Online Writing Sources

This website goes through the processes of drafting and re-drafting. It also tells how and why drafting and re-drafting are important. It even provides ways in which the computer can help with these processes.

http://learnline.cdu.edu.au/studyskills/as/as_es_dr_fi.html

This website focuses on strategies for creating a first draft. There is also a list of some helpful hints for when one begins the drafting stage.

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◊◊ Revising

http://www.csbsju.edu/writingcenters/handouts/revising.htm

This website offers checklists for the revision process, as well as for self-evaluation of your work. It requires that you be honest with yourself and that you look at your essay objectively.

http://www.evergreen.edu/writingcenter/handouts/general/revision.pdf

This website offers things to look for when revising an essay. It organizes these concerns by the level of importance to the overall easy.

http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/11326ass1/revising.htm

This University of South Australia website offers two different methods for revising your essay. It also has a list of things to consider when revising.

http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~wricntr/documents/Revising.html

This Harvard University website offers a method for revising, an example of revision, and some things to keep in mind while you are revising.

http://www.saec.edu.tw/station/bob/revise.htm

This website, titled “Bob’s Essay Garage” breaks revision down into a simplistic, yet interesting process.

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◊◊ Proofreading

http://www.essay-lab.com/advanced/proofreading.php

This website offers three different types of proofreading and a method for conducting each. It also offers seven tips to keep in mind when you are proofreading your essay.

http://writing.fsu.edu/rwc/wr_crrevising.html

This Florida State University website offers several questions to ask yourself during proofreading. The questions are divided into categories that focus on the major parts of your paper, such as thesis statement, transitions, etc. There are also some general suggestions to keep in mind when proofreading.

http://www.edgehill.ac.uk/TLD/student/7steps/proofred.htm

This website offers a series of this to do and provides a reason for doing each. The tasks are divided into “good habits”, “check for coherence”, and “check for accuracy”.

http://homepage.smc.edu/cheney_joyce/essay_evaluation_form.htm

This website offers a checklist that will help you evaluate your entire essay, one thing at a time. The checklist focuses on things such as coherence to the assignment, the actual paragraphs of the essay, and mechanics.

http://dmc.utep.edu/eng0310/proof.html

This website offers five different methods that can be used to maximize your proofreading efforts.

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Parts of an Essay

◊◊ Introduction

http://www.kcmetro.cc.mo.us/maplewoods/writeplace/writingintros.html

This website briefly tells the purpose of an introduction and then provides four different methods to create an introduction. Each method is then described in detail.

http://www.toastmasters-d58.org/news/newsltrs/oct2001/effintro.htm

This website gives instructions on how to create an effective introduction in seven steps. Each step’s importance to the creation of a good introduction is fully explained.

http://www.smcm.edu/writingcenter/Resources/rec_writers/organize/introduce.htm

This St. Mary’s College website defines the purpose of an introduction. The site outlines seven different types of introductions and provides an example for each type.

http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/introductions.htm

This University of North Carolina website explains the role of an introduction, the need of having an effective one, and strategies for accomplishing that necessity.

http://www.ccsn.nevada.edu/english/frmt.htm

This Community College of Southern Nevada website offers a general format for an essay, some generalizations that pertain particularly to introductions and conclusions, and some strategies for writing introductions and conclusions.

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◊◊ Thesis statement

http://www.ucalgary.ca/UofC/eduweb/writing/III_1.htm

This University of Calgary website offers a definition of a thesis statement and some questions to help generate thoughts for one. It also offers some things to keep in mind when writing a thesis and ways to test your thesis.

http://www.asu.edu/duas/wcenter/introthesis.html

This Arizona State University website demonstrates how to construct a thesis statement by defining what a thesis statement is and what it is not. It also provides comparative examples.

http://www.dvc.edu/english/Learning_Resources/ThesisStatmentQues.htm

This Diablo Valley College website tells what a thesis statement is and why it’s important. There are also directions on how to construct a thesis statement and a list of guidelines for a thesis statement.

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/general/gl_thesis.html

This Purdue University website offers a definition of a thesis statement, tips for constructing a thesis statement, and specifics for writing a thesis statement for three different types of essays.

http://caacs.uta.edu/uploads/EDUC%201302%20Thesis%20Statement%20handout.doc

This website lists six characteristics of a good thesis statement. It also compares a thesis statement and a topic. Finally, the site has a list of website that have examples of thesis statements.

