The handouts on this page offer guidelines and models that illustrate how good writing works. They can help you motivate and evolve your argument; cite and analyze sources; and compose cohesive introductions, conclusions, and body paragraphs. Use them to improve your writing; then bring your paper to a Writing Partner or a Residential College Writing Tutor for feedback on your work. Printed copies of each handout are available in the Writing Center at 301 York St, mezzanine level.
A new introductions handout is coming soon!
Body Paragraphs - Models and describes the component parts of a strong analytical paragraph
Research Paragraphs - Models and describes the component parts of a paragraph that uses sources
Conclusions - Models and describes the component parts of a conclusion paragraph
Motivating Moves - Outlines a variety of approaches to answering the “So what?” question
Eight Strategies for Using Sources - Illustrates different ways sources can advance an argument
Finding a Good Essay Question - Models how to isolate a meaningful tension or problem
Composing an Effective Title - Presents conventions and strategies for composing titles in various disciplines
Stitching: Signal Words - Lists transition words appropriate in a variety of contexts
Putting Sources in Conversation: Verbs and Clauses - Lists verbs and phrases that clarify how two sources relate to one another, and to your own ideas
Working with Quotations 1: The Lead-In - Presents strategies for leading into a quotation
Working with Quotations 2a: Citation (MLA) - MLA format for in-text citations and list of works cited
Working with Quotations 2b: Citation (APA) - APA format for in-text citations and list of references
Working with Quotations 2c: Citation (CSE) - In-text citations and list of references in one format common in the sciences
Working with Quotations 2d: Citation (Chicago) - Chicago Manual of Style format for footnotes and bibliographic citations
Working with Quotations 3: Analysis - Discusses analyzing evidence across several levels of abstraction
The Writing Process - Models the critical thinking process that underlies complex, engaged writing
Revising Efficiently and Effectively - Streamlines revision by identifying a hierarchy of concerns
Writing Personal Statements for Graduate School - General guidelines and dos and don’ts for writing personal statements
If you have questions, corrections, or suggestions for new handouts, contact Ryan Wepler (ryan.wepler@yale.edu).
