Fifty years ago, students who turned in typewritten essays usually completed those papers on a manual typewriter; having access to a software editing program (let alone a computer) to aid in the process of writing an essay was virtually unthinkable. Today, however, students have more choices than ever when it comes to writing papers.
Sometimes, though, choices can make decisions difficult, especially when a student doesn't know if the available choices are helpful. Furthermore, while some students have no problems sitting down and writing an essay, others struggle with the process. Even having a word processing program (such as Microsoft Word) that helps format the paper isn't much help. Some students who have problems with writing papers may have heard of essay writing software and have likely asked the question, "Can I use it and does it help?"
How Essay Writing Software Works
Unlike unethical essay mills that will actually compose an essay for a student, essay writing software simply assists students as they write their essay. The student is still the author.
The way the software works depends upon the program. Some essay writing software programs focus on grammar, while others give writing prompts and suggestions throughout the essay. Some are actual product downloads while others are available online. Obviously, if a student chooses to use essay writing software, he will want to choose a product tailored to his needs; if he feels like he doesn't understand how to structure an essay, finding a program that focuses mainly on grammar won't necessarily be much help to him.
Should Students Use Essay Writing Software?
The ultimate choice of whether or not to use essay writing software depends upon the student. There is nothing unethical or wrong about using this type of software, again because the student is not plagiarizing or claiming someone else's work as her own. She is doing the writing; the essay writing product is simply giving her advice, much like someone in a writing lab would.
Some things a student might want to keep in mind when considering using essay writing software are the following:
- How much does it cost? Is the cost worth the product? Some products offer free services. Can the student get by simply using the "freebies," or does she need more in-depth help?
- Is the service only available online (and therefore only helpful when a student has internet access) or can it be downloaded on one's computer (and, if so, is the software compatible with the student's operating system)?
- Is the program comprehensive (taking the student through the essay writing process step by step) or is it merely an enhancement to tools the student already has? What specific requirements does the student have?
- Check out what others have to say: What do the testimonials say? Are they compelling and well written? Are there any reviews students can find online? Do some research before spending any money. If a particular product allows a student a trial run, take it. Make sure it's the right product before investing any hard-earned dollars.
Using Essay Writing Software is a Personal Choice
Many students are concerned about being accused of plagiarism and so many will sometimes avoid tools that will actually help them. Some students feel at ease with writing an essay, but many don't like or don't understand the process as well as they'd like. Essay writing software can ease some of the anxiety and may actually help students become better writers. If a computer program can help a student's confidence and writing ability, it may very well be worth the money.
TLE101
Cynthia Jones-Shoeman - Cynthia (“Cindy”) Jones-Shoeman earned her MA in English from Colorado State University in 2007; her thesis was "Toni ...
