Requirement: Writing is like a journey: you start with a blank sheet of paper and what appears on it in the end

of the trip depends only on you. You should go through every stage of essay writing process described in this guide to write the essay that: y y y y y y y y y is focused; is logical; is clear; is well-structured; is deeplyargumentative; grabs the readers interest from the first lines; does not pad; provides illustrative evidence; gives credits to sources.

Steps in Writing the Essay y y y y y y y y y Choosing the topic Brainstorming Doing research Outline Introduction Thesis statement Body Conclusion Editing and proofreading

Choosing the topic Before you start writing your essay you should decide what you are going to discuss in your paper. It does not matter whether you have several topics to choose from or have your own, the topic should have something to excite your interest. This way you will make the writing process pleasant and enjoyable. For a start you may acquaint yourself with several readings to find out if the topic is interesting and to see the amount of the material available on this subject. The scope of the topic is one of the most widespread problems for every student who starts writing an essay paper. Many students regard such general words as "love", "hate", or" peace" and "world" as topics. So, as the result they compose a vague essay imbedded with platitudes and generalities, of no interest both to the reader and the tutor.

Once you have come up with some general idea, you should narrow the subject. It will you reduce the time spent on writing your paper as well as enormously improve its quality. First, you should think how you can narrow your topic, make it more specific, divide it one several smaller topics. For example, if you would like to write an article on "cats", you might ask several questions on this topic, such as: The cats Should I describe some specific specimen of cats, or the description of cats in general would be sufficient? What type of cats I would like to write about? Abyssinian? Oriental? Siberian? What qualities of cats should be investigated and what types of their behavior should be accessed? Second, there is a contradiction: though the topic should be limited, do not overdo it. An extremely narrowed topic can not make effective and efficient presentation. Your topic may be organized as the following: The subject investigated: The cats. The specific topic of the investigation: Problems with the basic health care for cats. Brainstorming Brainstorming is an effective and efficient activity to generate new ideas, thoughts that eventually lead to the solutions of several problems at a time. Brainstorming can be performed in groups or you can do it on you own. Start brainstorming session, when you are refreshed and relaxed to produce ingenious, original and creative ideas. Sit at the table and write down as many ideas on this subject as possible - do not be afraid to sound silly, write everything that occurs to you. The next step is to bind your ideas and to assemble them into several topics, which require more careful investigation. Then jettison all other ideas, especially strange or irrelevant ones. Once you have finished this process you will see that you have come up with the idea which can serve as the starting point for the essay. The following is more detailed process: 1. Come up with the existing problem that should be investigated. For many people, the problem has some negative meaning. But here, you should present some facts that

should be explored; it does not mean that they have to be negative ones. For example: "The efficiency of Basic Health Care for Cats". 2. Present it clearly, so that every person who reads it- understands what you intend to say. 3. Discover as many solutions and answers to the problem as possible. Do not be too shy - you should write down all solutions you have thought of, even if they seem bizarre to you. 4. Select several (approximately five or six) ideas you like best. Set several criteria that give the best answer to the problem. Criteria may start with the word" must" or "should". 5. Score every idea (from one to five for example), depending on how well it corresponds to the criterion. Once all ideas have been scored, sum up the points. The idea with the highest score is actually the best one. Nevertheless, keep notes of all the ideas, because even the best idea might not be workable in the future. If you still can not find the right topic, consult your tutor, he/she might be able to help you.

Doing research For most students the word research means surfing the Internet in search of any relevant to their topic data. Such approach does not work for good academic writing. First, because the internet does not control the quality of information appearing on your screen. Second (more important), in most cases the search engine will not lead you to the right type of information. So, how can you make the best of your research? Read the following tips that will help you to research efficiently. The research process involves four steps: 1. Find background information of your subject. Once youve defined the topic of your writing, use references from the list of the recommended literature to spot background information of your subject. First do some preliminary reading of general reference material, like an encyclopedia, dictionary, or other reference source. 2. Plan and search. Where can I find information on my topic? * In books or government documents ( use the library catalogue to find out what books and documents are available ) * In periodicals (look up an article index to know what articles have been published.)

