24/7 Online Writing Resource Center
Writing well is a valuable skill, which goes beyond the college experience. TLC writing consultants are available to assist students at any stage of the writing process, from prewriting to final paper – whether it’s for an English class or for another subject. Working with a writing assistant over time will help students become better writers and develop the ability to assess your own writing and become a better writer.
To celebrate and encourage excellence in writing, each year the TLC conducts an essay writing contest. It is open to all students enrolled in English 111, Writing and Inquiry. The winning essays are included in Dolphin Tales: A Journal of Literature and Art.
For those times when a trip to the TLC Lab isn’t feasible, we have prepared some printouts and a list of online resources which may help students as they write.
Online Resources
Research & Writing Essays
Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab)
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/
Information about grammar and the English language; writing strategies and citations. Straight forward, one-stop website guide to the mechanics of grammar and writing.
NC State Libraries – Videos and Interactive Guides to Research
http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/tutorials/
A series of short videos covering how to pick a research topic, how to find and evaluate sources, as well as how to analyze and understand scholarly articles. Must-see TV for anyone new to the research process.
UNCW Online Writing Handouts
http://uncw.edu/ulc/writing/handouts.html
Quick writing guidelines that can help with almost any writing assignment. Handouts are in PDF format for easy printing.
Harvard College Writing Center
http://writingcenter.fas.harvard.edu/pages/strategies-essay-writing
In-depth strategies for essay writing – from understanding your assignment to writing the conclusion. Topics include thesis, outlining, structure, editing, etc.
Grammar
Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab)
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/
Information about grammar and the English language; writing strategies and citations. Straight forward, one-stop website guide to the mechanics of grammar and writing.
The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation – Rules and Interactive Quizzes
http://www.grammarbook.com/
Did you know there are 11 rules for apostrophes? There are 16 rules for commas! Serious rules of grammar followed by quizzes to make you an expert.
Grammarly Handbook
https://www.grammarly.com/handbook/
Easy to navigate rules and examples for the most common mechanics of grammar. Only 5 rules for apostrophes, but 38 for commas! Includes tips on writing as well.
Vocabulary
FreeRice
www.freerice.com
Build your vocabulary through 60 levels of increasingly difficult words while supporting the United Nations World Food Programme.
NLN PAX A-Z Vocabulary
https://quizlet.com/97803639/nln-pax-a-z-vocabulary-flash-cards/original
Whether you’re studying for the PAX exam or just wanting to improve your vocabulary, here are 750 words you should know. Fun games and quizzes to help test your knowledge.