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◊◊ Conclusion

http://www.smcm.edu/writingcenter/Resources/rec_writers/organize/conclusion.htm

This website offers ten different approaches to writing a conclusion. It tells when it is best to use each type of conclusion and then provides an example for each.

http://www.kent.k12.wa.us/KSD/KR/WRITE/FIVE/conclusions.html

This website offers the purpose of a conclusion, five different types of conclusions with explanations of when to use each, and general suggestions for writing effective conclusions.

http://www.english.udel.edu/wc/handouts/conclusions.html

This website offers a blunt definition of what a conclusion should be and then gives examples of five different types of conclusions.

http://humanities.ucsd.edu/writing/workshop/effective.htm

This University of California, San Diego website defines things that a conclusion should not be and then offers five methods of creating an effective conclusion as well as examples for each.

http://english.tyler.cc.tx.us/jbru/1301/concl.htm

This Tyler Junior College website offers a list of ten different techniques for writing a conclusion.

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◊◊ Topic / Title

http://library.webster.edu/wbt/t-w1-01.html

This website lists and describes four things that make a good topic. It also tells why each aspect is important to the success of the topic.

http://essayinfo.com/tips/narrowing_topic.php

This website lists and explains four things to keep in mind when narrowing your essay topic.

http://members.tripod.com/~lklivingston/essay/topic.html

This website offers some advice on choosing a topic in the case that a general topic has been assigned and in the case that no topic has been assigned.

http://www.writingcentre.ubc.ca/workshop/tools/titles.htm

This University of British Colombia website lists some criteria of an effective title. The site also offers some suggestions on how to create an interesting title. Finally, the site offers seven sample topics and numerous examples of titles submitted for each. There is a link for each example that shows what an English professor thought about the title.

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◊◊ Outline

http://www.aucegypt.edu/academic/writers/outline.htm

This American University in Cairo website has a link to a sample outline and a link to an exercise in arranging points into an outline and another link to check your answers.

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/general/gl_outlin.html

This Purdue University website offers a definition of an outline and its purpose. It also offers an in depth discussion on the way that an outline should be constructed. Finally, it offers a link to a sample outline.

http://www.eths.k12.il.us/manual_of_form_and_style/outlining.html

This website describes the purpose of an outline and two different types of outlines. It also has ten rules for outlining and sufficient examples for each. Finally, there is an example of each type of outline.

http://www.ash.udel.edu/ash/tutor/writing/comp_defs/outline_def.html

This Alphabet superhighway website begins with the purpose of an outline. It then provides a worksheet for developing an outline.

http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~wricntr/documents/Outlining.html

This Harvard University website offers a step by step method of creating an outline. It also offers an example of an outline.

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Types of Essays

◊◊ Argumentative

http://www.delmar.edu/engl/wrtctr/handouts/persuasive.htm

This Del Mar College website offers four steps for planning an argumentative essay, four essential elements, and some advice for writing your essay.

http://www.powa.org/argument/appeals.html

This website describes the three ways to appeal to your reader: ethos, pathos, and logos. The website tells why each is important and how to incorporate them into your essay. Finally, there are exercises to ensure that you fully grasp each concept.

http://www.ash.udel.edu/ash/tutor/writing/comp_defs/argument_def.html

This website offers an in depth discussion of what should be included in the introduction, body, and conclusion of an argumentative essay. It also poses several questions to consider throughout the writing process.

http://www.cdtl.nus.edu.sg/success/sl29.htm

This website offers a chart of things that should constitute the introduction, body, and conclusion of any argumentative essay. The chart also has a section that explains why each element is important.

http://www.writingcentre.ubc.ca/workshop/tools/sample_arg.htm

This University of British Colombia website offers a sample argumentative essay and a critique of the essay by an instructor.

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◊◊ Comparison and contrast

http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/comparison_contrast.html

This University of North Carolina website offers a way to identify that an instructor is asking for a comparison and contrast essay. There are also two methods for arranging the comparing and contrasting information as well as a series of question for each of four general comparison categories. The site also tells how to choose the relevant information and how to develop a thesis statement. Finally, the site offers two organizational patterns and a list of key words to use in a comparison and contrast essay.

http://www.rscc.cc.tn.us/owl&writingcenter/OWL/Com_Con.html

This Roane State Community College website offers a systematic process for writing a comparison and contrast essay from choosing a topic to organizing the essay.

http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/comparcontrast.html

This website offers four different ways to approach a comparison and contrast essay. It explains and provides a quick sample outline for each method.

http://home.earthlink.net/~lazarski/home/CChints.htm

This website offers four steps to take when writing a comparison and contrast essay. It also provides an example for each step.

http://www.cwoc.ufl.edu/owl/essay_models/compare.html

This interactive website focuses on the importance of unifying a comparison and contrast essay. It uses an essay about whether commercial or hometown pizza places are better.

