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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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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 Bibliographies
Annotated Bibliography Breakdown
Annotated Bibliography Samples
Writing a Book Report
Writing Definitions
Writing Essays for Exams
Writing a Book Review
Mechanics
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
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
Punctuation
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
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
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
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
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 Correspondence
Personal Letters
Newsletters
Media File Index
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
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
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
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
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)
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 17th 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
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)
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
Community Engaged Writing
Community Engaged Writing
Planning Community Partnerships
WID and Service-Learning
Community Engagement
Critical Reflection
Writing Centers Doing Community-Based Work
Writing Instructors
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: An Introduction
Writing Across the Curriculum Programs
Further Reading and Resources
Writing in Nursing Bibliography
Science Writing Bibliography Essay
Creative Nonfiction in Writing Courses
Creative Nonfiction in Writing Courses
The Personal Memoir
Literary Journalism
Lyric Essays
Creative Nonfiction Assignments
Poetry in Writing Courses
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
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
Helpful Resources for Creative Writing Students
Using Metaphors in Creative Writing
Tutoring Lab Reports
Tutoring Grammar
Tutoring Grammar
Rationales for Tutoring Grammar
Strategies for Tutoring Grammar
Tutoring Deaf Clients
Teaching Resources
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
Preventing Plagiarism
Contextualizing Plagiarism
Contextualizing Plagiarism
Truth or Consequences
Handout: Truth or Consequences
The Big Picture
Authorship and Popular Plagiarism
Copyright and Plagiarism
Handout: Copyright and Plagiarism
Collaborative Authorship
Handout: Collaborative Authorship
Defining Our Terms
Class Plagiarism Policy
Comparing Policies
Handout: Comparing Policies
Avoiding Plagiarism
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
Graduate Writing
What is writing?
Graduate Writing Overview
Writing is a Conversation 
Writing is a Process
Writing is a Social Endeavor 
Writing is Discipline Specific
Graduate Writing Topics
Graduate Writing Topics
Style
Editing and Proofreading
Organization and Structure
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
Professional, Technical Writing
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
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
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 in Literature
Writing About Film
Writing About Film: Terminology and Starting Prompts
Film Writing: Sample Analysis
Writing About Film
Literary Terms
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
Poetry: Close Reading
Writing about World Literature
Writing about World Literature
Writing a Thesis Statement for a World Literature Paper--PowerPoint
Writing in the Social Sciences
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
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
Mechanical Engineering Writing Enhancement Program
Memo Writing
90-Second Semicolon Vidcasts
Report Writing
Creative Writing
Creative Writing
Fiction Writing Basics
Fiction Writing Basics
Fiction Writing Basics 2
Fiction Writing Basics 3 - Sample Assignments
Pattern and Variation in Poetry
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
Pattern and Variation: Visual
Eye Training: Visual Patterning
Visual Variation and Exercises
Characters and Fiction Writing
Characters: A Brief Introduction
Types of Characters
Building & Revealing Characters
Writing Compelling Characters
Poetry Writing
Poetry Writing: Invention
Poetry Invention Exercises
Creative Nonfiction
Creative Nonfiction: An Overview
Finding Your Footing: Sub-genres in Creative Nonfiction
Professional Resources for Creative Writers
Submitting to Literary Magazines
Teachers
Teaching Resources
Activities for Remote Creative Writing Classrooms
Sample Assignment Sheet
Additional Resources for Poetry in Writing Courses
Teaching Resources
Assignment Examples Overview
Writing Experiment: the teeny tiny essay
Poetry Writing Experiment: fourth grade autobiography
Writing Experiment: We Need To Talk
Teaching Resources
Working with Creative Writing Students: Tutoring Beginning Poets & Fiction Writers
Tutoring Creative Writing Students
Common Pitfalls for Beginning Fiction Writers
Teaching Resources
Teaching Resources
Invention for Secondary School Students: Creative Writing
Invention Examples
Poetry Writing: Invention
Fiction Invention Activities
Poetry Invention Exercises
Fiction Basics
Fiction Writing Basics
Fiction Writing Basics 2
Characters: A Brief Introduction
Types of Characters
Building & Revealing Characters
Writing Compelling Characters
Poetry basics
Pattern and Variation in Poetry
Pattern, Generally
Variation, Generally
Ear Training: Sound and Meter
Ear Training: Meter and Scansion
Ear Training: Other Matters of Sound
Ear training: Poetic Feet and Line Length
Ear Training: Sound and Rhyme
Eye Training: Visual Patterning
Visual Variation and Exercises
Poetry in Writing Courses
Poetry in Mid to Advanced Level Writing Courses
Creative Nonfiction Basics
Creative Nonfiction: An Overview
