Canvas Writing Assignments (Turnitin Clarity)
This page provides a short student guide to completing writing assignments within the Canvas Writing Portal (also called Turnitin Clarity). If your professor has directed you to complete your writing assignment within Canvas, this guide is for you.
The Goal: Transparent Writing & Feedback
Completing a writing assignment in Canvas, as opposed to Microsoft Word, can be a real adjustment for you. There is likely some adjustment needed in your writing process, and this page exists to make that easier for you. Below, you will find a walkthrough video, giving you all the details on how to complete your writing assignment in Canvas. Writing in the Canvas assignment portal will provide transparency to your professor, offer opportunities for more substantive feedback, and give further clarity on your drafting and writing process.
Watch the Walkthrough
Get Started
- Open your Canvas assignment and read the instructions.
- Select Start Writing, title your paper, and begin.
- Check the green cloud with a check mark before leaving. Your draft saves automatically while connected to the internet.
- Return through the same assignment to continue writing.
Formatting at a Glance
Use this practical guide alongside your professor’s instructions. The video above and table below approximate the Southern Seminary Manual of Style; some layout details will differ slightly.
| Element | Format |
|---|---|
| Font & Size | Times New Roman, 12 point |
| Paper title | ALL CAPS · centered · not bold |
| First-level subheading | Title Case · centered · bold |
| Second-level subheading | Title Case · left aligned · bold |
| Third-level subheading | Title Case · left aligned · italic, not bold |
| Heading spacing | Add a blank line above subheadings |
| Paragraphs | Indent the first line |
Format headings manually. A separate title page is generally unnecessary for writing assignments completed in Canvas; follow your assignment’s requirements.
Footnotes & Writing Tools
- Footnotes: Use the Footnote tool; click the star to create a footnote, and click the number to edit. Follow the Manual of Style for citations.
- Grammar Checks and AI: Availability varies by assignment. Follow your professor’s instructions for permitted use.
- Preview: To see your paper as a final paginated document with footnotes, select Preview.
Before You Submit
- Check the assignment instructions.
- Review your headings, paragraph indents, and citations.
- Preview the paper using Preview.
- Select Submit in the upper-right corner.
A saved draft is not a submitted assignment. You can leave and return to your assignment until the due date, but you must submit the assignment when you are finished.
Questions?
Ask your professor or grader about requirements and formatting. For access help, contact Online Learning.