Student Resources

Student Resources

Below is a collection of resources that Writing Center tutors have found helpful. Be sure to visit us in person to meet with a Writing Center tutor and pick up some of our free handouts! Our handouts are created by our tutors and cover topics such as thesis statements, conclusion paragraphs, and more.

General Writing Tips and Advice

• The Essay Wheel (PDF): This resource provides definitions of various writing terms and illustrates how different aspects of writing are related.
• The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL): This website offers materials covering everything from citation styles to major-specific writing tips.
• The Writer's Web Online Handbook: The Writer's Web is a free online handbook full of writing tips and advice.
• Harvard Guides to Writing in the Disciplines: These guides provide concise guidelines for students writing history, philosophy, English, or psychology papers.
• Harvard Writing Center Online Resources: Harvard's Writing Center also offers other resources about writing to students.
• University of North Carolina Writing Center Tips & Tools: UNC's Writing Center offers many online resources to students, from thesis handouts to videos about passive voice.
• The Writer's Reference: This book is a required resource for all first-year students at Messiah. If you do not have a copy of The Writer's Reference, please stop by Murray Library to borrow or review one.
• Murray Library LibGuides: These subject-specific guides provide a wealth of links and resources for students of various disciplines.

Style and Citations

• The librarians at Murray Library are happy to help you with any questions regarding MLA, APA, or Chicago style and citation. They can also help you find sources for a research project.
• The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL): This website offers materials covering everything from citation styles to major-specific writing tips.
• APA Style: The APA style website is the most comprehensive resource regarding APA style and citations.
• The Writer's Reference: This book doesn't just contain writing tips. It also has style guides for Chicago, APA, and MLA styles.
• Murray Library Citation Style Guides: This LibGuide has a wealth of resources related to style and citations.

Helpful Hint: If you're on a subject database such as Academic Search Ultimate, look for the "Cite" button to generate a citation right on the website! Be sure to double-check these citations before using them; citation generators are prone to making mistakes.

Other Resources

• Oxford English Dictionary: This in-depth dictionary provides the definitions and etymologies of words.
• Merriam-Webster Online: This website serves as a dictionary and thesaurus.
• Encyclopedia Britannica: This online fact-checked encyclopedia has a wealth of information that can help students writing research papers. We recommend consulting this instead of Wikipedia!
• Career and Professional Development Center: Schedule an appointment or walk in to get feedback on resumes, cover letters, and other professional documents.