This page covers various writing topics that are necessary to consider and understand when trying to start the writing process. If you need additional help, please consider making an appointment with a Writing Center Consultant.
Research Topic
When beginning a paper, it is critical to know and understand the
paper's topic. Research papers require many hours of researching the
subject and reading the appropriate resources before writing
begins.ÌýPlease visit theÌýºÚÁÏÉçlibrary's websiteÌýfor links toÌýfinding research inÌýbooks, journals, and more!
Thesis/Purpose Statement
The thesis statement is sometimes called the focus statement, and
papers may also contain a purpose statement.Ìý Thesis statements are critical for writing a well-focused and organized paper.Ìý Do
not attempt to write a paper without first creating a thesis statement.Ìý
For helpÌýunderstanding what a thesis statement is andÌýhow to create
one, pleaseÌýview the links below.
- (From the Univeristy of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)
- (From the University of Wisconsin-Madison)
Some papers may also require a purpose statement.Ìý For further
understanding of the difference between thesis and purpose statements,
and how to write a purpose statement, please view the following link:
- (From the University of Wisconsin-Madison)
Outlining
Outlining is a valuable tool to use when beginning the writing
process.Ìý It helps the writer determine ifÌýhe/she has enough key points
for the paper and information to support the thesis.Ìý It also helps the
writer stay organized and focused when beginning to write the paper.Ìý
For more information on the benefits of outlining and how to create one,
please see the links below.
- (From Scribbr)
- (From the Purdue OWL)
- (From the Universit of Oklahoma Writing Center)
Topic Sentences
Every paper needs a topic sentence that begins the discussion of each
new paragraph or section.Ìý For more information on understanding and
creating topic sentences, please see the links below.
- (From the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)
- (From Indiana Univeristy Bloomington Writing Center)
Plagiarism
Writing a paper using ideas and knowledge from outside sources
(anything thatÌýis not your own and that is not common knowledge) can
lead to plagiarism if not documented properly or paraphrased
appropriately.Ìý For more information on what plagiarism is, how to
document sources, and how to properly paraphrase, please view the links
below.
Audience
When writing a paper, it is important to keep in mind the
audienceÌýyou are addressing.Ìý Is the piece of writing for the everyday
reader?Ìý Is it for a professional body that is familiar with the subject
matter?Ìý For help in understanding what it means to writeÌýfor an
audience and how to do so, pleaseÌýview the links below.
- ÌýÌý(From Purdue OWL)
- ÌýÌý (From Colorado State University)
- (From the University of North Carolina)
Writer's Block
Every writerÌýmay haveÌýa time whenÌýhe/she experiences "writer's
block".Ìý Though there is no foolproof solution to end this unfortunate
annoyance, there are some helpful hints that may aid in overcoming it.Ìý
Please see the links below for more help.
- (From Colorado State University)
- Ìý(From the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)