technical writing tutorial_2"technical writing tutorial" Survery: Adobe Photoshop CS3. Yes or No questions. Really need the answers!!!?
Please, only people who use Photoshop CS3 for editing photos and web design!!! Just write yes or no for each question. I am doing the research. Thank you very much!!!!
1.Do you use a lot of professional tools that Photoshop CS3 provides?YesNo
2.Does using Adobe Photoshop CS3 make web design process more efficient for you?YesNo
3.Have you ever used the technical support of Adobe Photoshop?YesNo
4.If yes, was it helpful?YesNo
5.Would you upgrade to the latest version of Adobe Photoshop - CS3 extended?YesNo
6.Have you used provided Adobe Photoshop CS3 tutorials?YesNo
1. Yes 2. Yes 3. No 4. N/A 5. No (I'll just wait until CS4) 6. No (I've used help files and how-to podcasts, but not the provided tutorials)
learn technical writing"learn technical writing" Communication or Professional Writing?
I am trying to decide whether I should get a BA in Communication or Professional Writing. At my university, from what I can tell, the only difference between the two is that professional writing is more hands on (learning how to send messages corretly, technical writing such as website building, etc) and communication is more theory based, but covers a wider ranger of com than just writing.
I am planning on pairing the major I choose with an additional major in Global Studies. I want to work with/for international companies as a communications editor or something along those lines. Also, the idea of working in the school systems as a teacher or administator eventually. I understand I will have to go back to school for some training in this area.
Does anyone have some advice as to which degree would be more useful for my interests?
I give the edge to Communication since it covers more than writing and gives you broader experience and opportunities./
Learn to design technical documents and publications with SFU Continuing Studies
It's not often you get writing advice from one of the world's greatest political theorists. But Alexis de Tocqueville wasn't just a great thinker, he was a great writer. Furthermore, he was a great writer who worked hard on his writing. In his notes, he often wrote himself little reminders about how to write well for the general public. Particularly if you are an academic, but really if you are writing any sort of non-fiction designed to reach a mass audience, his advice to himself can be very useful.
My favorite bit of advice comes from a note scrawled in his terrible handwriting in the margins of a chapter of The Old Regime and the Revolution, his masterpiece about the origins of the French Revolution. Writing about a sentence he didn't like, Tocqueville commented: "Make a strong effort to avoid as much as possible, in all these chapters, the abstract style, in order to make myself fully understood, and above all read with pleasure…. one writes in order to please, and not to attain an ideal perfection of language".
How many academic and technical writers forget this point! Believe me, nothing you have to say is as important as what Tocqueville had to say. And Tocqueville knew that nothing he had to say would be read if it couldn't be read with pleasure. A writer's first job is to think of his reader. Thinking of yourself and how wonderful your ideas are is fine, as long as it doesn't get in the way of pleasing the reader. Don't get it right, get it well written. If this means hiring an editor or an editing service, do it. If this means writing another draft from scratch, do it. That's what Tocqueville did when he didn't like the way he had written something: "Revise this chapter later and redo it quickly as if I had never written it before". It's good advice, from a master. You'd do well to take it.
About the Author
A published author and scholar with 35 years' experience in writing, teaching, and book editing, I'm a Tenured Professor of English at Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Florida, USA. Since I founded Edit911.com, Inc. in December 1999, my staff and I have edited over 6,000 books and dissertations, as well as 15,000 other business documents, essays, websites, and academic articles of all sorts, many of them for publication. Please visit our website: www.edit911.com.
Write For Profit With An Online Writing Ecourse - Polish Your Writing Skills
If you are the intellectual type that can create miracles with your writing skills you should take advantage of the online writing ecourse that will teach you how to write for profit. This courseprovides tips in writing from someone that has learned by doing. The online sources are easy and available for you to take advantage of.
Write for profit and choose the easiest way of making money with your creative mind. This is probably one of the easiest ways for intelligent people to make extra money or even to build a complete business. We certainly can polish our writing technique so that we can write for profit. All that is necessary is tofollow the tips in writing that are available on the online sites by experts who are experienced and skilled. You can learn to make money using your creative skills.
An online writing ecourse can provide tips in writing that will inspire and motivate you to use the skills you already have. You will learn strategies that professional freelancers use to save time and to stay organized. The tips and strategies can go a long way toward helping you profit more as you write.