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◊◊ Narrative / Descriptive

http://www.factmonster.com/homework/writingskills4.html

This website offers some advice about writing a narrative essay. There is also a sample essay and several comments regarding the sample.

http://www.ash.udel.edu/ash/tutor/writing/comp_defs/narrative_def.html

This website offers a simplistic methodology for generating the ideas and organization needed for a narrative / descriptive essay.

http://essayinfo.com/essays/narrative_essay.php

This website tells the purposes of a narrative / descriptive essay and some general principles to keep in mind when writing your essay.

http://www.rscc.cc.tn.us/owl&writingcenter/OWL/Narration.html

This Roane State Community College website tells what a narrative essay is and then describes five general features that the essay should include.

http://depts.gallaudet.edu/Englishworks/writing/narrative.html

This website offers a sample narrative / descriptive essay.

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◊◊ Literature / art analysis

http://www.uab.edu/english/undergrad/litweb/intros.html

This University of Alabama at Birmingham website discusses how to write an effective introduction, thesis, and title for an essay about literature. The site has an in depth description of what each of these elements is and its overall importance to the essay.

http://www.gmu.edu/departments/writingcenter/handouts/dos_lit.html

This George Mason University website offers a list of things to do and not to do when writing about literature.

http://www.goshen.edu/english/litanalysis.html

This Goshen College website offers some tips on how to effectively analyze a work and write about it. It also provides several examples.

http://www.schoolofabraham.com/artalphabet.htm

This website offers a list of questions to consider when observing and analyzing a work of art. It also helps to familiarize you with some art lingo.

http://www.vcss.k12.ca.us/tspvisarts/Analyzing_Art.htm

This website provides an example of an analysis of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.

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Grammar

◊◊ Sentence fragments

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/grammar/g_frag.html

This website offers a general definition of sentence fragments and a general rule for correcting them. It goes on to offer a more in depth discussion on different causes of sentence fragments and ways to correct each type. Finally, the site offers three different exercises with links to answers for each.

http://webster.commnet.edu/grammar/fragments.htm

This website reviews the rules of correcting sentence fragment and offers two quizzes that will help increase your understanding of the material.

http://www.aliscot.com/bigdog/fragments.htm

This website defines the parts of sentences that are associated with sentences fragments. It then gives examples of how to correct fragmented sentences. Finally, it offers a self quiz on all of the material covered in the handout and provides the answers with explanations for each scenario.

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/interact/g_fragEX1.html

This Purdue University website offers 16 sentences with a drop sown bar for you to indicate whether it is a fragment or a complete sentence. There is also a link for you to check your answers.

http://www.harpercollege.edu/writ_ctr/fragtst1.htm

This Harper College website offers a simple test to determine whether or not a sentence is a fragment.

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◊◊ Comma splices and run-on sentences

http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/punct/csfsro.html

This website defines a comma splice, a run-on, and a fused sentence. The site provides an example for each and a method of correcting each of these problems.

http://karn.ohiolink.edu/~sg-ysu/csrev.html

This Youngstown State University website offers four different ways that comma splices are created, as well as different ways of correcting them.

http://www.troyst.edu/writingcenter/handouts/comma_splices.html

This website defines a comma splice and then offers several ways to correct it. The site then offers an exercise for you to practice finding and correcting comma splices.

http://www.uvsc.edu/owl/tests/run_frag.html

This site offers a 30 question test that allows you to identify a group of words as a comma splice, a run-on, a fragment, or a correct sentence. It also provides a thorough explanation for each answer you choose.

http://www.buowl.boun.edu.tr/students/grammar/adv/advrunon.htm

This site is aimed at ESL students and offers a definition of run-on sentences and a way of correcting them. There are also eight questions in which you are asked to choose the correct sentence.

