Productivity
Tools for writing
Productivity
Tools for writing
Productivity
Tools for writing
Summary
Writing is often considered one of the cornerstones of academic study, and mastering the skills needed for this is important for most students. Academic writing can involve overcoming a number of barriers, but there are some great tools that can do some of the heavy lifting for you.
Summary
Writing is often considered one of the cornerstones of academic study, and mastering the skills needed for this is important for most students. Academic writing can involve overcoming a number of barriers, but there are some great tools that can do some of the heavy lifting for you.
Read this article
1.5m
Tools you may already have
Both Microsoft Word and Google Docs have built-in dictation tools, enabling you to get ideas into writing by saying them aloud. This can help with drafting initial thoughts, with how to spell specific words, and with working more efficiently.
Microsoft Word: Home tab > Dictate
Google Docs: Tools menu > Voice typing
Alternatively, having your work read back to you can help hear how it sounds and support proofreading, so the Read Aloud feature of other accessibility tools for reading text aloud can be helpful (see Tools for reading for more details)
Our favourite free tool
Academic Phrasebank was created by the University of Manchester and can help with academic writing at any level. It breaks down how to write your work concisely and purposefully, giving suggestions on general language and essay structuring such as writing conclusions. Whether you’re writing your first essay or a dissertation, this free resource has information for everyone.
Paid-for tools
Grammarly is a tool to help with all aspects of writing and works wherever you are writing to support spelling and grammar. It’s free to sign up and use but offers a premium subscription that gives access to additional tools, such as a plagiarism checker and AI features.
MindMup lets you start creating mindmaps instantly so that you can brainstorm and create document outlines in a visual way. MindMup has a free option for creating public mindmaps, or a paid option to have your own private account.
Read this article
1.5m
Tools you may already have
Both Microsoft Word and Google Docs have built-in dictation tools, enabling you to get ideas into writing by saying them aloud. This can help with drafting initial thoughts, with how to spell specific words, and with working more efficiently.
Microsoft Word: Home tab > Dictate
Google Docs: Tools menu > Voice typing
Alternatively, having your work read back to you can help hear how it sounds and support proofreading, so the Read Aloud feature of other accessibility tools for reading text aloud can be helpful (see Tools for reading for more details)
Our favourite free tool
Academic Phrasebank was created by the University of Manchester and can help with academic writing at any level. It breaks down how to write your work concisely and purposefully, giving suggestions on general language and essay structuring such as writing conclusions. Whether you’re writing your first essay or a dissertation, this free resource has information for everyone.
Paid-for tools
Grammarly is a tool to help with all aspects of writing and works wherever you are writing to support spelling and grammar. It’s free to sign up and use but offers a premium subscription that gives access to additional tools, such as a plagiarism checker and AI features.
MindMup lets you start creating mindmaps instantly so that you can brainstorm and create document outlines in a visual way. MindMup has a free option for creating public mindmaps, or a paid option to have your own private account.
Written by Amy Back
Written by Amy Back
0:00/1:34
Summary
Writing is often considered one of the cornerstones of academic study, and mastering the skills needed for this is important for most students. Academic writing can involve overcoming a number of barriers, but there are some great tools that can do some of the heavy lifting for you.
Read this article
Writing is often considered one of the cornerstones of academic study, and mastering the skills needed for this is important for most students. Academic writing can involve overcoming a number of barriers, but there are some great tools that can do some of the heavy lifting for you.
Tools you may already have
Both Microsoft Word and Google Docs have built-in dictation tools, enabling you to get ideas into writing by saying them aloud. This can help with drafting initial thoughts, with how to spell specific words, and with working more efficiently.
Microsoft Word: Home tab > Dictate
Google Docs: Tools menu > Voice typing
Alternatively, having your work read back to you can help hear how it sounds and support proofreading, so the Read Aloud feature of other accessibility tools for reading text aloud can be helpful (see Tools for reading for more details)
Our favourite free tool
Academic Phrasebank was created by the University of Manchester and can help with academic writing at any level. It breaks down how to write your work concisely and purposefully, giving suggestions on general language and essay structuring such as writing conclusions. Whether you’re writing your first essay or a dissertation, this free resource has information for everyone.
Paid-for tools
Grammarly is a tool to help with all aspects of writing and works wherever you are writing to support spelling and grammar. It’s free to sign up and use but offers a premium subscription that gives access to additional tools, such as a plagiarism checker and AI features.
MindMup lets you start creating mindmaps instantly so that you can brainstorm and create document outlines in a visual way. MindMup has a free option for creating public mindmaps, or a paid option to have your own private account.
Written by Amy Back
Amy has experience supporting placement students in industry, and as an Assistive Technology Trainer within the DSA. They are passionate about students getting the most out of their assistive technology, informed by their work with students and their own experiences of ADHD and Dyslexia.
Written by Amy Back
Amy has experience supporting placement students in industry, and as an Assistive Technology Trainer within the DSA. They are passionate about students getting the most out of their assistive technology, informed by their work with students and their own experiences of ADHD and Dyslexia.