ENG 317 - Professional Writing

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ENG 317 - Professional Writing

Covers gathering, organizing, and presenting technical information using standard business and professional formats, such as business correspondence, informal and formal reports, instructions, and others. Communication technology typical of the contemporary workplace is used.

This Research Guide is a work in progress - always. Please let us know what you need.

VAWLT and Writing Centers

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The UMA Writing Centers and the VAWLT (Virtual, Accessibility, Writing, Library & Technology tutors)
offer UMA students free, online tutoring sessions. Just visit their websites to learn more.

Find a topic

Geography, dates, location, gender & age are just a few of the ways you can narrow your research topic. We recommend starting with one of these resources:

  1. CQ Researcher:  Find in-depth background information on controversial and current issues. Browse Recent Reports or By Topic to paper topic ideas. Reports written by CQ staff writers.
  2. CREDO Reference: An excellent source for background information! Credo Reference has 3.2 million entries from more than 450 encyclopedias, dictionaries, handbooks, guides, and atlases in all fields.
  3. Opposing Viewpoints in Context: This Gale portal features a range of perspectives on important issues and related references to bring research on these perspectives to light.
  4. Search in the URSUS catalog for "your topic and Opposing viewpoints" or "your topic and Taking sides". These book series cover the 'pros' and 'cons' of current issues.

Please click on image below for Keywords tutorial.

This Keyword tutorial from Auburn University is described as:
This resource is intended for those who need to search a library database in order to find sources for research and writing activities.

Learning outcomes:
Recognize that the careful selection of keywords can help focus your research
Apply strategies to select relevant keywords and synonyms for your own research

The Library of Rush University Medical Center has put together this guide that may help with your search.

How to Construct a Search Strategy 

Writing Style Tips

There are common pitfalls writers tend to fall into. Relying too much on clichés or jargon to describe something, or accidentally using biased language can weaken the point you're trying to make. Here are a few resources help you develop your writing style without making these mistakes.