SIUC
Writing CenterSIUC
Writing CenterCan I drop off a writing project to be proofread? We do not proofread dropped off essays because we do something that will benefit you even more: we will work with you on any writing project--helping you identify the strengths and weaknesses in your essays and helping you develop effective approaches for revising on your own.
What happens during a Writing Center session? The conference will most likely begin with the tutor asking on what you would like to focus. If you want to work on a draft of an essay, the tutor will first read it and ask you to share your view of the work. The tutor will then probably ask about any sections that seem unclear or need further development. For example, the tutor may ask "Would you explain further what you mean here?" or "Could you give me any examples of that point?"Do I have to bring in a draft in order to use the Center? No. One of the best times to meet with a tutor can be when you're just getting started on a writing project. We can help you with ways to generate ideas for your essay, to understand the essay's purpose and audience, and to discover possible shapes the essay might take. And if the assignment involves research, we can work with you on approaches for finding and using sources.
What sort of students use the Centers? Students come to the Writing Centers with a broad range of writing abilities--from those with a lot of writing experience and very few writing problems to those with little writing experience and many writing problems. They also come from a variety of departments in the University and from every level, first-year to graduate. They need not be taking a composition course to attend, and all sessions are free.Does coming to a Writing Center mean my grades will improve? In the Centers, we focus on improving your writing ability and this process can take time. So while your grades may well improve as your writing ability improves, no sudden change is likely to occur.
Who tutors in the Writing Centers? Writing Center tutors include graduate assistants in English and Linguistics as well as practicum students and student workers with tutoring experience. The staff gets intensive training before the Centers open, and the practicum students continue in-depth training throughout the semester.How can I schedule an appointment? You may come to any Center for a single-visit appointment or for a regular weekly appointment. The majority of our sessions are regular weekly appointments that students may sign up for and keep for as much of the semester as they feel is productive. To obtain a regular weekly appointment, simply come to the Center where you want to be seen, and a staff member will try to find a time that matches your schedule. If you know you want a regular session, sign up early; the slots tend to go quickly. Students are limited to one regular appointment per week. Single-visit appointments are also available. They may be made two days prior at the Center where the individual wishes to be seen. Each student may sign up for only one single-visit appointment per week at any single Center.
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