* On the Internet. This stage suggests processing a lot of information and finding the material pertinent to your subject. So you will have to do extensive reading of the sources you come across. Not to be tired and bored by looking through tons of information use the formula of SQ3R: Survey, Question, Read, Recall, Review. Survey find the relevant sources of information. When you evaluate this or that book or article, pay attention to: date of publication (you are not writing memoirs), contents and index page; preface, first and last paragraphs. Question- before starting to read, ask yourself what you expect to find out from this book( article). It will systematize your reading as you proceed. Read The purpose of your reading is to find the vivid and powerful arguments to support your idea in the shortest possible time. Using the following reading techniques you will get the most of the material you have read: Skimming the contents you get its general idea. Scanning allows you find the material you need. Doing search reading you concentrate on the meaning of the specific terms. Perusing the text you should note down the information you are going to use in your essay. Reading may turn out to be a tiring and monotonous pastime for you. To refresh your mind take regular breaks off. Your reading should be conscious. Make sure you understand every idea presented in the book (article). As you are researching compile a working bibliography (running list of the material you read), later it will serve as a basis for your list of Works Cited. 3. Evaluate the information you have found. The quality of your paper depends on the sources you have used for it. That is why you should be able to differentiate between the authoritative and trivial information. All the sources of information are divided into two large categories: online or printed materials. As you evaluate the sources, mind the following: Magazines and newspapers are meant for general public rather than for academic purposes. Do not support a significant argument or idea of your essay only with a fact originated from the magazines as the data here is often invalid and subjective. Journal articles usually focus on research and experiment results and discuss latest innovations in science as well as controversial issues in science. Moreover they are peer-

reviewed and carefully edited. Such approach guarantees reliability and objectiveness of the information you are going to include into your essay. The Internet gives a more superficial look at the problem than the printed editions, without the deep insight into the problem as in the printed academic sources. But using organized subject directories, particularly those assembled by professors and academic librarians you can come across useful information. Subject directories are built by hand and usually contain only links screened for quality and value. 4. Identify and include the most vivid and convincing facts and evidence into your writing. Do not fail to note down the source of every quote you are going to include in your essay when you are still exploring the information.

Essay Outline: The outline of the essay is the body of your paper. It can be presented either in the form of diagram or in the point form. The point form gives you opportunity to evaluate the order of presentation of the main ideas, to attest the logic of your presentation and to spot down gaps or facts that are irrelevant for your assignment. The typical outline should comprise: y y y y The statement of your thesis. The most important points of your argument Sub-points of your topic. The evidence for each topic of the argument.

For example in our case with the topic: "The Basic Health Care for cats- we discuss if the medicine prescribed for humans might help in the treatment of cats. Once you have completed the investigation of your topic and have conducted all necessary research you have discovered that it is not possible to come up with a definite answer to this question. Your thesis might be that "It is not possible to estimate the benefit of the human medicine for cats since very few evidence is available".

Essay introduction Some people can not apprehend the aim of the introduction. They claim it is not worth writing something you intend to describe later on in your paper. Yes, it is an open secret

that a work of fiction does not have any introduction telling what is going to happen in the main part of the book. But an essay is not fiction. It is a detailed study of some facts or ideas that should be explored. Since all major parts of the essay are built on the thesis, it is indispensable for the researcher to acquaint the reader with the thesis and reveal its significance and its relevance and meaning. The introduction should be grabbing and impressive to induce the reader to read further on. If the introduction is dull and mediocre the reader will not proceed. Present your introduction in a clear, precise and interesting way. Convince your reader that your essay is worth reading.

Thesis statement All papers that highlight controversial issues should comprise a thesis: a statement that serves as the premise in the argument. Once you have come up with the topic, the thesis should reveal your point of view on the subject and the problem. Your point of view should be supported with reliable evidence. In the process of developing the thesis, timing is one of the most crucial factors- so develop your thesis at the very beginning of the essay writing process. The thesis should guide in the course of writing; certainly you will acquire new information and ideas as you go along but the thesis should serve you as one of the starting points. To formulate the thesis you should reconsider it several times and make some preliminary readings and participate in the discussion of the problem. It is necessary to ask several questions on the problem and prepare several answers. Concentrate on the central issue, cynosure of the investigated problem. Thesis is your answer to the main question. Once you have formulated the thesis, convert it into a brief statement. The thesis statement is put into the essay introduction and it should reveal your point of view on the matter, or position you intend to support in your paper. A well-formulated thesis is vital for your assignment - it is the central part of your essay - all other parts of the essays are built on the basis of a strong thesis. A good thesis should neither be very long nor too short. One of the most widespread mistakes that the students make in organizing their essays is the simplification of the thesis (making statement that is well-known, banal or obvious). For example:

The topic: "The Basic healthcare for cats". The oversimplification of the thesis: "Basic healthcare for cats is vital for these animals". The thesis that is too broad: "Basic health care for cats should comprise several services". (The writer might wind up with the enumeration of the health care services that should be provided, thus making the paper boring to read). More perfected thesis: "There is controversy as to whether human medicines are effective in treatment of cats".

