Writing & Grammar Help
There are a variety of writing and grammar tools available you within your own English department as well as online. On this tabbed page, I am adding handouts and notes that I find particularly helpful; however, this is not a complete grammatical/writing help list. I thoroughly enjoy editing and writing myself, so I would be more than happy to help my students with their individual writing. This can be done via email (email a copy of your work to [email protected]) or in person (please schedule an appointment).
Please check back often for more updates.
The Oatmeal - http://theoatmeal.com/comics/misspelling
Fixing Stylistic Problems
Common Stylistic Problems - A useful website that's concise with helpful examples
Developing a Thesis Statement
http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/thesis.html
Suggested Texts
Diana Hacker's Rules for Writers
7th Edition MLA Handbook
Lynn Truss' Eats, Shoots, and Leaves
Got Grammar?
7th Edition MLA Handbook
Lynn Truss' Eats, Shoots, and Leaves
Got Grammar?
MLA Citation Tools
My English literature courses require students to use MLA citations (as opposed to APA or Chicago Style).
This Purdue Writing Lab Website has a complete overview of MLA citations.
This Purdue Writing Lab Website has a complete overview of MLA citations.
The Connecticut Department of Education Suggests...
Using this Guide to Grammar and Writing Website
Using this file for improving reading comprehension:
Using this file for improving reading comprehension:
9_steps_for_improved_understanding_of_true-life_text.doc | |
File Size: | 38 kb |
File Type: | doc |
The TMHS English Department Writing Manual
TMHS English Manual | |
File Size: | 423 kb |
File Type: | doc |
Paragraph Writing
Paragraph Writing | |
File Size: | 27 kb |
File Type: | doc |
Writing Guidelines of Classes Past
The following handouts are documents I created for classes I've taught in the past. They are useful hints and tricks to making your writing stronger and most effective.
writing_in_present_tense_for_literary.pdf | |
File Size: | 94 kb |
File Type: |
Writing Guidelines | |
File Size: | 12 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Writing Guidelines2 | |
File Size: | 28 kb |
File Type: | doc |
Avoiding Passive Voice
Avoiding passive voice in your writing is not "illegal" as far as grammar rules go, but using the active voice allows for your writing to sound stronger and clearer. Refer to the following handouts to learn how to avoid passive voice in your writing.
Avoid Passive Voice | |
File Size: | 25 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Avoid Passive Voice 2 | |
File Size: | 52 kb |
File Type: | doc |
Passive Voice Exercises | |
File Size: | 2 kb |
File Type: |
Using a Strong Voice
Tips for making your essay sound stronger and therefore be more effective:
- Use the appropriate words including interesting verbs and adjectives
- Use a thesaurus (Shift + F7 key in MSWord) to find the exact word you mean
- Use www.google.com and type in define: yourword to get the exact definitions\
What is a strong verb? | |
File Size: | 26 kb |
File Type: | doc |