If the name suggests an image of mad geniuses crafting their next world-shaking creation, you're on the right track. Essay Lab is a free tool from Shmoop that will walk your students through the entire essay-writing process, from brainstorming and fact-finding to finishing touches and formatting.

Here are four nifty ways to help your students get the most out of Essay Lab:

1. Start with the basics.

Some students know how to write a brilliant, well-supported thesis statement. Others...don't. Essay Lab's Building Blocks options can be used as a refresher course or boot camp to teach students how to write killer thesis statements and praiseworthy paragraphs before diving into the whole essay enchilada.

2. Explore different essay types.

Most high school students think analysis and persuasive are the only essay types out there. If you don't tell them otherwise, they'll start analyzing in cover letters and persuading in narratives.

Spice things up by assigning them a reaction essay, or asking them to write a review of their favorite (or least favorite) movie.

Approaching essays from a new angle will help make those brain muscles more flexible outside the walls of the school.

3. Suggest it for college and job apps.

For years you've been telling students how essential great writing skills will be in their future lives. Now prove it. Essay Lab has brainstorm prompts, videos, and writing help for everything from college application essays to cover letters.

4. Keep it low-stress.

ACT® essays, SAT® essays, lab reports, mathematical proofs...high school writing is not for the faint of heart. That's why each Essay Lab breaks essays down into manageable chunks with generous helpings of advice and humor thrown in for good measure. Focusing on essay writing step by step gives weak writers a boost, helps overachievers chill out, and keeps brain explosions to a minimum.

Whether your students are trying to knock the socks off standardized test graders or apply for a job folding socks at the mall, awesome writing skills will set them apart from the crowd.

Interested in getting Shmoop into your school or district? Email sales@shmoop.com and let our Sales Shmooperstars know who you are and what you're looking for.

Just have a question about something in Shmoopland? Hit us up at support@shmoop.com. It's kind of gross how often we check our email, so we'll get back to you in the blink of a cursor.

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