Body Essay body is the main part of your writing where you present your thoughts and evidence. Each body paragraph introduces a new idea, for example if you have developed five ideas in your thesis you should present five paragraphs in the body. You may begin by writing down one of your main ideas in the form of a sentence. Consider you start research on the following topic: "The Current Political Situation in Canada" you may start with the sentence: "The coming elections will undoubtedly come up with the new faces". Your paragraph should include supporting evidence to back up your ideas. In the body of your essay you should show that you have examined, researched your topic and that your arguments are reasonable and reliable. Each paragraph should have an identical structure: * Open it with a topic sentence bringing in the main idea of the paragraph. * Write down the supporting points for the idea. They will make your thoughts and assertions as much convincing as possible. * You may include some conclusive or summary sentence, though it is not obligatory.

Conclusion Conclusion is the final part that summarizes your main points. It is the final part that summarizes your main points. You should not face any difficulties in this part, especially if you have had clear understanding of your thesis all way through. If you experience

some difficulties in summing up your main points, then apparently you have not developed your thesis. Your final part, conclusion, should correspond to your first part-introduction. The main idea should be restated again (it should not be repeated or paraphrased in the same words). The conclusion should emphasize the issue of your discourse. Pay close attention to the main idea presented in the introduction. If the main idea has been changed or modified during the process of writing the essay, then you should reformulate your thesis in the introduction. You may open your summary by reminding your thesis to the reader. First, you must look trough the different components of your essay. Then emphasize your thesis and convince your reader that you have made true and right assertions. In the introduction you have acquainted your reader with your idea, you should restate it, bearing in mind that the reader has already read the main part of the paper. You should not repeat the introduction too closely - you must remember the reader has already got your idea. Since the paragraph is conclusive you should present your thesis in its conclusive and most compelling form. One of the best ways to present the effective conclusion is to explain how people can apply your solution to the bigger picture. The conclusion imbedded with platitudes and generalities may weaken the final part of your essay. This conclusion of the essay "The Efficiency of the US Aid to AIDS in Africa" is an example how the thesis can be improved: "Rather than use the AIDS epidemic as an opportunity to redress the under financing of African health services, USAID would seem to be pursuing its long-desired program goal of population control. The agency is insisting on the nature of AIDS as an STD, the heterosexual transmission of AIDS in Africa, and the importance of condom use to prevent HIV transmission. Of course condoms also prevent conception. Although USAID projects a 30 to 50 percent increase in child mortality as a result of the epidemic, it expects the population growth rate to decline by only I percent, because total fertility is so high in Africa (Harris 1990). USAID concludes, "Not only is this not the time to diminish family planning efforts, but instead such efforts could be redoubled . . ." (Merritt, Lyerly, and Thomas 1988: 127)" The broadening of your conclusion does not mean that you should present there some new facts and materials you have not mentioned before. Your conclusion is your last say. So, develop a strong conclusion to make a lasting impression on the reader.

Editing and Proofreading

Writing is rewriting D. Murray Behind well-chosen words and cohesive structure of every elegant essay there are hours of conscientious and thoughtful editing. Editing is what differs good from poor writing and transforms a good essay into an excellent one. Editing helps you to have a fresh and objective look at your essay and do away with its weak points. Editing is a careful process of going through your essay paragraph by paragraph, sentence by sentence, word by word. Proofreading and editing can seem an undertaking but if properly-organized they will turn out to be a simple task. Take a break between writing and proofreading. You should have a clear mind and enough time to do a quality editing of your draft. Follow these ten steps to conduct an effective editing: 1. Start editing your essay with the spellchecker and grammar checker option on your computer. 2. The next stage aims to check on the content of your writing. Print out the copy of your essay and edit it manually. Read the thesis and see if it: * is clear and easy to grasp? * reflects the content of the essay? If not, rewrite it. 3. Then go on to editing the introduction. Make sure that it is concise and adequately developed. It should be not just a statement of your intentions and opinion. 4. Check if each paragraph contains relevant information and is free of meaningless sentences. There should be transition sentences linking the paragraphs. Otherwise your writing will look jerky without a clear transition from one point into the next. Try reading backwards, a sentence at a time. You will be able to focus on the sentences, rather than on the content of your essay. Refine your sentences and make them smooth and clear. Get rid of too long sentences. Pay attention to the rhythm of your writing: vary sentence lengths and patterns. 5. The conclusion is the last thing the professors read and the first thing they remember. So make sure it is consistent with the structure of the essay and refers to the thesis statement. 6. Once you have edited the content of your essay, manually check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors, as computer checkers sometimes cannot guarantee the

