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Paralegal

Legal Writing Websites

Paralegal Legal Writing: Using the IRAC Method

Created by the American Institute for Paralegal Studies

Writing Guides

If you need writing assistance, contact Academic Support and Tutoring to meet with a free writing tutor, or use the guides below.

Bluebook

The Bluebook can be found in the Reference section of the MCC Library. You may use the book in the library, but since it is a reference book, it cannot be checked out.

Links to Bluebook Help

Paraphrases and Quotes

Not sure what the difference is between paraphrasing, summarizing and quoting? 

Paraphrasing: "Paraphrasing involves putting a passage from source material into your own words. A paraphrase must also be attributed to the original source. Paraphrased material is usually shorter than the original passage, taking a somewhat broader segment of the source and condensing it slightly." from Purdue Owl

Summarizing: A summary is "much shorter that the original source. If your aim is to summarize a long passage, look for the author's most important ideas." from The Curious Writer

Quoting: A quote contains the exact words from a source. Don't forget to use quotation marks and cite the source.

If you need further help, try these websites:

Guidelines for Avoiding Plagiarism

This short guide will explain plagiarism and how to avoid it.

Academic Integrity

To learn about McLennan Community College’s expectations regarding academic integrity and the consequences of cheating, plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty, please review Academic Integrity: A Student’s Responsibilities.

Academic Support and Tutoring

A bright yellow notebook lies in the center of a desk with the word "tutoring" written on it.

Academic Support and Tutoring (AST) provides free tutoring to MCC students (including writing and citation assistance) and free support and tutorials for college-related software.

AST offers in-person support in the Learning Commons, located on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the Learning Technology Center (LTC). You can also reach out to AST via phone, Zoom, or email.

Use the link above to learn more about AST and locate its contact information and hours. 

Image courtesy of Adobe Stock.