Learning how to write for profit becomes much easier with this advice and guidance. A quality online writing ecourse will include information about more than just tips in writing methods. It will also include advice about such things as SEO and how and where to find clients. It really is possible to work from home writing and enjoy a lucrative income.
Writing for profit can be beneficial in another way too. As you write you are able to vent out any pent up emotions or feelings that you may have been holding back. This venting is very therapeutic. It is a healthy way for you to share that emotion.
So in the end, you not only help yourself in reaching your financial goals when you write for profit, but you also help to maintain your emotional health. Obviously, if you have a desire to write, it is advisable to seek out a quality online ecourse, and to absorb as many tips for writing as possible. The gains from writing for profit are many!
About the Author
Write For Profit, an online writing ecourse, is a one stop shop for all things about freelance writing assignments. Learn how to write for profit. You'll learn the basics of creating articles that are effective plus details about how to set up your writing service business. You'll find information that will help you decide which freelance writing projects to take. Get a Free Report & Access to the first Learning Module:
academic essay writing"academic essay writing" What's the best way in approaching a college essay?
once i conceive the idea, i brainstorm and think of all my answers, then i try and sort my answers into paragraphs. i write the body first and the intro and conclustion last.
IS THERE A GOOD SIMPLE STRUCTURE TO FOLLOW IN WRITING AN ACADEMIC ESSAY?
intro body para 1 body para 2 body para 3(optional) conclusion
business report writing exercises"business report writing exercises"
An Introduction to Business English
Specifically related to international trade, business English is still a very important part of today's world, although arguably many more English people should also speak foreign languages!
Business English can be seen as a specialist area in English language learning and teaching. The idea behind Business English is it enables people from many corners of the globe to begin doing business with English speaking countries, they may have the products and services that would be wanted by these countries however if can't communicate can't get very far.
It is thought that many of the English conversations that take place around the world in business circles are spoken by non native speakers as very often, among with languages such as French and Spanish is a widely spoken global language.
Business English's aim is fast, efficient and effective communication; the tight rules of grammar are often ignored because as long as a good level of communication can be attained then the finer details are not important.
Business English can be studied at college and university and can mean different things to different people; Either communication skills used in the place of work, for example; report writing, correspondence, socialising, small talk, meetings, negotiations and presentations. It can also be seen to refer to topics and vocabulary used in the business world, international relations, finance, trade and business.
Business English can be taught both to those who have English as their first language and those who have English as there 2nd language and can be seen as a form of international English.
This short article has only just begun to look at the interesting subject of Business English and has only scratched the surface of the available information. There are many more interesting resources to be explored in book shops, libraries and on the internet.
About the Author
For more information on Business English check out this excellent online resource.
Microsoft FRx Report Design Essentials I Exercise 1 - Detailed Trial Balance
business report writing exercises business report writing exercises business report writing exercises
write my essay"write my essay" How to write an essay on the movie Freedom Writers?
I have to write an essay on my favorite movie that inspired you, what it did for me etc. I don't know what to put in my introduction. The body paragraph has to be about the plot, main characters, theme, lessons. & in my conclusion i have to write about what the story did for me. Please help me, i'm not very good at writing essays. Thank you.
That movie is about expressing yourself, if i remember correctly. Describe how you had problems of expressing yourself, and compare yourself to one of the main characters. :) Good luck
Write My Essay- Write My Paper So I Can Go Out Drinking With My Bros
report writing_4"report writing" Has anyone actually had derogatory items from credit report removed by writing a letter?
I'm interested to see if anyone has actually had success in having creditors remove negative items from their credit report by either writing to them or talking over the phone.
Yes, I had one removed last year. Some junk debt collector bought a debt that was time barred (I refused to pay for a cell-phone service that didn't work in my area.) I sent a validation request and all they did was sell it off to another junk debt collector. I wrote the credit reporting agency and sent them my copies and proof of delivery (certified mail/return receipts) and the item was removed within 30 days.
Writing reports is one of the most common assignments tackled by students of different academic levels. Report writing is a task that requires students to have excellent writing, researching and analysis skills. All these skills are necessary when one desires to write report papers that are outstanding and rocking. Several students have the inability to write quality report papers and hence the need for writing assistance. There are several companies that provide research paper services online and assist students who face challenges when it comes to writing reports. The problem however, is that majority of the online companies are not trustworthy and provide fake research paper services. Such companies provide research paper services that put students in great trouble with their instructors and lecturers.