absence of errors in your writing. Proofread for one type of error at a time. If commas are your weak point, look through your paper checking only that problem. Then proofread again for the next most frequent problem. Be especially attentive when checking your references. Make sure all the cited and paraphrased material is properly referenced. 7. Read your essay aloud. It will help you to see the difference between what you intended to write and what you actually wrote. 8. Ask somebody to read through your paper and offer suggestions for polishing it. 9. Use a word processor to perform one last spell and grammar check. If time permits, read through it once more before submitting it.

Improving your writing style A good writing is a result of regular practice, training and persistence. Once a famous novelist admitted that writing is about 90 per cent perspiration and 10 per cent inspiration. Do not be discouraged by the severe statistics. Look at it from the other perspective: if you persist, if you practise and work hard, your writing will become better with every effort you make. To improve your writing follow these 10 tips: 1. Write in the active voice. Every sound sentence is based on the strong active verb. However in some cases passives are relevant: To put emphasis on the action rather than the doer of the action. To sound considerate by not naming the doer of the action. To illustrate a condition in which the actor is unknown or unimportant. To sound authoritatively. 2. Cut wordy phrases. Use concise and simple words instead of long phrases :

Meaning: explaining smth. indicating contradiction showing condition Showing necessity, obligation

Use because, since, why although, even, though if must, should

Showing capacity Indicating probability, possibility Showing precedence

can may, might, can, could before

3. Trim off the unnecessary prepositional phrases. Reduce the usage of prepositional phrases, especially for denoting the idea of possession (Use apostrophe +s). Do not stuff your sentence with too many prepositional phrases; they divert focus from the main subject and the action of a sentence. 4. Avoid expletive patterns such as: It is; there is / are. These constructions divert the readers attention from the main subject and action of the sentence. Instead of: It was his generous attitude that impressed me most. Write: His generous attitude impressed me most. 5. Do not use many vague nouns (especially in prepositional phrase). These nouns result in wordiness and do not add up to a better communication of the idea. * factor * aspect * area * situation * consideration * degree * case Instead of: Strong writing skills are a crucial factor in students' academic success. Write: Students' academic success depends on strong writing skills. 6. Do not pretend to have a learned air. Do not cram inflated phrases into your writing to put on airs. Choose a simpler phrase that conveys the same meaning. 7. Avoid noun chains.

Unless the audience is acquainted with a jargon you use, do not use phrases with too many consecutive nouns. Instead of: Our company has developed an employee performance enhancement program. Write: Our company has developed a program for enhancing the employees performance. 8. Link ideas and paragraphs with transitions. They help your reader follow the logic of your writing. Before you use a particular transition in your paper, make sure it matches the logic of the text. Meanings of transitions Adding a new idea Examples Furthermore, moreover, too, also, in the second place, again, in addition, even more, next, further, last, lastly, finally, besides, and, or, nor, first second, secondly, etc. While, immediately, never, After, later, earlier, always, When, soon, whenever, Meanwhile, sometimes, in the meantime, during, afterwards, now, until now, next, following, then, at length, simultaneously, so far, this time, subsequently, Here, beyond, adjacent to, there, wherever, neighbouring on, nearby, opposite to, above, below to illustrate, as an illustration, to demonstrate, e.g., (for example)specifically, for example, for instance in the same way, in like manner by the same token, likewise similarly, in similar fashion Yet, on the contrary, but, and yet, in contrast, however, nevertheless, notwithstanding, though, nonetheless on the other hand, otherwise, after all, at the same time that is to say, to clarify, in other words, to rephrase it, to explain, to put it another way, i.e., (that is) Because, on account of, since, for that reason Therefore, thus, consequently, hence, accordingly, as a result

Expressing time Indicating place Giving examples Comparing

Showing contrast Explaining Showing reason Showing

consequence Implying purpose Emphasizing Making conclusions in order that, to that end, to this end, so that, for this purpose Indeed, undoubtedly, to repeat, in fact, certainly, by all means, surely, without doubt,of course to summarize, in short, in brief in sum, in summary, to sum up, in conclusion, to conclude, finally.

