HWC Resources for Caltech Writers
The resources on this page have been created by HWC staff or other experts at Caltech with the goal of supporting the specific types of academic writing that Caltech writers often compose. We are always working to add new resources, so if you would like support on a topic that isn't addressed here, please email us.
Genres or Types of Academic Writing and Communication
Academic Proposals and Research
- Abstracts (Description and annotated models)
- Data Visualization (Links to Caltech Library's Resources)
- Figure Captions for Papers and Posters (A guide with models)
- Grant proposals (Genre description and guidelines)
- Lab reports (A guide for academic and industry contexts)
- Posters (Genre description, guidelines, and annotated models)
- Storytelling in Scientific Writing
- SURF Proposal (Introductory slide deck, 2025)
Academic Applications
- Graduate School Statements of Purpose (A brief overview)
- Approaching the Graduate School Statement of Purpose (Step-by-step packet, Caltech access only)
- Diversity Statements (A detailed guide to their key qualities and purpose)
Coursework
The Writing Process
In All Disciplines
- Writing and Procrastination
- Making the Time to Write (And Actually Writing)
- Generating a Draft without Getting Blocked
- Revising with Reverse Outlines
- Dictation as a Writing Tool
In STEM Disciplines
Understanding Plagiarism
- Understanding and Avoiding Plagiarism (General guidelines)
- Understanding and Avoiding Plagiarism: Seven Types of Plagiarism and Source Misuse (From Caltech's undergraduate plagiarism module)
- Avoiding Plagiarism: Guidelines and Expectations for Writing in the Humanities and Social Sciences at Caltech (Link to Division of Humanities and Social Science's guidelines for courses)
- Checklist for Avoiding Plagiarism
Writing in the Humanities
Working with sources in the humanities