SSRC Resources

Helpful resources for you - from the Student Success Resource Center - in Math, Science, Writing, and other areas.

SSRC Workshops

Workshops are hosted online throughout the semester.

Subject Specific Help

Math Resources

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

Science Resources

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

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.
• SSRC 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:

  • APA7 Citation Basics Worksheet (.docx) - Coastline College Library
  • APA Style Guide - Golden West College Library
  • 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:

  • MLA9 Citation Basics Worksheet (.docx) - Coastline College Library
  • MLA Style Guide - Golden West College Library
  • OWL Purdue 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 eBooks and Databases through the Online Library.

• Help with Applications

  Need Help with Applications?

  Visit the Career and Transfer Center (CTC), located at the Student Services Center in Fountain Valley.

  Transfer Services

  Preparing to transfer to a 4-year university? Check out Coastline's Transfer Services.

  Career Services

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

Related Pages

Online Tutoring

Online tutoring service accessed through canvas. Tutors provide assistance to students, clarifying concepts and/or providing feedback and guidance on written assignments.

Student Services

Resources to make sure you can continue school no matter the challenge: basic needs, counseling, IT, health care, disability accommodations, and more.

College Readiness Program

Get extra practice in Math and/or English. Work online and at your own pace. Completely FREE and open to all current and future Coastline students.