Writing Resources

writing tools: pen and paper, laptop keyboard

Writing tips from UIC language students

  • Note when the project is due (on syllabus, ask instructor).
  • Give yourself time to do a good job.
  • How long will it take you? If you are not sure, ask instructor for an estimate.
  • Read the instructions carefully to understand what to do.
  • Not sure what the instructions mean? Ask your instructor right away (email or office hours).
  • Be confident: the writing assignment is for the level you are learning. You can do a good job if you give yourself enough time and ask questions.
  • Plan to write in the language you are learning (NOT ENGLISH!)
  • Use the class materials: textbook, Blackboard, whatever: start there.
  • Don’t plan to look up tons of words: If you start doing that, think about changing what you say so you can say it using mostly the vocabulary you are learning this semester.
  • Find a quiet place with few distractions so you can focus.
  • Plan to write for no longer than an hour at a time.
  • Have all the materials you need with you.
  • What format is the writing in? If you aren’t sure, ask your instructor. (For example, is it creative writing? A news article?)
  • What tense?
  • What kind of vocabulary (usually from current chapter/semester)?
  • What kind of grammar?
  • Is it a thesis paper? Any questions about that, ask your teacher.
  • Write in the language you are learning. Leave blanks when you have a question or need to look up a word.
  • Avoid the pressure to seem more advanced than your level, or write as you would in your native language: you are learning and will succeed by writing at your class level.
  • Anything you don’t understand? Ask your instructor right away (email or office hours).
  • Re-read it to see if it makes sense and to check the grammar.
  • If possible, get a classmate to read it. (Don’t have anyone except your instructor correct your paper!)
  • Take it to your instructor’s office hours or tutoring hours.
  • Email your instructor with any specific questions.
  • Make sure that anything you turn in for a grade is 100% your own work.
  • Organization:
  • Does it make sense?
  • Format (does it look like a recipe? A thesis paper? An article about sports?)
  • Accent marks
  • Punctuation
  • Gender (masculine or feminine)?