The solution is for students to do an intensive research on the various custom writing companies online so that they do not fall into the hands of fraudulent companies. Research will enable them to identify and choose the most reliable companies able to provide original research paper services. It will also enable them to choose companies that provide the most affordable research paper services online. In order to determine the most reliable company, one has to look for certain unique qualities and characteristics, which will be presented in this article. One of the qualities is that a company ahs to have reliable writers who are sure of providing quality research paper services. The writers should have the expertise to write reports and research papers that are of an outstanding quality. Moreover, they should have perfect researching and analyzing skills so that they can provide satisfactory research paper services.
Originality is one important quality that enables writers to provide superior quality research paper services. In addition to plagiarism detection software, a company is sure of providing its clients with research paper services that are 100% original and plagiarism free. It is also important to give clients research paper services that are authentic so that they can excel academically. The writers need to know all the steps and guidelines for writing reports and research papers. All the formatting and writing styles used during research paper writing should be at the finger tips. Some of the various sources of information include books, journals and even the Internet. There is a vast amount of information in the mentioned sources in regard to the different writing styles and guidelines governing the mentioned styles. A company that provides other services in addition to research paper services is said to be reliable. Some of the additional services include term paper, thesis and dissertation writing services. All the mentioned services should be provided at reasonable costs.
Our custom writing company provides one of the best research paper services online. Our services are not only provided at reasonable prices but they are also superior quality and authentic. Our company writers are hard working and have all the necessary skills required to provide quality research paper services. Other than research paper services, we assist clients in completing different types of assignments and homework. Our key objective is to provide satisfactory services and make sure that each and every customer is satisfied with our writing services. It is hence advisable for any student who needs any form of writing help to contact our writing company and place the desired order.
About the Author
Author is associated with EssayWritings.org which is a global Research Paper Services & Custom research Papers provider. If you would like help in Research Paper Service and Buy essays you can visit EssayWritings.org
Good Technical Writing Program - Unbelievable News !
Most of us are unaware of what a good technical writing program is and all the ways it can help our writing skills. Whether by pen or keyboard, your writing shows who you are and how well you perform in what you do. It's likely that you pay attention to how your writing is received by others, so keep reading the next few paragraphs!
With the availability and accessibility of pcs, it's natural for us to use conventional word processors for our routine writing needs. Just when i was sure i'd never find a technique to enrich my vocabulary and help me with grammar, i happened onto an article that really intrigued me. Surely most of us thought that this was the impossible dream, but we were proven wrong when an advanced artificial intelligence that fixes your writing problems came into being. Users are finding that they are now able to discover and straighten out your trouble spots in Articles, cvs, emails and other writing assignments. Think of producing written work that is accomplished, correct, and unforgettable in no more than a few mouse clicks.
As a satisfied user, i am willing to bet in coming years everyone will have one of these applications part of an essential software bundle. Using such a program ensures that your text will be more correct and accurate, especially if writing isn't your strong side. As this technology was created to support any text-based application, it's fit to work on any Type of pc with windows installed. I have good news for you - you don't have to wait - this special tool is now available to all those who look for it on the net.
Would you believe that a good technical writing program make it possible to transform our current writing practices and even the nature of our writing? We will see, but it appears so. This technology enables us to become more self-assured about our writing skills, of great importance in important writing projects. While science keeps charging ahead, One can only guess the future of artificial intelligence in the next decade or so. This technology is already easily obtainable with just a quick download - so by all means, take advantage of it and further explore it. Don't hesitate to pass along this material to your friends and relatives; I am confident they will thank you for that.
technical writing and communication_2"technical writing and communication" Can you answer these interview questions if you are working in a job related to human resources?
This is for my technical writing class. Thanks!
1. brief summary of your education, preparation, and professional accomplishments. 2. what do you use in the production of your writing (style guides, advice, etc) 3.How important is clear writing in your profession? Examples of this importance? 4. How can clear communication lead to advancement in your profession? 5. How much time do you spend writing? Does this vary? Why? 6. Where does most of your writing take place? 7. Who reads your writing? 8. Would you please describe a few of the documents common to your profession?
