Resources

Helpful resources for you - from the SSC - in Writing, Math, Science, and other areas.

Writing Resources

• How To Write An Academic Paper

  Tips on How to Write a Paper for Any Class

  1. Read the directions carefully and often. There may be things you might miss if you don't read the directions carefully. It's also good to revisit the directions to ensure you stay on track.
  2. Start writing right away. There is a writing strategy called zero-drafting where you simply put your thoughts on paper (or on screen) as they come to you. You don't stop for grammar or finding the right word. You just write and write and write. Ideally you try to stay on topic. The idea with zero-drafting is to overcome the fear of starting. Writing is a creative process, and it is always helpful to generate material that you can work with later.
  3. Read your writing. Always remember that your paper will have an audience. While you are producing it, you are the audience. You can essentially tutor yourself by reading your own work to ensure it makes sense and that you're saying what you want to say.
  4. Create an outline.An outline can be simply a list of ideas and content that you want to address in your paper. If you have to include specific information in your paper (read the directions for the paper), you could turn the directions into an outline of sorts. An outline is just a structure like the frame of a house. You don't have to paint the walls yet, but you can take note that you need to have walls, for example.
  5. Use your outline and reorganize your zero draft into a first draft. The outline is like a list of critical criteria that must be included in your essay/paper. Your zero draft likely contains at least some bits and pieces that can be moved into the first draft. This is also where you want to start to bring in outside research material (if the paper calls for it).
  6. Read your first draft. Read your first draft carefully. Does it flow well? Do you have a clear argument? Is your argument easy to follow? Are you citing sources to validate the points you make? Does each paragraph logically transition to the next one?
  7. Revise your first draft into a second draft. As you read your first draft and ask yourself the questions above, you'll likely want to make some changes. These changes should be related to ensuring the paper flows well, has sufficient evidence presented, and is coherent and as grammatically accurate as possible. Once you do this, you have a second draft.
  8. Allow some time to pass. Maybe a day or so. This is a good time to point out that you should not begin a paper the day before it's due. Or even two days before it's due. Start your assignments as soon as you know about them, and devote some time each day to work on it with some days off along the way. The value of having enough time and allowing some break time in your writing process is that you gain perspective on what you're writing. When you're too close to a paper, it can be difficult to see what could be improved. Taking some time away from it allows you to get some distance from the assignment, so that when you return to it you can review it with a fresh perspective.
  9. Ensure you are correctly following the citation standard (APA, MLA, or Chicago Style) for your paper. Look at sample (published) papers that you can find on the internet. Ensure you have a proper citation style guide for APA and/or MLA. Academic journals also are good places to look to get a better feel for how to write a proper academic paper. Emulate published authors. This is one way to improve your writing style. Notice the ways that published authors communicate information, ideas, and how they structure their arguments.
  10. Explain your paper to someone. This can be done at almost any stage, and it is a fundamental tip about strengthening your writing. The more you try to talk about what you're writing, the more comfortable you will get with the subject matter and your ability to converse about it. If you notice how you talk about your subject matter, you may want to revise your paper if you are finding that you are explaining the subject matter more clearly than you are writing about it.
  11. Finalize your paper. Turn that second draft into a final draft. Read through it carefully. Try to read it as though you are the instructor. What grade would you give it? Why? Does the paper meet all the criteria for an A? If not, work on it until it does. At this point there may not need to be a whole lot to do except some minor details.
  12. Submit your paper on time. Take a breath, and relax. You're done! Now on to the next one.
• SSC Citation Resources

  Citation Resources

  American Psychology Association (APA) Citation Style

  What is APA?

  APA style refers to the American Psychological Association (APA) style, which is a format used to standardize writing and citations. By creating standard procedures and rules, APA helps ensure that writers and readers understand the structure of a paper and where the writer found and developed the ideas in their paper.

  APA style is most often used in social science fields, such as psychology and sociology, however it is also commonly used in business and education, among other fields. APA style is one of the most common citation styles, along with MLA (Modern Language Association) style and Chicago style.

