Prewriting

1. Preparing to Write

How to Read an Assignment (Duke)
There's more to reading an assignment than, well, reading the assignment. Read this handout to find out why and how a close reading of your prompt can turn out to be some of the most important groundwork you'll do when writing a paper. Learn about different types of assignments you might encounter at Duke from our Genres handouts.

Reading to Write (Duke .ppt)
At a loss to say something meaningful about a text you've just read? Check out the Writing Studio's Powerpoint presentation on reading critically. Consider attending other workshops or peruse them online.

Organizing a Research Project (Duke .ppt)

This Powerpoint tutorial offers suggestions for tackling a research project, from considering goals and gathering sources to taking notes and developing an argument. Consider attending other workshops or peruse them online.

2. Putting Pen to Paper (or Pixels to Screen)

Prewriting (Duke)
This overview of techniques, including brainstorming, mapping, and freewriting, will help you develop prewriting strategies to match your writing personality.

Getting Started: Steps to Organization (Amherst)
This site should comfort any student who feels overwhelmed staring at a blank page. If you're nervous about deviating from your tried-and-true paper-writing method, look here for some assurance that change can be good.

Guide to Mapping (Gallaudet)
Before you write your paper, try drawing it. This site suggests several techniques for representing your ideas visually, from flowcharts and networks to spiders and stars; all are great for organizing and connecting information before you begin drafting.

3. Working with Sources

Working With Sources (Duke)

The Writing Studio recommends these links on how to evaluate, critically read, quote, and cite the texts you use.