B.S., Sociology + ongoing HR update classes
I tend to write as I would talk. Of course, I reread documents for typos, "tone", etc.
Clear writing is extraordinarily important. You can learn it all, but if you cannot put it into coherent, compelling, intelligent words, you are lost.
Time writing depends on the assignments I am working. The writing portion of my job is most dominant when I am documenting investigations.
I'm not sure what you mean by this question. I am on my computer, versus writing in longhand. I am in my home office, if you mean where am I physically.
My clients read my writing. Attorneys read my writing.
I write termination documents, investigation documents, data documents (such as providing compensation data from surveys, etc.). I write emails.
What is Technical Communication?
technical writing and communication technical writing and communication
Case study writing is one of the common assignments given to high academic level students. In order to write quality case studies, students should have excellent writing and analysis skills. This is due to the fact that reading and understanding of a given case study is essential prior to case study writing. The other step that is important is analyzing a given case study in order to come up with relevant points. It is also worth noting that research is important so that one can obtain supporting evidence and points from various sources of information. The various sources that can be used to obtain information for case study writing include books, scholarly articles, journals and even the Internet. All the mentioned sources of information contain relevant information that can be used utilized in case study writing.
Several students are often challenged when it comes to case study writing. This is due to the fact that they have poor analyzing skills and writing skills. Hence, they are unable to write quality case studies that can earn excellent grades. The other point is that most of the students are unable to meet their instructors' expectations in terms of case study writing assignments. The best solution for such students is to seek case study writing help from custom writing companies online. There are numerous companies that can provide case study writing assistance though majority of them are untrustworthy. The best option is therefore to do an intensive research on the various companies available online and then proceed further to choosing the most reliable case study writing company. In order to select the best and the most reliable case study writing company, there are some qualities that need to be considered. One of the qualities is that the best company has to hire the best case study writers. These writers should be knowledgeable and have many years experience in case study writing.
The other point is that the most reliable company has to provide superior quality case study writing help. This implies that the custom case study papers provided by the company have to be original and plagiarism free. A company that has reliable anti-plagiarism software is the one that is sure of providing its clients with totally original and 100% plagiarism-free case study writing services. Moreover, the company should provide case study writing services that are free of spelling and grammatical mistakes. A professional team of editors and proofreaders should make sure that al the custom case study writing papers are quality and free of any language and spelling mistakes. A reliable company should totally satisfy its clients in terms of case study writing services. The company should make sure it provides free editing and revision services till customers are totally satisfied with the end results.
Our custom writing company is among the best case study writing companies online. We have skilled and professional writers who have many years experience in writing case studies. These writers are also hard working and their key objective is to make sure that customers are fully satisfied with our writing services. Our company provides several types of custom papers in addition to custom case study papers. These additional custom papers include custom essays, term papers, lab reports, theses papers and custom research papers online. Our services are affordable and enable customers to excel academically.
About the Author
Author is associated with SuperiorWriters.com which is a global Case Study Writing & Custom research Papers provider. If you would like help in Case Study Writers and Buy essays you can visit SuperiorWriters.com
writing essays_2"writing essays" Is the ipad good for writing essays?
I am going to get a laptop for 9th grade because i write a lot of essays in English. I was thinking about the Ipad because I thought it would be more fun and it is a reasonable price. The only 2 reasons i might decide against it is because of the lack of a usb port, and the virtual keyboard. If there is anyone that has one,any information would be helpful. Thanks.
The keyboard actually works fine as does the Pages application. What really makes the iPad rock is the battery life (and the ability to play movies/music.
Here is a review by a professional writer who is now using the iPad for all writing.
english grammar report writing"english grammar report writing" the hiring manager of the company i m trying to get a job at kinda harrases me by my nationality. he says that
if i am russian, i probably am in some kinda gang, because i am young (24) and i just arrived to USA(around 3 years ago)... he hasnt run either my background check yet or drug screening, but he already said that russian people usually have shit on their record and lie trying to hide it... and smoke weed... than he also said that since english is my second language, i m going to have a lot of problems with writing reports (while i NEVER had any probs with my grammar because i spoke and wrote in english since i was 6 and have a degree in interpreting from english to russian and visi versa). there is more he stated (i had my interview for 2 hours, listening to all this!). i dont know where it all comes from, why is the guy so judgemental, but DOES ANYBODY KNOW WHAT I CAN DO ABOUT IT??? it all is really very offensive... :(
This person has absolutely no business being in business, be he a manager or company owner.
