Online Resources

Explore the tabs below to learn more about the Writing Center’s tips and tricks for online tutorials, writing help, grammar, citations, and more!

Online Synchronous Consulting

The UMaine Writing Center has supported face-to-face consultations since 1978, and online consultations since 2016. We are trained in online literacy and we offer synchronous peer-consultations (i.e.: virtual face-to-face consultations in real time) with professionally trained UMaine student consultants.

Log in to our website or register for an account
Sign up for a consultation with an online peer-consultant by selecting “Yes – Schedule Online Appointment” under the “Meet Online?” section of the form
You can attach up to three (3) documents. Attach any rubrics along with your project drafts
5-10 minutes before your consultation, select your appointment and click “Start or Join Online Consultation“
A popup page will allow you to start a video chat and share documents with the peer-consultant
Please ensure your computer’s microphone and video is operational, or your appointment is subject to cancellation (if they are not operational, try switching browsers)
Please ensure you have reliable access to wifi

Writing Tips

The UMaine Writing Center helps with writing assignments at any stage. If you are unsure where to start with a draft, feel free to schedule an appointment with us or follow the tips below!

Essay Writing Tips

Pre-Writing and Planning
Analyze the prompt: Read the assignment carefully to identify key instructions, including length, format, content, and audience.
Brainstorm and outline: Begin by brainstorming ideas and creating a rough outline to organize your thoughts
Start early: Avoid procrastination by breaking up work into small, manageable pieces
Essay Structure
Develop a thesis: Ensure your paper has a clear, arguable main point that addresses the prompt
Focus paragraphs: Each paragraph should represent one idea that starts with a topic sentence, provides evidence, and ends with a conclusion that supports the thesis
Strengthen conclusions: Use the conclusion to synthesize your argument instead of summarizing it
Style and Clarity
Focus on the 3 C’s: Clarity, concision, and coherence
Use active voice and eliminate wordiness
Use transition words to connect ideas between sentences and paragraphs
Revision and Proofreading
Read aloud: Read your paper aloud to catch grammatical errors, missing words, or awkward phrasing
Big picture revisions: Focus on revising structure, argument, and flow before smaller grammatical issues
Take a break: Let your draft sit for an hour or more to gain a fresh perspective
Utilizing the Writing Center
Schedule a consultation: Tutors can provide feedback on tone, structure, clarity, etc.
Study Buddy: Trouble with motivation? Schedule a study buddy appointment to help stay on task
Unsure of where to start? Tutors can help with brainstorming and any other questions about essay writing

Grammar Help

Grammarly: Use in Word or as a Google Chrome extension for writing essays, emails, blog posts, or anything else

Grammarly

Citation Help

For help with citations, EasyBib and Purdue OWL both offer citation guides to help avoid plagiarism for in-text citations and bibliographies

EasyBIb Purdue OWL

Fogler Library

Fogler Library Databases and EJournals provide access to academic journals and articles. Access is included for all UMaine students and faculty.

Zotero

Zotero allows students to save, organize, and cite all of their sources in one place. It can be downloaded and used as a browser extension.

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Is online or in-person tutoring right for me?

If you are looking for face-to-face interaction or a safe space to study and write, an in-person session might be best for you. If you prefer to be in your own space, online tutoring might be a better option for you. Both options offer professionally trained peer tutors ready to help with any of your writing projects!