The University Writing Center offers the following resources to assist you at any stage of the writing process:
JMU Link Library
Feeling overwhelmed by the number of online resources out there? The University Writing Center simplifies the process of finding reliable and useful writing resources with its convenient and accessible Link Library. Visit this collection of external resources to access handouts, video tutorials, tip sheets, and other writing resources available online.
Tutorial on Writing Personal Statements
Created by the University Writing Center, this tutorial outlines the process of writing personal statements and provides strategies for planning, organizing, drafting, and revising your personal statement.
Grammar Proficiency Tests
Want to find out what your grammar and punctuation problems are? These diagnostic tests can help you identify the problems you need to work on. Knowing these problems can be very helpful when editing your work, working with a tutor, or meeting with a professor.
Intermediate
The following diagnostic test from Prentice Hall uses multiple choice questions to evaluate your understand of the following topics: spelling, homonyms, capitalization, commas, apostrophes, quotation, subject-verb agreement, verb tense, pronoun agreement, adjectives, adverbs, run-ons, comma splices, fragments, and pronoun reference. A form at the bottom of the page allows you to e-mail or print out your test results.
http://www.prenhall.com/grammarassessment/
These diagnostic tests from Grammarbook.com use a multiple choice format to test you on a variety of grammar and punctuation topics. Explanations are provided to help you understand your errors. The site offers a Pre-test and a Mastery Test, along with some shorter quizzes covering specific grammar topics.
Test One:
http://www.grammarbook.com/grammar_quiz/grammar_pretest.asp
Test Two:
http://www.grammarbook.com/grammar_quiz/grammar_mastery.asp
Advanced
This diagnostic test from Edict.com tests you on a very extensive list of grammar and punctuation topics, using pull-down menus to complete sentences. The test explains each specific topic using technical grammar terms, which may be difficult for those unfamiliar with analyzing grammar. If you are interested in gaining a thorough knowledge of grammar topics, this test can be a good exercise for you. The site gives you a thorough feedback report after you submit your answers and provides links to lessons and additional exercises for each topic area in the report. Your test results and comments can be saved and printed.
http://www.edict.com.hk/diagnostic/