9. Control the length of your sentences. The optimal sentence length comprises 15 -20 words. However, it does not imply you have to produce every sentence according to this standard. It is far better to vary the length and the rhythm of the sentences. Combine long sentences with shorter or even elliptical constructions. 10. Be careful with abbreviations and acronyms. The universal recommendation for the usage of abbreviations is to write their full form when they are used first in the text. You do not have to provide the explanation for abbreviation if it is well-known. However, dont use abbreviations that are commonly known as one term and you intend to alter their meaning. Use no more than two or three shortened forms in any writing regardless its overall size.

Coping with Writing Anxiety DONT WORRY - BE HAPPY! For more advice on getting started writing and how to meet successfully deadlines, please read now. Many situations or activities, such as writing, taking tests, competing in sports, or speaking before a large audience, may make us anxious or apprehensive. It's important to remember that a moderate level of anxiety is helpful and productive. That flow of adrenaline is a natural response that helps get us ready for action. Without it, we might not perform as well. If we let our anxiety overwhelm us, it can cause problems. If we control that anxiety, however, we can make it work for us. One way to do that is to use some of the coping strategies listed below. Coping Strategies:

* Focus your energy by rehearsing the task in your head. * Consciously stop the non-productive comments running through your head by replacing them with productive ones. * If you have some "rituals" for writing success, use them. Examples: * Follow a protocol you may have for organizing your time. Use a favorite pen if you have one. * Spend a few minutes doing some relaxation exercises. * Take a break: physically walk away from the situation for a few minutes if you can. Relaxation Strategies * Stretch! If you can't stand up, stretch as many muscle groups as possible while staying seated. * Try tensing and releasing various muscle groups. Starting from your toes, tense up for perhaps five to ten seconds and then let go. Relax and then go on to another muscle group. * Breathe deeply. Close your eyes; then, fill your chest cavity slowly by taking four of five short deep breaths. Hold each breath until it hurts, and then let it out slowly. * Use a calming word or mental image to focus on while relaxing. If you choose a word, be careful not to use an imperative. Don't command yourself to "Calm down!" or "Relax!" (based on: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/general/gl_anxiety.html )

Get Eurica Organized: Plan Your Paper And Enjoy Yourself "A writer keeps surprising himself... he doesn't know what his is saying until he sees it on the page." -- Thomas Williams When you sit down to write... - Does your mind turn blank?

- Are you sure you have nothing to say? If so, you're not alone! Everyone experiences this at some time or other, but some people have strategies or techniques to get them started. When you are planning to write something, try some of the following suggestions.

EXPLORE the problem -- not the topic 1. Who is your reader? 2. What is your purpose? 3. Who are you, the writer? (What image or persona do you want to project?)

MAKE your goals operational 1. How can you achieve your purpose? 2. Can you make a plan?

GENERATE some ideas 1. Brainstorm - Keep writing - Don't censor or evaluate - Keep returning to the problem 2. Talk to your reader - What questions would they ask? - What different kinds of readers might you have? 3. Ask yourself questions

A. Journalistic questions Who? What? Where? When? Why? How? So What?

B. Classical topics (patterns of argument) Definition - How does the dictionary define ____? - What do I mean by ____? - What group of things does ____ belong to? - How is ____ different from other things? - What parts can ____ be divided into? - Does ____ mean something now that it didn't years ago? If so, what? - What other words mean about the same as ____? - What are some concrete examples of ____? - When is the meaning of ____ misunderstood?

Comparison/Contrast - What is ____ similar to? In what ways? - What is ____ different from? In what ways? - ____ is superior (inferior) to what? How? - ____ is most unlike (like) what? How?

Relationship - What causes ____? - What are the effects of ____? - What is the purpose of ____? - What is the consequence of ____? - What comes before (after) ____?

Testimony - What have I heard people say about ____?

- What are some facts of statistics about ____? - Can I quote any proverbs, poems, or sayings about ____? - Are there any laws about ____?

Circumstance - Is ____ possible or impossible? - What qualities, conditions, or circumstances make ____ possible or impossible? - When did ____ happen previously? - Who can do ____? - If ____ starts, what makes it end? - What would it take for ____ to happen now? - What would prevent ___ from happening?

C. Tagmemics Contrastive features - How is ____ different from things similar to it? - How has ____ been different for me?

Variation - How much can ____ change and still be itself? - How is ____ changing? - How much does ____ change from day to day? - What are the different varieties of ____?