  APA Citation Resources

  • Coastline Library's APA Citation Basics
  • Coastline Library's APA 7th Edition: Quick Guide
  • OWL Purdue APA General Format
    • OWL Purdue is a great resource for all kinds of citations. Purdue University is very reputable.
  • APA Style
    • These resources are from APA so they have some of the best recommendations.

   

  Modern Languages Association (MLA) Citation Style

  MLA style refers to the Modern Languages Association (MLA) style, which is commonly used in the language arts, cultural studies, and other humanities disciplines. By creating standard procedures and rules, MLA helps ensure that writers and readers understand the structure of a paper and where the writer found and developed the ideas in their paper.

  MLA is one of must commonly used citation styles along with APA and Chicago style.

  MLA Citation Resources

  •  Coastline Library's MLA Style Guide (8th ed.)
  • Coastline Library's MLA Citation Basics
  • OWL Prudue MLA General Format
    • OWL Purdue is a great resource for all kinds of citations and Purdue University is very reputable.
  • MLA Style Center online
    • These resources are from MLA! So they have some of the best recommendations.
• Finding Credible Sources

  How to Find Credible Sources

  The Coastline College Library provides training, support, and resources for Coastline students and enables you to find and evaluate information effectively.

  The library is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Coastline Library is 100% online to serve Coastline students.

  Search the Online Library

• Help with Applications

  Need Help with Applications?

  Transfer Center

  Preparing to transfer to a 4-year university? Learn more through Coastline's Transfer Center.

  Career Services

  Preparing for a job or graduate school application? Check out Coastline's Career Services.

Math Resources

We recommend Kahn Academy's FREE Online Practice Exercises and Instructional Videos in Math.

Science Resources

We recommend Kahn Academy's Kahn Academy's FREE Online Practice Exercises and Instructional Videos in Science.

College Readiness Program

College Readiness Program

College Readiness Program

Get extra practice in Math and/or English, working at your own pace - online - through the College Readiness program. It is completely FREE and open to all current and future Coastline students. You won't have to practice skills you already know and you won't be rushed into new exercises. Prepare for Coastline classes - even those that transfer to the UC and CSU systems.

Other Coastline Resources

Coronavirus Resources

Includes information on the ongoing pandemic, county resources, information on food and technology resources

Disability Services

Students with disabilities (e.g., mobility, communication, speech, hearing, learning, vision, acquired brain injury, developmental, psychological) are invited to request assistance from Special Programs and Services for the Disabled.

Veterans Resource Centers

The Coastline College Veterans Resource Centers (VRC) provide Coastline Student and Community Veterans with an informative and supportive environment so that they may explore the comprehensive array of resources available to them. The VRC provides Veterans with transition assistance, including personal assistance, educational guidance, and professional resource support services.

Umoja Community

UMOJA, Kiswahili meaning unity, is a community and critical resource dedicated to enhancing the cultural and educational experiences of African American and other students.

Intercultural Resource Center

Committed to developing all students into the most empowered version of themselves.

Extended Opportunity Programs & Services (EOPS)

EOPS is designed to help students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds achieve their academic goals - whether it be earning a certificate, associate's degree, or transferring to a four-year university. Under the EOPS umbrella we also have two other programs: CARE and NextUp.

Counseling

The mission of the Coastline College Counseling Department is to guide and support our diverse student population through their educational journey, while serving as the bridge across academic disciplines and student services throughout Coastline College to promote access, understanding, and communication.

Student Mental Health Services

Coastline supports students on their journey to enhance their overall well-being through mental health services. Mental health services are provided in office or online (virtually). Contact us for more information!

Online Tutoring through Canvas

Online Tutoring through Canvas

Online Tutoring through Canvas

The online tutors through each service provide assistance to help students clarify concepts and they can provide feedback and guidance on written assignments such as essays. Read more about each provider's specific services.