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Writing Guide

Welcome!

Welcome to the Writing Guide!

Let's face it--writing well is important.  It is a tool used to communicate your thoughts and ideas, what you know and how you feel.  Your writing represents you at school, at work, and at home. Although some think writing is easy, most of us have to work at it.

This guide has been designed to help you navigate through a variety of different writing assignments. It will take you through each step of the writing process, from start to finish. You'll also find tools and resources that can help you along the way.

Start with the type of assignment you're working on.  Select the corresponding box to the left and get started.  It's that simple! 

Here are some things to keep in mind as you go:

  • Writing is a process.
    • Expect to make changes as you write your paper.  The revision process is what makes good papers.
    • Using tools like Grammarly repeatedly as you write will save you time.
  • You get better at it the more you do it. 
    • ​As with anything else, you polish your skills with practice.
  • It takes less time the better you are at it. 
    • Invest the time as you go.  It'll save you time in the long run and earn more points for you.
  • Use resources when you need to. 
    • ​Take note of the Tutoring Resources box (lower left) and the Writing Lab in Brainfuse below.
  • Notice your improvements.
    • ​Compare a finished paper to your first draft--and then give yourself a pat on the back!

Dive in and start your first draft!

Rubric & Paper Review (Brainfuse Writing Lab)

The Writing Lab Rubric

Use this rubric as a first step to self-assess your assignment.  After determining which column you think best describes your work, use the resources to the right to improve your work.  Refer back to it each time you feel you are near completion of the assignment to help you stay on track.  This is also the same rubric that the Writing Lab staff will use to provide feedback and resources suggestions.

Video: How to use the Rubric 

Submit to the Writing Lab (in Brainfuse)

Writing is a process. It helps to have feedback from others as you go through that process.  You can submit your work for review to the Writing Lab. Just make sure you have time before your submission deadline (it takes 24-48 hours).  Here's the process:

      After using the rubric to self-assess where you're at in terms of your assignment and you've made changes using the resources provided, you can opt to submit your assignment to the Writing Lab in Brainfuse for feedback and suggestions.  Once you're logged into Brainfuse, click on the Writing Lab. How to use the Writing Lab.

Using the Writing Lab

  1. Select your citation format (Typically APA 7th Edition).
  2. Add your assignment instructions for the reviewer.
  3. Select up to 3 areas from the provided list where you would like the writing tutor to focus his/her analysis. If no selection is made, then a general review will be completed.
  4. Add any additional comments, upload your assignment and click Submit.
  5. In 24-48 hours, go back into the Message Center in Brainfuse and find your reviewed paper.  You may find suggested specific resources for you, one of which may be a tutor appointment.  How to make an appointment with a tutor
  6. Revise your paper using the resources suggested.  If you have any questions, make an appointment with the tutor using Tutor Match  How to make an appointment with a tutor
  7. After you have made your revisions, use the rubric again to self-assess.  At that point, you may feel your assignment is ready to submit to your instructor.  If that is the case, do so. If you think your assignment needs more work, you may resubmit your assignment to the   How do I use the Writing Lab?
  8. When you feel your assignment is ready for submission to your instructor, submit it using the assignment drop box within your course