Writing is a key skill you will develop and use during your time at Central Seminary. This page highlights various stages of the writing process from understanding the assignment to outlining to writing style and editing. Don't worry if you find yourself skipping around, though, as the writing process is not always linear. This page also addresses common errors in writing, such as relying on the passive voice. The end of the page includes several tips and resources for general writing assistance as well. Don't forget, if you would like feedback on a specific assignment for class, you can make an appointment with Dr. Wells using the form on the Home page.
Not all writing assignments are the same or require the same type of writing. You may be asked to reflect on a question, summarize a reading, respond to a problem, or create original research. Each of these types of writing comes with its own set of expectations that will affect the sources you use (if any), the organization of the paper, and the overall purpose or goal of your writing. The links below will help you familiarize yourself with some of these different types of writing and how to identify them from an assignment prompt.
Regardless of the type of writing an assignment calls for, all writing needs some form of a thesis statement. To put it another way, all writing needs to have a main idea or point. Thesis statements typically appear near the beginning of a paper and should directly relate to the assignment prompt. Your ideas might change as you write, so be sure to revise your thesis statement to align with the rest of the paper. It is helpful to identify your thesis towards the beginning of the writing process to ensure your writing contributes towards your main idea/point. The link below contains examples and explanations of different types of thesis statements.
While not every writing assignment will require information from outside sources, professors often expect your writing to engage with or use evidence from class readings. Sometimes, assignments might require conducting additional research. Regardless of the type of sources used, it is important to know how to incorporate this information. The ability to integrate sources well is a skill that easily elevates your writing to the next level. The handout linked below introduces the basic rules of integrating sources and provides several good and bad examples.
For some assignments, you may need to consult additional sources beyond the readings provided in class. Central's Library has access to numerous helpful resources, including the Digital Theological Library. Be sure to explore the LibGuides and ask our librarian, Carolyn Johnson, for assistance in locating sources. Not all sources are the same, however. The article linked below will help you differentiate between primary and secondary sources as well as scholarly vs popular sources. Once you have identified the type of sources needed for a particular assignment and completed preliminary research, you are ready to start writing!
Once you have identified the main idea/point of your writing, creating an outline can keep the writing momentum flowing. It is easier to write when you have a sense of where you're headed, even if it is vague. Outlines help you see how all the pieces of your paper fit together and that they are organized in a way that makes the most sense. Outlines can also point out where there might be something missing from your paper that needs additional sources or research. There are many different types of outlines, so you might want to experiment with a few to see what works best for you. Be sure to check out the tips and suggestions for creating outlines below.
After completing a first draft of your assignment, it is critical to edit and revise your writing. Very few people write a perfect paper on the first try! Therefore, it is important to start working on an assignment early enough to leave time for editing and revising. Revisions might require reorganizing part of the paper or removing information that does not directly contribute to the main idea. Editing often catches grammatical errors or rewrites sentences to improve the overall flow. Reading your paper aloud is one of the best ways to find small mistakes and places where your writing isn't clear.
Sometimes, the hardest part of writing is getting started. Opening a blank document can feel intimidating, which often leads to procrastination, which in turn creates more stress for you when completing an assignment. Instead of waiting until the last minute, try a brainstorming activity to start the flow of ideas. Personally, I like to use a "zero draft" at the beginning of my writing process. I set a timer for 15-20 minutes and write down anything that comes to mind about the topic without worrying about grammar or writing in complete sentences. After several sessions, I often find that I am ready to articulate a thesis or start working on a formal outline. Check out the link below for some other brainstorming activities. Remember that brainstorming is part of the writing process!
Now that your outline is finished, you are ready to start a first draft of the assignment. Especially in graduate school, students assume they must write long, complicated sentences in order to be a good writer. Yet oftentimes, the opposite is true. If the purpose of writing is to communicate your ideas to your intended audience, writing clearly should be the priority. There are several ways to improve the clarity of your writing. One way is to focus on writing concisely or directly.
One of the most common writing mistakes I see students make is writing in the passive voice. The passive voice occurs when the action of the sentence is being done to the subject of the sentence. In contrast, using the active voice means that the subject of the sentence is the one doing the action. There are a few specific cases where you might prefer to use the passive voice, but overall using the active voice can significantly improve your writing. The links below provide examples of the active vs. passive voice and strategies for rewriting passive sentences as active ones.
Everyone comes to Central with different backgrounds and expertise when it comes to writing. Writing is a skill that is developed over time, so do not be discouraged or overwhelmed. Instead, take the writing process one step at a time. For some folks, it may take some practice to feel comfortable with each element from brainstorming to revising and editing. However, everyone can improve their writing. If you already have some familiarity with the writing process, paying attention to sentence structure and incorporating variety in sentence transitions are two possible ways to elevate your writing. Learn from the feedback you receive from your professors and don't be afraid to ask for help. Communication is a gift that connects us with one another. Please take advantage of these resources to continue honing your ability to communicate clearly through writing!