Class assignments at MSASS will vary depending on the instructor and course focus. Although all
written assignments must adhere to A.P.A. publication guidelines, your writing may take on a
variety of formats such as personal narrative, annotated bibliography, research paper or literature
review. Here is more information on writing techniques as well as specific kinds of formats. (Note: These entries are in random order.)
General Writing Resources
Sometimes when you are writing, the ideas just don't flow together the way you would like.
Your sentences seem awkward or the placement of concepts seems disjointed. The following sites will
provide you with tips on writing techniques, grammar and style.
Purdue University Writing Lab
An excellent resource for information on all aspects of academic writing.
Writer's Workshop: Tips & Techniques
Produced by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, this section of its Writer's
Workshop website highlights several excellent web resources on writing skills. Check out other
areas of the Writer's Workshop site as well. (Last updated February 9, 2007)
LEO: Literacy Education Online
Produced by St. Cloud State University this site offers concise writing tips on how to
compose sentences, connect ideas, develop a thesis statement and use proper grammar.
Online English Grammar
An online help guide to English grammar that includes a grammar clinic. Created by the
Digital Education Network, Ltd., United Kingdom.
Proofreading (Editing and Proofreading)
Produced by The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. (Listed
February 9, 2007.)
Gender-Sensitive Language
Produced by The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. (Listed
February 9, 2007.)
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Annotated Bibliography
An annotated bibliography is a compilation of summaries of journal articles, book chapters or
other published material. The annotation combines an objective summary (abstract) with personal
opinion on the article's focus, bias or relevance to a particular topic.
How to Prepare an Annotated Bibliography
Produced by Cornell University.
Annotated Bibliographies
Produced by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Writing Center.
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Literature Review
A literature review consolidates information on a particular topic or hypothesis. It compares
and contrasts scholarly research findings - identifying similarities, discrepancies, trends and
gaps in the literature. Websites with information on literature reviews include:
The Literature Review: A Few Tips On Conducting It
Produced by the University of Toronto, Health Sciences Writing Centre. (Listed February 9,
2007. Last updated August 14, 2008.)
What is a Literature Review?
Produced by the Union Institute Research Engine. (Last updated February 20,
2004.)
Literature Review Tutorial
Produced by the American University Library in Washington, D.C. (Listed February 9, 2007.
Last updated August 14, 2008.)
Literature Reviews
Produced by The Writing Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. (Listed
February 9, 2007.)
How to... Write a Literature Review
Produced by the University Library at the University of California, Santa Cruz. (Listed
February 9, 2007.)
Review of Literature
Produced by The Writing Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
(Listed February 9, 2007.)
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Critical Review/Book Review
Critical Reviews/Book Review
Produced by The Writing Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison this site provides some
helpful tips on how best to read a book in preparation for reviewing it, as well as techniques for
evaluating the author's main ideas.
How to Write a Critical Book Review
On the Illinois College, Jacksonville, IL, website and written by John L.
Nies, Ph.D. (Listed February 9, 2007.)
