Find yourself staring at a blank page or procrastinating on a writing assignment? Then, the big question is: How to get started writing? Consider using a document template.
A template could be a useful guide for organizing your ideas and information. So, after brainstorming and organizing, use a template to begin plugging-in information.
With any writing project, check out the pre-made templates in Microsoft Word and Google Docs. Some of the templates, like the Book Report template in Google Docs, assist with the writing process by giving instructions and prompts for how to write a book report. Other templates do not provide writing prompts; they merely offer a way to format your writing project with a title, headings, and other components.
Get started by logging into your free Microsoft account and free Google account.
Microsoft: Templates for Word Online
Steps to locate the library of Word templates:
- Log into Word Online.
- Under the heading New, click the words More Templates on the right side.
- On the Select a Template page, scroll to the bottom and press Explore All Templates.
- Type a search term. See the examples below.
- Select a template. Click Customize in Word.
Search term examples:
- For education: student report, poetry booklet, writing journal
- For business category: business plan, meeting agenda, business paper
- For letters: business letter, recommendation letter
Note: Some of the templates may be premium templates that require an Microsoft 365 subscription to download.
Google: Templates for Google Docs
Steps to locate the Docs template gallery:
- Log into Google Docs.
- You will see the words Start a New Document at the top of the page, on the left. At the top, on the right, click the words Template Gallery.
- Browse the template list and select a template.
Few examples of Docs templates by category:
- Letters – Letter, Business letter, Informal letter
- Work – Project proposal, Meeting notes, Business process manual
- Education – Essay, Report, Book report
More tools for getting started on a writing project
Explore all the tech tools to help you get started on a writing project. First, break the assignment into small manageable pieces. Then, just let your thoughts free flow. Capture those thoughts using a graphic organizer or a dictation tool. Next, organize your ideas and find a template to provide structure to your writing. And use collaboration tools if working with a group and/or for peer review and editing.
- Break the writing task into small steps. Use a digital calendar with reminders for each step.
- Brainstorm and organize ideas using a graphic organizer
- Record ideas or write a draft using a dictation tool
- Use collaboration tools for collaborative projects or or peer review
Start your journey to greater efficiency
Are you ready to transform the way you learn, work, or manage tasks at home? My mission is to help you implement mainstream assistive technology to enhance your daily life. I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
Let’s work together to identify your unique needs and preferences, and create a plan that helps you reach your goals with confidence.
Contact me today to explore how digital support tools can make a real difference in your life. Your journey to greater efficiency and empowerment can begin now.
Related posts
- Research Phase of Writing: Learn about digital support tools for reading comprehension from the Reading Toolkit page.
- Editing Phase of Writing: Learn about digital support tools for writing conventions (spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and grammar) from the Writing Toolkit page.