Gaines' Graduate Writing Resource

Faculty and graduate mentors often ask for writing resources tailored to the needs and issues of our graduate students. While the standards for depth-of- study and documentation of sources are typically higher for a graduate student, the writing issues of graduate students closely resemble those of undergraduate students: how to narrow my topic? organize my material? write clearly and concisely about difficult or emerging ideas? balance my personal experience with what I learn from the scholarly literature?

Writing advice for students of all levels abounds on the World Wide Web. Not all of it is equally valuable. This week we found Dr. Kendra Gaines's Graduate Writing Resource which addresses a small but well chosen set of topics that concern graduate students. Her website is uncomplicated and offers one-click access to articles that include:

• "Knocking the Research Topic Down to Size"
• "Learning the Language of the Literature Review"
• "Academic Writing: Balancing Objectivity & Persuasion"
• "Reporting Your Own Research: Principles & Practice"

Gaines' writing style is simple and to the point. She also invites visitors to email her personally with questions. There is no hint of a fee for her assistance. As some graduate students are encouraged to hire an editor to help them with writing their thesis, Gaines may be someone who would be willing to work with a graduate student in this role. Of course, all PC graduate students can work for free with writing coaches at the Learning Commons' Writing Center. Gaines and her website look to be good alternatives if a student wants additional support.