Distribution - Where and when does ____ take place?

- What is the larger thing of which ___ is a part? - What is the function of ____ in this larger thing?

D. Cubing (considering a subject from six points of view) 1. *Describe* it (colors, shapes, sizes, etc.) 2. *Compare* it (What is it similar to?) 3. *Associate* it (What does it make you think of?) 4. *Analyze* it (Tell how it's made) 5. *Apply* it (What can you do with it? How can it be used?) 6. *Argue* for or against it

E. Make an analogy Choose an activity from column A to explain it by describing it in terms of an activity from column B (or vice-versa).

A playing cards changing a tire selling walking sailing skiing plowing launching rockets running for office hunting Russian roulette brushing teeth

B writing essays growing up growing old rising in the world studying meditating swindling teaching learning failing quarreling making peace

(Adapted from Linda Flower's Problem-Solving Strategies for Writing, Gregory and Elizabeth Cowan's Writing, and Gordon Rohman and Albert Wlecke's Prewriting; largely based on: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/general/gl_plan1.html)

How to get started? Ask the right 20 questions!

As a writer, you can begin by asking yourself questions and then answering them. Your answers will bring your subject into focus and provide you with the material to develop your topic. Here are twenty questions or "thought starters" that present ways of observing or thinking about your topic. Each question generates the type of essay listed in parentheses after the question. 1. What does X mean? (Definition) 2. What are the various features of X? (Description)

3. What are the component parts of X? (Simple Analysis) 4. How is X made or done? (Process Analysis) 5. How should X be made or done? (Directional Analysis) 6. What is the essential function of X? (Functional Analysis) 7. What are the causes of X? (Causal Analysis) 8. What are the consequences of X? (Causal Analysis) 9. What are the types of X? (Classification) 10. How is X like or unlike Y? (Comparison) 11. What is the present status of X? (Comparison) 12. What is the significance of X? (Interpretation) 13. What are the facts about X? (Reportage) 14. How did X happen? (Narration) 15. What kind of person is X? (Characterization/Profile) 16. What is my personal response to X? (Reflection) 17. What is my memory of X? (Reminiscence) 18. What is the value of X? (Evaluation) 19. What are the essential major points or features of X? (Summary) 20. What case can be made for or against X? (Persuasion)

(adapted from Jacqueline Berke's; retrieved from: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/general/gl_plan3.html)

Enhancing YOUR Research Skills for Successful Online Surfing:

Dear writer! If YOU:

* feel you lack online academic sources availability; * feel you spend more time than needed on internet research; * want to know how to perform an efficient academic-related on-line search; * plan to take up an order in a new field and you doubt your capacity to find enough resources to submit a high-quality paper..

YOU KNOW that excellent on-line academic research skills are vital for writing highquality and comprehensive academic papers.

TRY these effective online search sites and research tutorials and get your overall performance and speed boosted! This means more satisfied customers, more bonuses, quicker upgrade and payment enhancement!

* Google Scholar is an academic search engine for the web that can be very useful for locating online citations and sometimes full-text versions of articles by particular authors. Try typing in the name of your favorite professor! You can also search for key words or combinations of key words. * Research and the Internet - This PowerPoint presentation is an excellent introduction to methods of efficient searching the World Wide Web and evaluating the content of web pages. * Jump Start Your Online Research * Virtual Training Suite - This is an interactive tutorial that will teach you to get the best from the Web while doing a research.There are 4 areas overall: (1) Science, Engineering and Technology; (2) Arts and Humanities; (3) Social Sciences; (4) Health and Life Sciences. Each area offers a great choice of subtopic- tutorials. Easy and comfy. * Online Research Tutorials, Guidelines and Videos - Online Research Tutorials, Guidelines and Videos have been created both to support learning and skill mastery in specific courses. * Finding Data on The Internet - With this site you will learn to find what you are really looking for on the net. Many tips, selection of academic fields.