First: Take the time, immediately, to write down everything that has transpired between the two of you.
Second: Contact an attorney
Third: See second
English Grammar: Reported Speech
english grammar report writing english grammar report writing english grammar report writing
writing technical manual"writing technical manual" Does anyone need a good technical writer?
I am an american living in Europe. I have serveral years experience with Software training, documentation and project management. My specialty lies in Remote Access (VPN), but I have managed standalone software development projects as well. I'm looking for a US based company that is flexable about me living abroad and working remotely. I particularly like writing user manuals and tech support documents. I am now using skype, so phone communication is no problem (except for the 6t hour time difference)
This is probably not the best place to look for a job.
How about posting your resume online, perhaps on a site such as http://www.monster.com/geo/siteselection.asp
We both know that a tech writer doesn't have to work onsite to do a good job. However, from my experience, companies usually prefer to have their tech writers right there in the office, available for meetings, etc.
business and technical writing"business and technical writing" How is University of Phoenix's MBA program?
I currently have my BA from UC Berkeley in Sociology, with a minor in Ethnic Studies. I have a love of business, but I am also an education enthusiast (especially, when it comes to children). I have a really strong business sense and can write business letters at the drop of a hat, am able to write technical manuals, etc. But there's that interest in education as well. I'm really stuck on what to do - rather what direction to go in.
I have heard that if I am considering online, I might think about DeVry's Keller School of Management, or UMASS. However, I keep seeing all these commercials about UoP and am just wondering if someone can share an experience/some experiences.
Thanks in advance...
Coming from a good school like Berkeley, you'd HATE it. DeVry is just as bad. I'm not sure why, if you are not employed in a job you can't give up, you would want to look at online schools, because you clearly could do better. Those schools are okay for people who are already happily employed and need a piece of paper in order to move to the next level in their existing companies, but would be inappropriate for someone whose career is not already well underway. UMass is a possibility, or there are plenty of programs at legitimate AACSB-accredited institutions, both conventional and online (and most less expensive than these for-profits) which would be happy to have you.
Business & Creative Writing : Writing an Autobiography
business and technical writing business and technical writing
1. Don't use the 'standardized' resume format produced by many of the more popular online job sites (e.g. Job Top Gun). Your resume is personal and should reflect as much as possible as to who you are. By all means use the online system format in order to take advantage of the website's job matching capabilities but make sure you attach a copy of your personalize resume to the system.
2. Don't make your resume too long. There is absolutely no reason for anyone's resume, irrespective of how many years of experience they may have, to cover more than three sides of A4 paper. Remember your resume is a bid to get you noticed and hopefully invited in for a face-to-face interview - reading a resume the length of a novel will not endear you to a prospective employer.
3. Do list your work experience in reverse chronological order. In other words your most recent job should come first in your resume. Put simply, a potential employer does not want to have to read to the bottom of a document to find out what you are doing now.
4. Don't include irrelevant information. Irrelevant information will often prevent the reader from seeing your 'selling points'. Only include elements of your experience that you feel the hiring company will be looking for in the particular job vacancy. Additionally, don't include information about your hobbies unless relevant to the role you are applying for or are an important part of your social life. For example, knowing your blood type or that you like watching movies is highly unlikely to be a reason why someone would want to interview you.
5. Do use 'spell-check' before you send out your application. Misspellings, at best, communicate poor writing skills or poor attitude, at worst, they can cause big misunderstandings. For example the executive who claimed he was "instrumental in ruining the entire operation". Proofread your resume and cover letter carefully and have friends or family read it as well.
6. Do provide evidence of your experience. Whilst I have highlighted brevity above, it is not sufficient to just provide a list of the companies you have worked for. You do need to provide specific examples of how you achieved success. Resume-writing professionals recommend using the PARS formula: Describe a Problem, the Action you took, the Results you achieved and Skills you applied.
7. Don't overlook the importance of presentation. Poor formatting, alignment, spacing the use of bold and caps, can make a resume difficult to read. Though there are a number of resume layouts that are effective, I recommend the following structure:
- Header (your name, address, e-mail address and phone number) - Career summary, profiling the scope of your experience and skills - Reverse chronological employment history emphasizing achievements - Education (usually only University level qualifications).
