{"id":9962,"date":"2020-02-10T17:00:19","date_gmt":"2020-02-11T01:00:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/?p=9962"},"modified":"2019-12-20T10:23:51","modified_gmt":"2019-12-20T18:23:51","slug":"writing-tools-for-students","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/writing-tools-for-students\/","title":{"rendered":"Work Smarter (Not Harder) With These Writing Tools for Students"},"content":{"rendered":"

What if I told you to build a garage but offered you no tools to work with, or told you to paint a portrait but you had no brushes, paints, or canvas?<\/p>\n

You can\u2019t complete either of these tasks without tools. So what if I handed you a hammer, a saw, and a handful of nails to start building, or a basic paintbrush and a gallon of paint to start your masterpiece?<\/p>\n

While you could certainly create something <\/i>(and sometimes something pretty fantastic) with only basic tools, you\u2019d be able to create a much more polished and professional project if you had the right<\/i> tools to work with.<\/p>\n

The same is true for writing.<\/p>\n

A pen and paper or computer and blank screen are the only basic <\/i>tools you need to be any type of writer. But if you want to create a written masterpiece for your upcoming assignment, try these 14 writing tools for students to help you work smarter (not harder).<\/p>\n

14 Writing Tools for Students<\/h2>\n

In order to write, you don\u2019t always need expensive tools, like a new computer or pricey software. All 14 writing tools for students in the list below allow you to access their basic services for free.<\/p>\n

The tools provide help with proper word choice, prewriting<\/a>, collaboration, time management<\/a>, organization, citation, and essay writing<\/a>.<\/p>\n

1. Thesaurus<\/a><\/h3>\n

Using a thesaurus doesn\u2019t mean you need to find off-the-wall words that you think will make you sound smart<\/a>. Using a thesaurus correctly <\/i>means you should find the perfect word<\/a> for the situation.<\/p>\n

For instance, if you\u2019re writing a narrative essay<\/a>, writing that you went swimming in blue <\/i>water isn\u2019t terribly descriptive. Using a thesaurus, you might realize that the water was actually cerulean or turquoise.<\/p>\n

2. Dictionary<\/a><\/h3>\n

Don\u2019t underestimate the power of the dictionary. You can, of course, look up words that you don\u2019t know, but you can also use a dictionary to help you write more effectively.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re writing a descriptive essay<\/a>, for example, you could type the word \u201chunger\u201d to get the following definition: \u201ca compelling need or desire for food.\u201d This definition might be just the phrase you need to describe your hunger and that you felt compelled<\/i> to order a footlong extra-large super combo at the local sub shop.<\/p>\n

3. Dictionary of obscure words<\/a><\/h3>\n

While a standard dictionary will, of course, contain obscure words too, a dictionary of obscure words might be just the ticket if you\u2019re looking for a few unique words to captivate your audience .<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s say you\u2019re working on a creative writing<\/a> piece about vampires, for instance, and you just don\u2019t want to use the word \u201cblood-thirsty\u201d again. Using a dictionary of obscure words,you find the words sanguinolent <\/i>(containing blood; bloodthirsty), sanguisugent <\/i>(blood-sucking), and sanguivorous <\/i>(blood-drinking)\u2014all of which would be perfect additions to your story.<\/p>\n

4. Reverse dictionary\/thesaurus<\/a><\/h3>\n

A reverse dictionary or reverse thesaurus is a tool that \u201clets you describe a concept and get back a list of words and phrases related to that concept\u201d (OneLook.com<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Keep in mind that the generated list from your search may result in a lot of unrelated words too. But if you look at the first few words on the list, the reverse dictionary is usually pretty accurate.<\/p>\n

A search for \u201close your job,\u201d for instance, returns \u201cfired,\u201d \u201csacked,\u201d \u201cterminated,\u201d and \u201ccanned\u201d within the top nine results.<\/p>\n

5. A guide to literary terms<\/a><\/h3>\n

This website offers a comprehensive list of literary terms, and quizzes and flashcards to help you study.<\/p>\n

Remember, literary terms aren\u2019t just for literary analysis<\/a> essays.<\/p>\n

Literary devices can be used in most types of essays<\/a> to strengthen your writing and grab the audience\u2019s<\/a> attention.<\/p>\n

For instance, you could <\/i>state that the kids you were babysitting acted rowdy, and readers would understand your point. If, however, you use a simile<\/a> and stated that the kids acted like a wild pack of dogs, your description suddenly takes on an entirely new meaning and creates a much stronger image.<\/p>\n

6. EasyBib<\/a><\/h3>\n

Struggling with proper APA<\/a>, MLA<\/a>, or Chicago citations? EasyBib offers free citation generators. Simply type in the requested information about your source, and the site will automatically generate a citation. (Make sure to double-check the format when you copy and paste the citation into your essay.)<\/p>\n

7. Google Docs<\/a><\/h3>\n

You might think of Google Docs as only a place to type your papers, but it\u2019s also a great collaboration tool.<\/p>\n

If you want to have others review your paper, simply send them a link, and they can comment to their heart\u2019s content. Google Docs is a great tool for group work<\/a> too as you can share ideas and keep notes all in one convenient place.<\/p>\n

8. Pomodoro Tracker<\/a><\/h3>\n

The goal of the Pomodoro system is to allow you to focus on the task at hand without distraction and to ultimately increase your productivity.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s how it works: The timer is set at 25 minutes. Use the 25 minutes to work steadily on your writing, and then take a short 3\u20135 minute break before going back to your project. If you need to work on your project further, work another 25 minutes, and then take another break. (This break might be a few minutes longer than the first.)<\/p>\n

While you’re writing, resist the urge to check that text on your phone or pop open a new tab to check on your fantasy football stats\u2014save those tasks for your breaks.<\/p>\n

9. My Study Life<\/a><\/h3>\n

If you\u2019ve ever missed an assignment deadline or exam because you simply forgot (or misplaced your paper planner or notes<\/a>), My Study Life might be just the app you need.<\/p>\n

My Study Life allows you to add reminders for assignments<\/a>, organize your schedule, and sync your schedule to all of your devices. You can even access it offline.<\/p>\n

10. Sticky notes<\/a><\/h3>\n

Good old fashioned paper sticky notes will sometimes do the trick. But if you\u2019re working on your computer more than you\u2019re working with paper and pencil, a digital sticky note may be more effective for quick reminders (and they won\u2019t get lost on your way to class, either).<\/p>\n

11. MindMup<\/a><\/h3>\n

MindMup allows you to create an unlimited number of mind maps and store them online for up to six months. (The subscription service includes even more features and allows you to collaborate with other users.)<\/p>\n

Mind mapping is useful in just about any type of essay writing as it allows you to visually plan out your ideas. Like other graphic organizers<\/a>, mind maps are great for those of us who hate writing formal outlines<\/a>.<\/p>\n

12. Speechnotes<\/a><\/h3>\n

If your fingers are worn to the bone from typing endless essays, try dictating your paper with Speechnotes.<\/p>\n

Simply speak, and the site will convert your words to text.<\/p>\n

Keep in mind that you can\u2019t be a speed-talker like the guy below.<\/p>\n