* Searching the World Wide Web - A workshop that teaches to untangle the web to find a wealth of information. Three brief interactive tutorials about catalogues, search engines and metasearch engines are included in this workshop. * Online Research - Advice and Tips * Finding Information on the Internet (Tutorial) * Evaluating Sources of Information A mini-workshop dedicated to evaluating sources including electronic sources. * Help with Sociological Research - Find and browse selected websites that are particularly useful for writers carrying out sociological research on the web. * Sociology Writing - Find some useful resources and writer better academic papers in sociology. * Internet Research Resources for Historical Writers * Internet Research Resources for Mystery and Crime Writers * Internet Research Resources for Science Fiction Writers * Web Resources for Developing Characters (Creative Writing) * Finding the News Online * Bookmarking Tools * Effective Use of Search Engines

CHECK them OUT now! (Get the links of those websites from http://www.bestessaytips.com/how_to_find_data_online.php)

SOME USEFUL TRANSITIONS To show addition: again, and, also, besides, equally important, first (second, etc.), further, furthermore, in addition, in the first place, moreover, next, too To give examples: for example, for instance, in fact, specifically, that is, to illustrate

To compare: also, in the same manner, likewise, similarly To contrast: although, and yet, at the same time, but, despite, even though, however, in contrast, in spite of, nevertheless, on the contrary, on the other hand, still, though, yet To summarize or conclude: all in all, in conclusion, in other words, in short, in summary, on the whole, that is, therefore, to sum up To show time: after, afterward, as, as long as, as soon as, at last, before, during, earlier, finally, formerly, immediately, later, meanwhile, next, since, shortly, subsequently, then, thereafter, until, when, while To show place or direction: above, below, beyond, close, elsewhere, farther on, here, nearby, opposite, to the left (north, etc.) To indicate logical relationship: accordingly, as a result, because, consequently, for this reason, hence, if, otherwise, since, so, then, therefore, thus

(modified from Diana Hacker, A Writers Reference)

Simple Starting Strategies

Have It Done!

You can try the textbook formula: I. State your thesis.

II. Write an outline. III. Write the first draft. IV. Revise and polish.

. . . but that often doesn't work!

Instead, you can try one or more of these strategies: Ask yourself what your purpose is for writing about the subject.

There are many "correct" things to write about for any subject, but you need to narrow down your choices. For example, your topic might be "dorm food." At this point, you and your potential reader are asking the same question, "So what?" Why should you write about this, and why should anyone read it? Do you want the reader to pity you because of the intolerable food you have to eat there? Do you want to analyze large-scale institutional cooking? Do you want to compare Purdue's dorm food to that served at Indiana University? Ask yourself how you are going to achieve this purpose.

How, for example, would you achieve your purpose if you wanted to describe some movie as the best you've ever seen? Would you define for yourself a specific means of doing so? Would your comments on the movie go beyond merely telling the reader that you really liked it? Start the ideas flowing

Brainstorm. Gather as many good and bad ideas, suggestions, examples, sentences, false starts, etc. as you can. Perhaps some friends can join in. Jot down everything that comes to mind, including material you are sure you will throw out. Be ready to keep adding to the list at odd moments as ideas continue to come to mind.

Talk to your audience, or pretend that you are being interviewed by someone -- or by several people, if possible (to give yourself the opportunity of considering a subject from several different points of view). What questions would the other person ask? You might also try to teach the subject to a group or class.

See if you can find a fresh analogy that opens up a new set of ideas. Build your analogy by using the word like. For example, if you are writing about violence on television, is that violence like clowns fighting in a carnival act (that is, we know that no one is really getting hurt)? Take a rest and let it all percolate. Nutshell your whole idea. Tell it to someone in three or four sentences. Diagram your major points somehow. Make a tree, outline, or whatever helps you to see a schematic representation of what you have. You may discover the need for more material in some places. Write a first draft. Then, if possible, put it away. Later, read it aloud or to yourself as if you were someone else. Watch especially for the need to clarify or add more information. You may find yourself jumping back and forth among these various strategies. You may find that one works better than another. You may find yourself trying several strategies at once. If so, then you are probably doing something right!

(based on: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/general/gl_plan2.html )

MEETING DEADLINES THIS IS EASY!

As a writer, you may enjoy writing process but you may be very successful at originality, and when it comes to deadline meetings.

This guide has been developed especially for those writers whose creative spirit hinders them from delivering papers as expected by customers. As results of psychological tests demonstrate, a lot of writers have so-called writers block. You can overcome it! Easily! Read it now and enjoy your successful meeting of deadlines!