8. Don't send your resume in Landscape format!
9. Do include a Career summary/Introductory statement. Most hiring managers or recruiters don't have time to match unspecified resumes to open positions, it is therefore important to lead off with a career summary or introductory statement that makes it clear what type of position you are seeking and why you are qualified for the role.
10. Don't use personal pronouns and articles. With just two or three pages to sell yourself, make each word count. Write in a telegraphic style, eliminating all personal pronouns and articles like "the," "a" and "an." Removing the "I," "me" and "my" from your resume not only frees up space, but creates a subliminal perception of objectivity.
11. Do think about the 'keyword' content of your resume. A factor regularly overlooked especially in Thailand. More and more companies and recruiters are now using applicant tracking software, your resume needs to contain the keywords and phrases the software is screening for. These words are not the verbs stressed in paper resumes, but nouns such as job titles and technical skills.
Perhaps the most important factor to remember is that the purpose of your resume is to communicate your experiences and accomplishments as they relate to an open position and to get yourself invited for the job interview. As each job vacancy is different, you should tailor your resume and cover letter to each opportunity.
Well, im a college junior who recently changed her major to English and im thinking of getting a certificate in Technical Writing. I've wanted to go into editing and working in publishing but those jobs are difficult to get, specially when the demand isnt that great. The demand for Technical and Professional Writers is going up and it pays decently for an English major. I was wondering if Any technical writers could tell me some pros and cons of Technical Writing, difficulty is obtaining a job, is there job security, Job and personal satisfaction?
anything would really help me. Thank you =] I used to be a kinesiology major/pre-pt but my real passion has always been writing.
And i dont expect anyone to hand me a job. In order to even get the certificate i need an internship, which is going to be good for networking and getting to know the processes and people of the field.
Well.....if you're relying on someone to GIVE you the job - no - there's no security.
BUT - if you set yourself up as an expert and create a demand where you see something that isn't working for companies - identify a problem for them and propose to solve it for them....then you just made yourself an assett to them.
So, what do you want to solve for people? If you just want to "be a technical writer" - that's not really a successful aspiration......it's a start but it won't be the end.....nor will it be secure.
WHAT....ABOUT.......working on instructions for companies that publish their instructions from China.....I know it sounds silly, but those company's instructions supposedly written in english SUCK - ever tried to build a baby dresser from those things? GOOD LUCK! You can hire on with a large company and help them with their instructions......not only will the english be correct, but also you can design instructions that stand out.....put a coupon on them.....sounds silly....but I see a huge demand for someone who wanted to fix what I see as a serious problem! There's lots of potential there, and you can travel as well....or....just telecommute and work for a chinese company (for example) and get the benefits of being invited over there every now and then.......those companies if you've ever worked in Asia (I have) love the prestige of knowing their english is the best....it is very valuable to them......take an interest in their idea and promise to make THEM the best in their field....what was your other major before you switched?
As far as job satisfaction goes....do what you love. What you love will have upsides and downsides....but - MAKE your career, don't go looking for it to be handed to you. Start talking to people in the field you want to work in - literally pound the pavement, and make some phonecalls and get to know some people.....that's your best bet and it will give you an idea very quickly......
How to Get a Good Job : Writing College Resumes
technical writing college technical writing college
Writing Instructor Vs Writing Coach - Which Do You Really Need?
A writing instructor is someone who teaches a person (or persons) HOW to write. A writing instructor can teach various types of writing such as technical writing, writing for children, resume writing, writing screenplays, etc. Generally, a writing instructor or teacher is needed when someone wants to learn the craft of writing in one genre or another.
A writing coach can also teach the mechanics, or the "how-to" of writing, from time to time. But generally, a writing coach works with a person (or persons) who knows the mechanics of the type of writing he wants to write, but he has trouble staying on track. The writing coach's client needs help with specific strategies to develop a focus for his writing (and perhaps even for his writing career) and then comes to the coach seeking additional help maintaining that focus.
Both writing instructors and writing coaches can help motivate the writing student or client. But a writing instructor develops the focus for the instruction he or she is presenting to the student(s), while, with a writing coach, the client is directly or indirectly responsible for setting the focus of each coaching session.