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◊◊ Subject-verb agreement

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/esl/eslsubverb.html

This website offers eleven different situations in which subject-verb agreement may cause problems. There is also a link to an exercise and another link with the answers to the exercise.

http://webster.commnet.edu/grammar/sv_agr.htm

This reader-friendly website offers twelve problem areas for subject-verb agreement with examples for each. It also has links to three differently formatted quizzes, which all have links to the answers.

http://faculty.mckendree.edu/writing_handouts/Grammar/subject-verb.htm

This website breaks the source of subject-verb agreement problems down according to the five different types of subjects possible and provides examples for each. There is also an exercise and a link to the correct answers.

http://virtual.yosemite.cc.ca.us/lumanr2/esl_48/Unit_One/Week%202/tense_rev1.htm

This website offers an online exercise. There are spaces for you to type your answers and a link to check them. There is also a button that offers hints in case you get stuck on one.

http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/grammar/subverag.html

This website offers a review of singular and plural subjects and the type of verb that each needs. There are also sufficient examples for each instance.

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◊◊ Comma usage

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/grammar/g_comma.html

This website outlines eleven different situations in which commas are needed with extensive examples for each. There are also four situations in which commas are abused, each accompanied by several examples. Finally, the website offers links to five different exercises that can be completed and checked online.

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/interact/g_commacompEX1.html

This Purdue University website offers 25 sentences for which you choose whether a comma or a semicolon is needed. There is a link that allows you to check your answers.

http://www.stpt.usf.edu/pms/comma.html

This website offers a vivid definition of a comma and a basic rule to tell when a comma is needed. It then goes on to define four general situations in which commas are needed. There are also examples to further explain each situation.

http://www.writing.okstate.edu/handouts/commas.pdf

This website offers a qui k checklist to keep handy when a comma question pops up. There are also nine situations in which a comma is needed and nine situations in which a comma is inappropriate.

http://www.ac.wwu.edu/~writepro/Handouts/Commas.htm

This Western Washington University website six general rules about using commas. The general rules are then further broken down into more specific rules and examples are provided for each.

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◊◊ Semicolons

http://www.esc.edu/htmlpages/writerold/pandg/ex3acom.shtml

This website is a quiz for comma and semi-colon usage. The explanations given for wrong answers are exceptional.

http://www.virtualsalt.com/semicoln.htm

This website tells about five different times to use semi-colons in writing and gives several examples for each.

http://www.wisc.edu/writing/Handbook/Semicolons.html

This University of Wisconsin website tells when to use a semicolon, the rules for using semicolons, and common mistakes made with using semicolons. The website arranges all of its information into easy to read tables.

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/interact/g_commacompEX2.html

This Purdue University website offers 15 sentences for which you choose whether a comma or a semicolon is needed. There is a link that allows you to check your answers.

http://www.txstate.edu/slac/writing/Semiclns.pdf

This Texas State University website offers three basic rules for using semicolons. There are also two exercises, followed by the answers for each.

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Test prep

◊◊ WPE

These sites offer general information on WPE-type tests. However, ABAC's WPE is formatted and conducted differently. As ABAC specific sites are prepared, they will be added to this section. Until then, only look at these sites for general test preparation tips.

http://www.usip.edu/writing/wptips.shtml

This website offers some advice for preparing for the test and for actually taking the test.

http://www.calstatela.edu/centers/write_cn/wpescore.htm

This California State University website offers the official scoring guide for the WPE.

http://www.csun.edu/~hflrc006/ep29-33.html

This site offers several sample essays that scored a 4, 5, or 6.

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◊◊ Compass test

http://www.act.org/compass/sample/pdf/writing.pdf

This website is meant to help you prepare for the writing part of the COMPASS Test. It offers three sample paragraphs, each with more than twenty sample questions. The answers to each of the questions are included on the site.

http://www.act.org/compass/sample/pdf/reading.pdf

This website is meant to help you prepare for the reading part of the COMPASS Test. It offers three sample passages and questions for each. The answers for each of the questions are included on the site.

http://www.people.memphis.edu/~dstudies/test/studyguide.htmlx

This website offers sample questions from each of the areas of the COMPASS test. The site also has the correct answers to the practice questions.

