Writer's Guidebook - Getting Started

This page covers various writing topics that are necessary to consider and understand when trying to start the writing process. If you need additional help, please consider making an appointment with a Writing Center Consultant.

Research Topic

When beginning a paper, it is critical to know and understand the paper's topic. Research papers require many hours of researching the subject and reading the appropriate resources before writing begins. Please visit the GovState library's website for links to finding research in books, journals, and more!

Thesis/Purpose Statement

The thesis statement is sometimes called the focus statement, and papers may also contain a purpose statement.  Thesis statements are critical for writing a well-focused and organized paper.  Do not attempt to write a paper without first creating a thesis statement.  For help understanding what a thesis statement is and how to create one, please view the links below.

• The Thesis Statement (From the Univeristy of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)
• Developing a Thesis Statement (From the University of Wisconsin-Madison)

Some papers may also require a purpose statement.  For further understanding of the difference between thesis and purpose statements, and how to write a purpose statement, please view the following link:

• Thesis and Purpose Statements (From the University of Wisconsin-Madison)

Outlining

Outlining is a valuable tool to use when beginning the writing process.  It helps the writer determine if he/she has enough key points for the paper and information to support the thesis.  It also helps the writer stay organized and focused when beginning to write the paper.  For more information on the benefits of outlining and how to create one, please see the links below.

• Getting Started Outlining (From Scribbr)
• Developing an Outline (From the Purdue OWL)
• How to Make an Outline (From the Universit of Oklahoma Writing Center)

Topic Sentences

Every paper needs a topic sentence that begins the discussion of each new paragraph or section.  For more information on understanding and creating topic sentences, please see the links below.

• Paragraph Development and Topic Sentences (From the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)
• Writing Topic Sentences for Paragraphs (From Indiana Univeristy Bloomington Writing Center)
• Topic Sentences and Thesis Statements

Plagiarism

Writing a paper using ideas and knowledge from outside sources (anything that is not your own and that is not common knowledge) can lead to plagiarism if not documented properly or paraphrased appropriately.  For more information on what plagiarism is, how to document sources, and how to properly paraphrase, please view the links below.

• Plagiarism: What it is and how to avoid it (From GovState)
• Avoiding Plagiarism (From Purdue OWL)
• Use Solely Your Own Words to Paraphrase (From Touro University)

Audience

When writing a paper, it is important to keep in mind the audience you are addressing.  Is the piece of writing for the everyday reader?  Is it for a professional body that is familiar with the subject matter?  For help in understanding what it means to write for an audience and how to do so, please view the links below.

•  Identifying an Audience (From Purdue OWL)
•  Adapting to Your Audience  (From Colorado State University)
• The Importance of Audience (From the University of North Carolina)

Writer's Block

Every writer may have a time when he/she experiences "writer's block".  Though there is no foolproof solution to end this unfortunate annoyance, there are some helpful hints that may aid in overcoming it.  Please see the links below for more help.

• Generating and Developing Ideas (From Colorado State University)
• Writing Anxiety (From the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)