Think of it this way. If you know the kind of writing you would like to do, but you don't have the skills, education, and training required for this type of writing, then you probably need a writing teacher or instructor. On the other hand, if you HAVE taken courses, workshops, and other training and are skilled at the type of writing you wish to pursue, yet you can't seem to stay motivated or focused long enough to complete that book you've always wanted to write, or you can't figure out how to use your skills to develop a full-time writing career, then you probably need a coach.
For more helpful tips for writers, visithttp://www.workingwriterscoach.com and sign up for the mailing list. When you do, you'll receive a free ebook for writers, plus every weekday morning you'll get The Morning Nudge, a few words to motivate and inspire you to get a little writing done.
Visit the National Writing for Children Center athttp://www.writingforchildrencenter.com and find out how you can learn to write for kids. Suzanne Lieurance is a fulltime freelance writer, children's author, and founder and director of the National Writing for Children Center.
About the Author
Writing Lessons : How Do You Teach Elaboration in 4th Grade Writing?
Quotes are checked, sources verified, word limit exceeded, then, one comes to a screeching halt, "Papers should be formatted according to the MLA or APA style". And so begins a frenzied computer research on the two writing styles.
MLA writing style
The MLA (Modern Language Association) requires that specific rules be followed for formatting manuscripts. It provides writers with a proper system to cite references, the usage of which enhances the writer's credibility by listing outside sources in order to give recognition where it is due. One advantage of the MLA format is that it provides the user protection from possible accusation of plagiarism.
General Guidelines for MLA writing style
When preparing a paper using the MLA writing style, general format guidelines must be adhered to as well as the technical rules of citation and bibliography.
Assignments are to be typed on pages no larger that 8.5 x 11, double spaced, with either Times New Roman font, or Courier.
One space must be inserted between all punctuation marks.
Margins must be set to one inch on all sides of the paper.
All paragraphs must be indented one inch (one tab) from the left margin of the page.
Headers must be inserted on each page in the upper right hand corner displaying the page numbers of the essay consecutively (some instructors will ask that a student's last name follow the page number on each page).
If endnotes are included in your work, they must be placed on the last page, right before your works cited page.
For a more detailed look at the rules regarding end notes, in-text citations or works cited (multiple authors, electronic sources, periodicals, etc.), there are resources available online and in print that will aid you with this writing style. Some excellent print titles for reference material are: MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (6th edition), and MLA Style Manual and Guide to Scholarly Publishing (2nd edition). For those who have internet access, all MLA writing style rules can be found on a site built by the people at Owl at Purdue.
At all times, it is equally important to strictly follow your professor's instructions on the use of long titles, the need to emphasize with underlines or italics and other personal choices. Careful attention must be paid to every detail so as to prevent loss of marks in the grading process.
APA writing style
APA (American Psychological Association) is a writing style that is generally used within the realm of the social sciences. As in the case of the MLA writing style, the APA has a list of general format guidelines as well as a list of rules pertaining to paragraph structure.
General Guidelines for APA writing style
All essays written in the APA writing style should be structured in accordance to the following guidelines:
Assignments must be typed double-spaced on 8.5 x 11 inch pages.
The title page must include bylines, titles, or running headers.
Page numbers must be included (similar to MLA) followed by 5 spaces, then an abridged version (2 words) of the paper's title.
Some instructors require students to prepare an abstract which is a 75 to 100 word overview of the chosen topic highlighting the major points of discussion in the paper. It must be set up on its own page with the word "Abstract"centered at the top of the page, and placed right after the title page.
Headings are not specifically necessary but can be helpful in navigating through a paper. Every word of the heading must be capitalized with the exception of articles such as 'the', 'a', and 'an', and certain conjunctions such as 'and', and 'but'.
Visuals such as tables and figures including graphs, charts, and drawings may be included; however, each must be labeled with an Arabic numeral i.e. Table 1, Table 2, etc.. Titles must be flush left, each inserted illustration must include its source.
Lists of all references must be included on its own page at the end of your written work. Each reference should be centered, starting at the top of the page (also double spaced) and listed in alphabetical order according to the authors last name, editor, or by the title of the work (excluding the words A, An, and The)
For a more detailed look at the rules of the APA writing style regarding references, in text citations, and footnotes or endnotes, please see Owl at Purdue.
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