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The Writing Process

Writing your paper

Academic writing can be a daunting task. Don't worry; even the most experienced writer had to learn how to write. Start early to give yourself time to research and put your essay together. 

Each subject requires its own types of essays. The best instructions for how to start on a paper are found within your course outline or assignment instructions. Talk to your instructor if you are unsure.

If you would like some one-on-one help with your writing, you can make an appointment with a writing tutor.

Recommended Writing Resources

Research & citation assistance

Research assignments can be difficult to begin, especially if you are not sure how to get started.  The resources below are intended to help you with the research and writing process, but there is more help available. 

Book a session with a TSTC librarian to get one-on-one assistance.

Visit our FAQ and tutorials for after hours assistance.

Writing Guides

  • Annotated Bibliography
    What makes a source valuable? Annotated Bibliographies ask just that question. See at what makes this assignment so unique with examples and suggestions for a strong evaluation.
  • Book Review / Report
    Book review? Book report? What's the difference??? Learn the difference along with how to structure and revise these two similar paper styles.
  • Compare/Contrast Papers
    Outlines, tips, and prewriting skills for compare/contrast paper or assignments.
  • Persuasive & Argumentative Papers
    Persuasive and argumentative papers rely on using evidence to convince others. Think you have what it takes? Check out our prewriting and outline examples to get started on your assignment.
  • Summary Papers
    If you have been assigned to write a paper on a topic then this is the guide for you! Discover prewriting techniques to help you get started and outline examples to help format your paper.
  • The Research Process
    A walk-through on the entire research process. Includes tips and examples to help you decipher your assignment, make a research plan, choose a topic, and find your sources.
  • The Writing Process

Citation Guides

Research assignments can be difficult to begin, especially if you are not sure how to get started.  The resources below are intended to help you with the research and writing process, but there is more help available. 

Book a session with a TSTC librarian to get one-on-one assistance.

Visit our FAQ and tutorials for after hours assistance.

Pre-Writing

Writing

Citation