Overcoming Writer's Block Every writer practice own way of writing. Due to this a variety of reasons can cause writer's block. When you are blocked, consider these causes and try the strategies that sound most promising. IF You have attempted to begin a paper without doing any preliminary work such as brainstorming or outlining... THEN Relax, open your portfolio with great works done and remember that you are a grat writer; use invention strategies suggested by us How to get started by asking the right questions now available: refer to Simple Starting Strategies now available:

IF You suddenly don't want to spend time writing or don't understand properly customers instructions THEN resign yourself to the fact that you have to write the paper (remember your responsibility before the Company and the customer, think of bonus for ery satisfied work, remember our fines policy); urgent); IF specify the customers instructions via a messaging system (if the paper is not

try some of the strategies listed above;

You are anxious about writing the paper... THEN IF You're self-conscious about the writing situation, you may have trouble getting started. So, if you're preoccupied with the idea that you have to write about a subject and feel you probably won't express your most original thoughts regarding the subject... THEN IF You can't stand to write down an idea until it is perfectly worded or if you don't want to leave a poorly worded section on the page after you've written it... THEN ease up on your self-criticism talk over the subject with a friend or family member use one of the specific strategies listed below read How to Cope with Writing Anxiety

force yourself to write down something, however poorly worded that approximates your thought (you can revise this later) and go on with the next idea IF You are worrying about what the customer will think of your paper or how harshly he or she will evaluate it... THEN later think of the present draft as a practice run. Write the draft quickly, and revise it use some of the specific strategies below break the task up into steps. Meet the general purpose of the assignment.

think of previous successfully written papers with us/ remember bonuses got for very satisfied papers; use some of the specific strategies below

Begin in the Middle

Start writing at whatever point you like. If you want to begin in the middle, fine. Leave the introduction or first section until later. The reader will never know that you wrote the paper "backwards." Besides, some writers routinely save the introduction until later when they have a clearer idea of what the main idea and purpose will be. Talk the Paper

"Talk" the paper to someone--your teacher, a friend, a roommate, a tutor in the Writing Lab. Just pick someone who's willing to give you fifteen to thirty minutes to talk about the topic and whose main aim is to help you start writing. Have the person take notes while you talk or tape your conversation. Talking will be helpful because you'll probably be more natural and spontaneous in speech than in writing. Your listener can ask questions and guide you as you speak, and you'll feel more as though you're telling someone about something than completing an assignment. Tape the Paper

Talk into a tape recorder, imagining your audience sitting in chairs or standing in a group. Then, transcribe the tape-recorded material. You'll at least have some ideas down on paper to work with and move around. Change the Audience

Pretend that you're writing to a child, to a close friend, to a parent, to a person who sharply disagrees with you, to someone who's new to the subject and needs to have you explain your paper's topic slowly and clearly. Changing the audience can clarify your purpose. (Who am I writing to when I explain how to change the oil in a car? That guy down the hall who's always asking everyone for help.) Changing the audience can also make you feel more comfortable and help you write more easily. Play a Role

Pretend you are someone else writing the paper. For instance, assume you are the president of a strong feminist movement such as NOW and are asked to write about sexist advertising. Or, pretend you are the president of a major oil company asked to

defend the high price of oil. Consider being someone in another time period, perhaps Abraham Lincoln, or someone with a different perspective from your own on things-someone living in Hiroshima at the time the bomb was dropped. Pulling yourself out of your usual perspective can help you think more about the subject than writing about the subject.

(Many of these ideas are from Peter Elbow's Writing with Power, [Ch. 8; 59-77] and Mack Skjei's Overcoming Writing Blocks.)

Based on: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/general/gl_block.html

MORE: Even if they manage their time and follow writing guidelines, many writers will still experience a time when the words just won't come together, when they are simply "stuck" and can't think of anything to write. This is writer's block. Fortunately, a few helpful techniques make it possible to overcome the challenge of writer's block.

Experiment -- Try to write in different places, at different times, and with different writing instruments. Freewrite - Choose one sentence in a paragraph and write a paragraph about it. Then choose one sentence from that paragraph and do it again. Cluster - Choose key words and ideas; then write associated ideas and words in clusters around them. This process often forms new ideas. Be flexible -- Be willing to throw out sections of text that are causing problems or just don't work. Follow a routine -- Follow a routine to get into the writing mood. Try activities like wearing comfortable clothing, using a certain pen, or listening to a particular CD or type of music. Move -- Physically move around, stretch, or walk.

Take a break -- Get a snack or drink, talk to someone, or just relax for five minutes before starting to write again. Concentrate -- Focus on a different section or aspect of your paper. This sometimes leads to new insights in problem areas, while allowing you to get work done on another section. Re-read -- Read a print draft of the paper and jot down ideas while reading. Relax! -- The more you worry, the harder it gets to think clearly.

(Based on: http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/block.html )