Student Resources

I'm looking for resources to help me:

Develop a Thesis Statement

• How to develop a thesis statement
• Questions to ask when constructing a thesis [pdf]
• I am having trouble developing my thesis

Develop an Argument

• Craft of Argument [pdf]
• Mapping Claims [pdf]
• Checklist for Argument [pdf]
• Analysis vs Summary

Organize a Paper

• Organization
• Introductions
  • How do I write an interesting introduction?
• Conclusions
  • How do I write a compelling conclusion?
  • Questions to spark a compelling conclusion [pdf]

Develop my English Language and Writing Skills

• Second Language Writing Resources for ESL Students - Purdue University Online Writing Lab (OWL)
• Activities for TESL/TEFL/TESOL/ESL/EFL/ESOL Students - the Internet TESL Journal
• Duke Writes Enrichment Suite - Duke University Thompson Writing Program
• Vocabulary in EAP (Academic Word List) - Using English for Academic Purposes
• Idioms and Phrases - The Free Dictionary

Using Evidence to Support Claims

• Using Evidence
• Agree, Disagree or Both - Relating What You Say to What They Say [pdf]
• I don't know how to support my ideas
• Paraphrasing and Citation

Work with Sources and Quotes

• Working with Quotations Worksheet [pdf]
• Introducing Your Source's Argument [pdf]
• Incorporating Academic Sources into My Paper

Cite Properly

• Paraphrasing and Citation
• Citation Styles References 
• APA Style (7th edition) - Purdue University Writing Lab Guide
• MLA Style - Purdue University Writing Lab Guide

Identify and Address Common Grammatical Errors

• Grammar and Punctuation

Develop the Style of My Writing

• Common Stylistic Concerns
• Transitions [pdf]

Writing in the Disciplines

• Art History
• Chemistry
• Education
• Engineering
• Film Studies
• History
• Linguistics
• Philosophy
• Psychology
• Spanish

Interactive Worksheets

• Argument Box - Basic [pdf]
• Argument Box - Implications [pdf]
• Thesis Questions [pdf]
• Argument Checklist [pdf]
• Working with Quotations [pdf]
• Introducing Arguments [pdf]
• Relating What You Say to What They Say [pdf]
• Transition Words [pdf]
• Verb Tenses [pdf]
• Compelling Conclusions [pdf]

 

In addition to the resources above, Swarthmore Writing Associates offers a writing mentor program (WAM). Please see the Writing Associates Mentoring webpage for more information and how to apply for a WAM.

Suggestions for additional resources? To recommend a resource for this page, please email us at writing@swarthmore.edu.