Top 10 Writing Tools Every Student Should Know About
By Melissa Burns, Inspirationfeed, 25 November 2013.
By Melissa Burns, Inspirationfeed, 25 November 2013.
Students today face more academic writing tasks than they’re able to handle. It seems like almost every three weeks or so they get hit with a writing assignment. To help them out, we decided to provide handy online tools that will make their work and life easier. Even if you’re not a student, the following tools can help you in your professional life as well. Enjoy!
1. Writinghouse.org
Image: Writinghouse.org/Facebook
Academic writing is a challenge on its own, but things get even harder when your professors require different referencing styles for different subjects, so the rules become blurry and you can’t make clear differences between the APA, MLA, and Chicago style. By using Writinghouse.org for an automatic implementation of the selected referencing style, you will save valuable time and nerves, which will help you to stay focused on the paper’s contents.
2. Isolator
Image: Willmore
This is a free tool that’s updated quite frequently, so be ready to accept changes at any time. Isolator is a menu bar app that makes your writing process more effective by keeping only the active windows visible. You can adjust its settings however you prefer, and you can set how long each fade will last. One of the best features of Isolator is the ability to hide the dock on your Mac, which will prevent you from opening distractive applications.
3. OmmWriter
Image: OmmWriter
Mac users have the ability to use one of the most effective writing tools - OmmWriter. The ‘zen’ environment created by this tool is completely free of distractions, but provides some really cool features at the same time. Writing academic papers can become a much easier process thanks to OmmWriter, so you should definitely give it a try.
4. Time Out
Image: Dejal
If you’re used to spending many consecutive hours on the computer, you should be aware that your creativity and ability to write become inhibited. Time Out is a simplistic freeware that encourages you to take breaks between writing, which will help you come back to the paper with clearer mind. We recommend using the default mode, which is set to make you take breaks of 10 minutes on each hour. The screen will slowly fade over the desktop during break time, so you will be forced do something other than writing for a while.
5. WriteRoom
Image: Hog Bay Software
Among all tools intended to make academic writing more effective, WriteRoom seems to be a necessary one. Although there are many simplistic and effective writing tools all over the web, this one is appreciated because it includes backup and synchronization options. You can customize the theme and font according to your preferences, and start writing without being afraid that you will lose what you’ve already completed.
6. Write Monkey
Image: Write Monkey
If you want to try out a tool that will make academic writing easier, you should definitely check out Write Monkey. This online tool will make the process more efficient by enabling you to ditch the mouse and use keyboard shortcuts instead.
7. Q10
Image: Techknackblogs
Q10 is a freeware that includes many awesome features, which will make you enjoy the process of writing academic papers. In the simple user interface, you will only see a small toolbar that shows the character count, word count, and page number for the document you are working on. If that bothers you, you can easily turn the feature off and start working in a completely clean environment free of all distractions.
8. Google Art Project
Image: Google
When it comes to writing art-inspired academic papers, things get even more difficult than usual for students. There is a lot to be inspired by, but it isn’t easy to express the feelings art provokes in you through words, no matter how hard you try to improvise. Besides, it’s not always easy to find the right sources and use relevant information for your project. Google Art Project is a web-based tool that will provide you with lots of information you can use for your papers. Moreover, you will be able to find any art piece you’re looking for, by taking virtual tours through famous museums around the world.
9. ArtSite
Image: ArtSite
ArtSite is a project created with art teachers in mind. Not only can students explore valuable information on art pieces in many museums, but they can also create their own virtual galleries and organize materials they’re interested in. Moreover, they can also showcase their own work and create portfolios. The access for all students is free, but teachers have to pay to use this web-based platform.
10. Paper
Image: FiftyThree
This FiftyThree project is a painting and drawing app that allows students to create their own sketchbooks. When compared to working with physical materials, Paper creates a pretty realistic environment. Although you have to pay for additional brushes and tools, this app is well-worth it.
There is no need to be afraid of academic writing. Although it’s a time-consuming process, you can still cut corners with the tools mentioned above.
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