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◊◊ Regents exam

http://www.lcc.gatech.edu/regents/introductions2.html

This Georgia Tech website offers advice for writing an introduction for the Regent’s exam. It provides examples of different types of introductions as well as actual student written introductions.

http://www.nc.gsu.edu/~wwwrtp/pracread.htm

This website offers a sample Regent’s reading test. There are 30 questions, and you can check your answers when you have finished the test.

http://www.nc.gsu.edu/~wwwrtp/topics.htm

This site has a 30 page list of Regent’s Writing Exam topics. These can be used to help prepare for the actual test.

http://www.nc.gsu.edu/~wwwrtp/Instructions_for_Scoring_RTP_Essays_Oct_7_2004.doc

This website provides the scoring policies for the Regent’s Writing Exam as well as the criteria for an essay receiving a 4, 3, 2, and 1.

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◊◊ Essay exams

http://www.ac.wwu.edu/~writepro/Handouts/Essay%20Exam%20Photocopies.pdf

This Western Washington University outlines the necessary steps to take before, during, and after an essay exam. It also provides examples of each step.

http://departments.colgate.edu/diw/essayexam.html

This website offers four steps to take before the exam and seven steps to take during the exam.

http://www.gcsu.edu/student_affairs/study_skills/essay.html

This Georgia College and State University website lists the general steps one should go through when taking an essay exam. It also tells the different types of questions that could be asked and defines what is expected in each case.

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Miscellaneous

◊◊ Active and passive voice

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/grammar/g_actpass.html

This website allows you to see the way that both active and passive voice work, as well as why active voice is preferred most of the time. The site also tells when passive voice is acceptable and how to change between the two.

http://grammar.englishclub.com/verbs-voice_quiz.htm

This website has a quiz in which you identify whether the sentence is active or passive. There is also a place for you to check you answers.

http://www.ucalgary.ca/UofC/eduweb/grammar/course/speech/1_3f.htm

This website defines both active and passive voice, as well as ways to change from passive to active voice. There are sufficient examples provided. The site also offers a quiz to test you comprehension of the material.

http://www.wisc.edu/writing/Handbook/CCS_activevoice.html

This website defines both active and passive voice. It then tells why active voice is important and gives some examples of sentences in both active and passive voice. The website also tells how to convert passive sentences into active ones. Finally, the site gives a list of situations when passive voice is acceptable and tells why it is all right.

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◊◊ Tightening wordy sentences

http://ace.acadiau.ca/english/grammar/wordiness.htm

This website defines a wordy sentence and shows why it is important to eliminate it. The site also defines several ways to rid your essay of wordy sentences. There are two quizzes, but they are inaccessible because this site is part of the Acadia University website.

http://www.nipissingu.ca/department/english/HORNBOOK/wordiness.htm

This website provides seven different ways that wordiness is created. It then takes each way, explains it, and provides examples of wordy and corrected sentences.

http://www.powa.org/revise/tighten.html

This website gives a definition of tightening and shows why it is important through an example. It then gives several ways to tighten sentences with examples and ten sentences to practice tightening techniques.

http://www.bowiestate.edu/academics/english/writingcenter/wordiness.htm

This website offers five methods for revising wordy sentences. There are also three exercises with a link for the answers.

http://buckhoff.topcities.com/wordy_sentences.htm

This website offers ways to correct wordy sentences and provides example for each. It also provides exercise for each method and a possible correct answer.

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◊◊ Overcoming writer’s block

http://weisswrite.com/students/writersblock.htm

This website offers some suggestions on overcoming writer’s block. The author of the site offers an empathetic, but realistic explanation for each suggestion.

http://www.wilbers.com/Writer'sBlock.htm

This site offers some things to think about when writer’s block strikes. They are meant to put you mind back on the right track.

http://www.timalbert.co.uk/shortwords_writer'sblock.htm

This website offers a list of five things to do to ensure that writer’s block doesn’t boggle your brain for hours.

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◊◊ Analyzing poetry

http://www.gpc.edu/~lawowl/handouts/analyzing-poetry.pdf

This website offers a step by step process to analyzing poetry. It also explains the different rhyme schemes and provides examples for them.

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/general/gl_poetry.html

This Purdue University website tells how to write about poetry. It includes everything from understanding what the poem is about to finding the right topic for you.

http://www.gmu.edu/departments/writingcenter/handouts/poetry.html

This George Mason University website offers a list of twenty questions to ask of any poem. This list of questions could be useful in analyzing poetry.

http://www.gmu.edu/departments/writingcenter/handouts/checkpo.html

This George Mason University website offers a checklist of things to consider when reading poetry.

http://www.poetrymagic.co.uk/approaches.html

This website offers some advice on how to write poetry.