Resources for Non-Native English Speakers.
Many resources exist for non-native English speakers. Below are a variety of resources to accompany you with your graduate-level writing.
Writing Assistance Programs
- Public Health Writing Program. Visit this program for assistance with public health styles of writing, framing your argument, flow and structure of your public health assignments.
- ESL Writing Skills Appointments. Visit this program on the Charles River Campus to help non-native speakers with grammar, punctuation, word choice, avoiding plagiarism, and citations.
- SPH Writing Seminar. This not-for-credit course meets weekly on the medical campus during fall semesters.
- Please note: None of these programs offer editing services, so please do not expect tutors and peer coaches to merely edit your paper. These are skill-building opportunities and a chance to collaborate with a peer on your assignment.
Grammar Resources
- Online Writing Lab ESL Student Resources. For a comprehensive look at English grammar and mechanics, visit this page.
- Grammar Lessons. Visit this page for a review of grammar lessons.
- Grammar Exercises. If a tutor suggested you work on a specific area, try to practice with these resources.
- Grammar/Usage Frequently Asked Questions. This includes resources on homonyms, when to capitalize, idioms, and more.
English Writing Resources
- American vs. British English. Many non-native English speaking students attend American universities having learned the British form of English. Not only are there pronunciation differences, but some vocabulary and spelling is slightly different from American English. While many professors will not count these differences against you, it is helpful to learn some of the differences to ensure your messages are clear.
- Spelling Differences. ESOL students commonly use the British spelling of words, such as “recognise” rather than “recognize” or “learnt” rather than “learned.”
- Vocabulary Differences. ESOL students may use terms like “petrol” instead of “gas” or “gasoline” and “maths” instead of “math.”
- Transitional Phrases. To help with the flow of your paper, consider using these phrases.
- English Idioms. Avoid these phrases in an effort to keep your writing professional.