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How can I get help with a paper I have to write?

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Five Things to Know

  1. Stop by the Writing Center on the lower level of Lamson Library. Our peer consultants can help you get started, expand/revise a draft, or collaborate with you on anything else writing-related. For more information or to make an appointment, visit the Writing Center’s website.
  2. Check your course Canvas page to see if your professor has posted a model paper so you understand where you’re headed. While you’re on Canvas, be sure you’ve read all assignment instructions carefully.
  3. Lamson Library has many books on the topic of writing. If you want help finding just the right book, visit the Research Assistance desk on the main level. The Writing Center also has many books that might be helpful to your writing process.
  4. If you’re trying a new genre of writing or a new citation style, check YouTube for instructional videos.
  5. Once you have a draft, ask for feedback–from a Writing Center worker, a friend, or a relative. Specifically, ask your reader to pose a few questions so you’ll know where to add detail or make the writing clearer.

People Who Can Help

Stop by the Writing Center to work with one of our friendly writing consultants. Our peer consultants can help you get started, expand/revise a draft, or collaborate with you on anything else writing-related.

Writing Center,

Lower Level of Lamson Library

Make an Appointment

A Deeper Dive

  1. If you found your Writing Center visit helpful, consider a weekly appointment–especially if you’re working on a long-term assignment. Email Jane Weber for more information.
  2. If editing is what hangs you up, consider subscribing to a tool such as Grammarly, ProWritingAid, WordTune, etc. Many tools and apps have versions that are free.
  3. If you’re seeking help with writing in general and not just for a specific assignment, then challenging yourself as a reader can help. Read widely in different genres and disciplines. You might be surprised how much reading others’ writing can help you elevate your own.
  4. Along the same lines, if your goal is to improve the quality of your papers in a certain course, read extensively in that discipline. Read articles, blogs, and books. Think about what you like in the writing. Consider highlighting strong sentences, phrases, and transitions, and try to apply some of what you liked in your next writing assignment for that course.
  5. Finally, practice writing by doing a lot of it! Consider journaling, letter or email-writing, blogs, Instagram posts–anything. The more you write, the more likely you’ll feel ready the next time a writing assignment comes your way.
This resource was last updated on July 27, 2023

THE PLYMOUTH BRAIN

How can I get help with a paper I have to write?
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