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Resources

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Resources

The resources on this page were created by the OU Writing Center staff to help writers with a variety of topics related to writing. You'll find citation guides that are simplified versions of popular citation styles (MLA, APA, and Chicago). You'll also find handouts on common grammar errors, writing tips, and organizational tools.

All documents on this page are licensed under the Creative Commons license BY-NC-SA. This license allows reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator. If you remix, adapt, or build upon the material, you must license the modified material under identical terms. 


Citation Guides

Are you looking for help with MLA in-text citations? Do you need guidance on formatting headings for APA style? Or, are you confused about the differences between Note-Bibliography and Author-Date styles in Chicago? You've come to the right place!

The OU Writing Center has created the following citation style guides based on the most current versions of some popular citation protocols. These guides help walk you through formatting your paper and creating accurate citations according to each style. 

The MLA, APA, and Chicago citation style guides are provided in PDF format.


Writing Handouts

The handouts below cover a wide variety of topics, from grammar resources to tools for the writing process. Check back often as new resources will be added to this section throughout the year.

Grammar Guide: Comma Rules

Eight helpful rules for using a comma correctly in your writing.

 

Comma Rules PDF

Grammar Guide: Types of Clauses

Overview of independent and dependent clauses.

 

 

Types of Clauses PDF

Guide to Outlining

Quick guide to walk you through how to create a paper outline.

 

 

Guide to Outlining PDF

Proofreading Tips

Six tips to help you proofread your own work with ease.

 

 

Proofreading Tips PDF

Setting SMART Writing Goals

Guide for setting specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound goals for your writing project.

 

 

 

SMART Goals PDF

Grammar Guide: Parts of Speech

Comprehensive guide covering nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections.

 

 

 

Parts of Speech PDF

Guide to Quoting and Paraphrasing

Explains the difference between quoting and paraphrasing, and offers tips for when to use both types of source incorporation.

 

 

Quoting &
Paraphrasing PDF

Sample Paper: Annotated Bibliography

This sample annotated bibliography (formatted in APA 7 citation style) gives a breakdown of information that should be contained in each annotation and entry.

 

Sample Paper:
Annotated Bib
(APA) PDF

Sample Paper: Annotated Bibliography

This sample annotated bibliography (formatted in MLA 9 citation style) gives a breakdown of information that should be contained in each annotation and entry.

 

Sample Paper:
Annotated Bib
(MLA) PDF


Video Tutorials

The OU Writing Center YouTube Channel features videos on a variety of topics. Head to our channel for directions to our spaces, for tutorials on various writing topics, and for general information about the Writing Center's services.

 

OU Writing Center YouTube Channel

Playlist Topics

We've created YouTube Playlists to help you find the information you need. Check out our current topics below.


Parts of Speech: Conjunctions and Interjections
Grad Student and Post Doc Services
Using Gender Inclusive Language

Quick Links