noncount Nouns

Prepositions

Exercise : Prepositions of Direction: To, On (to), In (to)

Answer : Prepositions of Direction: To, On (to), In (to)

Tense Consistency

Exercise : Tense Consistency Exercise 1

Answer : Tense Consistency Exercise 1

Exercise : Tense Consistency Exercise 2

Answer : Tense Consistency Exercise 2

Exercise : Tense Consistency Exercise 3

Answer : Tense Consistency Exercise 3

Exercise : Tense Consistency Exercise 4

Answer : Tense Consistency Exercise 4

Punctuation Exercises

Basic Punctuation

Exercise : Punctuation Exercise

Answer : Punctuation Exercise

Apostrophes

Exercise : Apostrophes

Answer : Apostrophes

Quotation Marks

Exercise : Quotation Marks Exercise

Answer : Quotation Marks Exercise

Commas

Exercise : Comma Exercise 1

Answer : Comma Exercise 1

Exercise : Comma Exercise 2

Answer : Comma Exercise 2

Exercise : Comma Exercise 3

Answer : Comma Exercise 3

Exercise : Comma Exercise 4

Answer : Comma Exercise 4

Exercise : Comma Exercise 5

Answer : Comma Exercise 5

Exercise : Commas after Introductions Exercise 1

Answer : Commas after Introductions Exercise 1

Exercise : Commas after Introductions Exercise 2

Answer : Commas after Introductions Exercise 2

Exercise : Commas after Introductions Exercise 3

Answer : Commas after Introductions Exercise 3

Exercise : Commas vs. Semicolons - Compound Sentences

Answer : Commas vs. Semicolons - Compound Sentences

Exercise : Commas with Nonessential Elements Exercise 1

Answer : Commas with Nonessential Elements Exercise 1

Exercise : Commas with Nonessential Elements Exercise 2

Answer : Commas with Nonessential Elements Exercise 2

Exercise : Commas with Nonessential Elements Exercise 3

Answer : Commas with Nonessential Elements Exercise 3

Spelling Exercises

-ible vs. -able

Exercise : -ible and -able Spelling Exercise 1

Answer : -ible and -able Spelling Exercise 1

Exercise : -ible and -able Spelling Exercise 2

Answer : -ible and -able Spelling Exercise 2

Accept/Except

Exercise : Accept/Except Spelling Exercise

Answer : Accept/Except Spelling Exercise

Affect/Effect

Exercise : Affect/Effect Spelling Exercise

Answer : Affect/Effect Spelling Exercise

i/e Rules

Exercise : EI/IE Spelling Rules Exercise 1

Answer : EI/IE Spelling Rules Exercise 1

Exercise : EI/IE Spelling Rules Exercise 2

Answer : EI/IE Spelling Rules Exercise 2

Exercise : EI/IE Spelling Rules Exercise 3

Answer : EI/IE Spelling Rules Exercise 3

Exercise : EI/IE Spelling Rules Exercise 4

Answer : EI/IE Spelling Rules Exercise 4

Sentence Structure

Sentence Clauses

Sentence Clauses: Independent and Dependent Clauses

Exercise : Identifying Independent and Dependent Clauses

Answer : Identifying Independent and Dependent Clauses

Sentence Fragments

Exercise : Sentence Fragments Exercise 1

Answer : Sentence Fragments Exercise 1

Exercise : Sentence Fragments Exercise 2

Answer : Sentence Fragments Exercise 2

Exercise : Sentence Fragments Exercise 3

Answer : Sentence Fragments Exercise 3

Sentence Structure

Exercise : Run-ons, Comma Splices, and Fused Sentences

Answer : Run-ons, Comma Splices, and Fused Sentences

Subject-Verb Agreement

Exercise : Subject and Verb Agreement Exercise

Answer : Subject and Verb Agreement Exercise

Sentence Style

Eliminating Wordiness

Exercise : Eliminating Wordiness Exercise 1

Answer : Eliminating Wordiness Exercise 1

Exercise : Eliminating Wordiness Exercise 2

Answer : Eliminating Wordiness Exercise 2

Exercise : Eliminating Wordiness Exercise 3

Answer : Eliminating Wordiness Exercise 3

Writing Numbers

Exercise : Writing Numbers Exercise

Answer : Writing Numbers Exercise

Multilingual Exercises

Paraphrase and Summary Exercises

Exercise : Basic-level Paraphrase and Summary Writing

Exercise : Intermediate-level Paraphrase Exercises

Answer : Basic-level Paraphrase and Summary Writing

Answer : Intermediate-level Paraphrase Exercises

Exercise : Paraphrase Summary Exercises List of Works Consult

Nominalizations and Subject Position

Sentence Clarity: Nominalizations and Subject Position

Exercise : Sentence Clarity 1

Answer : Sentence Clarity 1

Exercise : Sentence Clarity 2

Answer : Sentence Clarity 2

Purdue OWL®

Research

Introduction

Writing Lab Usage Data

Writing Centers Research Project Survey

Big Ten Academic Alliance

The Big Ten Academic Alliance

Members of the Big Ten Academic Alliance

Benchmark Documents for the Big Ten Academic Alliance

OWL Conversations

Interviews

Interview: Dr. Margie Berns

Essays

The Myth of the Good Writer

Remote Teaching: An Instructor's Perspective

Remote Teaching: A Student's Perspective

OWL Conversations

Peer Institution Reports & Data

Writing Center Directory

University of Colorado at Boulder

Site Map

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