Finding Your Footing: Sub-genres in Creative Nonfiction
Reading and writing about creative writing
Reading a Poem
Writing About Poetry
Helpful Resources for Creative Writing Students
Creative Writing Basics
Using Metaphors in Creative Writing
Healthcare Writing
Healthcare Writing
Medical Journalism
Medical Journalism
Medical Writing Sample: Original Scholarly Article
Medical Writing Sample: Revised Article
Medical Writing Sample: Reporting on a Conference Presentation
SOAP Notes
SOAP Notes
SOAP Note Sections: S, O, A, & P
Tips for Effective SOAP Notes
Additional Resources
Patient Education Materials
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
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 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
Writing in the Purdue SURF Program
Writing in the Purdue SURF Program
SURF Workshop Resources Introduction
SURF Workshop Resources: Problem Statements
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 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
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
Job Search Letters
Letters Concerning Employment
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
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 Letters
Academic Cover Letter Sample
Résumés and CVs
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
Résumé Workshop
Education Section
Experience Section
Honors and Activities Section
Skills Section
Résumé Workshop Presentation
Reference Sheets
Writing the Curriculum Vitae
Sample Résumés
Sample Résumés
Skills Résumé Sample
Chronological Résumé Sample
Functional Résumé Sample
Interactive Résumé
Résumés for Military Veterans
Résumés for Military Veterans
Translating Military Terminology & Experience
Common Questions & Additional Resources
Video Résumés
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
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 Applications
Job Application Overview
Application Worksheet Part 1
Application Worksheet Part 2
Application Worksheet Part 3
Application Worksheet Part 4
Résumés
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 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
Interviews
Preparing for a Job Interview
What to Do During and After a Job Interview
Follow-Up, Thank You Letters
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
Sample Résumés & Letters
Working Class Résumés & Letters
Résumé & Cover Letter Presentations
Résumé and Cover Letter Slide Presentations
Skilled Labor Job Search Resources
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 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
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
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
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
Pronouns—Clarity
Pronouns—Issues of Gender
Punctuation
Punctuation
Punctuation—Commas
Punctuation—Quotation Marks and Apostrophes
Punctuation—Semicolons, Colons, and Parentheses
Punctuation—Hyphens and Dashes
Paraphrasing and Summary
Paraphrasing and Summary
Paraphrasing
Summarizing
About the OWL
OWL Information
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
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General Writing Workshops
Student Tutor Guides
Students
Faculty
Faculty Resources
Faculty and Instructor FAQs
Faculty Guides
Request a Consultation or Workshop
Alumni
Alumni Annotations
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
OWL Exercises
Grammar Exercises
Grammar Exercises
Adjective or Adverb?
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
Appositives
Exercise : Appositive Exercise
Answer : Appositive Exercise
Articles
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
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
Prepositions
Exercise : Prepositions of Direction: To, On (to), In (to)
Answer : Prepositions of Direction: To, On (to), In (to)
Tense Consistency
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
Punctuation Exercises
Basic Punctuation
Basic Punctuation
Exercise : Punctuation Exercise
Answer : Punctuation Exercise
Apostrophes
Apostrophes
Exercise : Apostrophes
Answer : Apostrophes
Quotation Marks
Quotation Marks
Exercise : Quotation Marks Exercise
Answer : Quotation Marks Exercise
Commas
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
Spelling Exercises
-ible vs. -able
-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
Accept/Except
Exercise : Accept/Except Spelling Exercise
Answer : Accept/Except Spelling Exercise
Affect/Effect
Affect/Effect
Exercise : Affect/Effect Spelling Exercise
Answer : Affect/Effect Spelling Exercise
i/e Rules
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 Structure
Sentence Clauses
Sentence Clauses: Independent and Dependent Clauses
Exercise : Identifying Independent and Dependent Clauses
Answer : Identifying Independent and Dependent Clauses
Sentence Fragments
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
Sentence Structure
Exercise : Run-ons, Comma Splices, and Fused Sentences
Answer : Run-ons, Comma Splices, and Fused Sentences
Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject-Verb Agreement
Exercise : Subject and Verb Agreement Exercise
Answer : Subject and Verb Agreement Exercise
Sentence Style
Sentence Style
Eliminating Wordiness
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
Writing Numbers
Writing Numbers
Writing Numbers
Exercise : Writing Numbers Exercise
Answer : Writing Numbers Exercise
Multilingual Exercises
Multilingual Exercises
Paraphrase and Summary 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®
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The Big Ten Academic Alliance
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Interview: Dr. Margie Berns
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The Myth of the Good Writer
Remote Teaching: An Instructor's Perspective
Remote Teaching: A Student's Perspective
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University of Colorado at Boulder
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