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Guides to Writing
These brief, Wesleyan-specific writing guides can help you through nearly all stages of writing, all types of writing in academic disciplines, and other genres of writing. Clicking on any link will open a separate window with a PDF guide written by a Wesleyan writing tutor especially for other students at the University.
Writing Mechanics
Citation Mechanics - A brief guide explaining how to cite using MLA, APA, and CMS formats.
Conclusions - A short guide explaining why a conclusion is important and things to consider in structuring a strong one.
Introductions - A guide explaining important things to consider in order to write a strong introduction.
Megablunders - A guide explaining nine of the most common grammatical "megablunders" that students run into when writing.
Paragraphs - A "how-to" guide on the important elements that a good paragraph will contain.
Quotations - A guide explaining the what, why, and how of using quotes.
Research Questions - A short guide to questions to ask yourself when writing a research paper.
Reverse Outline - An insightful guide into what a reverse outline is and how one can be helpful in revising a paper.
Thesis Statements- A guide explaining what a thesis statement does and things to consider in structuring a strong one.
The Writing Process
Mindfulness for Long Writing Projects - strategies for developing a healthy writing practice, geared especially toward long projects but useful for anyone who wants to bring more intention and self-care to their work or to fight writing anxiety and burnout
Starting the writing process - four steps to revving up and putting your paper in gear.
The (pre-)writing process - how to maximize the value of the thinking you do before you start typing.
The revising process - tips for making even the best draft better.
Guides for Specific Disciplines
How to Think about Writing an Analytic Essay in Any Discipline - really, it's always the same! Learn how and why.
Film - A brief guide to writing film papers.
Government - A thorough guide to writing various types of government papers, ranging from book reviews to research papers.
Lab Reports - A guide detailing advice for writing a lab report, including detailed guidelines for lab reports for Principles of Biology and General Chemistry.
Philosophy - A brief guide with advice for structuring a strong philosophy essay.
Psychology - A guide to writing psychology papers and analyzing psychology studies, including resources on citation method and style.
Writing Theory - A thorough guide to writing social theory papers, including examples of annotated passages and things to avoid in theory papers.