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The Writing Center provides
support for all students and members of the community who are interested in
becoming better writers.
Undergraduate and graduate
student tutors offer assistance at any stage in the writing process, from
interpreting the assignment to reviewing a final draft.
How do I make an appointment?
Call us at (312.413.2206) or drop by 105 Grant Hall.
Please note: You can make up to two appointments per week. Tutors are in
demand, so call in advance. You don't need to have a paper finished to see
a tutor.
If you have an appointment and can't make it, please cancel in advance. If
you are late and students are waiting in line for an appointment, we may
have to give your appointment away.
Is the Writing Center for me?
The Writing Center is for all students who want to talk to other students
about their writing. We welcome all writers, whether they hate writing or
if they're at the top of your class. Students may use the Writing Center if
English is their first, second, or fifteenth language. Get more out of your
UIC experience by visiting the Writing Center.
How will a visit to the UIC Writing Center improve my
writing?
If you devote time and energy to learning to write, your writing will
steadily improve; however, all writers, beginning and experienced, need
feedback from another person at some stage of the writing process.
Talking about your writing concerns with a tutor will help you to better
judge the shape and clarity of your ideas and revise your paper
accordingly. Although no one can expect to become a better writer in a
single tutoring session, working with a tutor often will be significant
step toward becoming the best writer you can be.
When should I come to the Writing Center?
You can come talk about your ideas before beginning to write or get
feedback on your outline. You can work on an introduction or a thesis. Come
whenever you want to make some changes or put a little extra work into your
writing. Students who come regularly don't only get better papers--they
become better writers.
Do I need to finish a paper before I come to the Writing
Center?
No. In fact, talking to a tutor while you are planning ideas is a good way
to get over “writer’s block” or to overcome procrastination. Bring in the
instructions for the assignment or your notes and your tutor will help you
get started.
You can bring an assignment for class, a section of a longer work, a
resume, or a letter of application. If you are bringing an assignment for
class, make sure to bring a description of that assignment (i.e., an
assignment sheet or course syllabus). Come with some questions or ideas
about what you would like to focus on.
Who are the tutors?
The tutors are other students at UIC. Our tutors major in many different
subjects, including biology, computer science, and sociology. They have
been successful at writing in their courses and have come to the Writing Center
to help other students.
In their training, tutors learn more about the priorities of academic
writing and the strategies used to develop, organize, and communicate ideas
effectively.
Tutors enjoy talking to other students and learning about different classes
and writing assignments. You can expect your tutor to be attentive and
respectful.
What can tutors offer? What does it cost?
Writers learn best from getting a variety of perspectives on their writing.
Tutors can't do your work for you, but they sure can help kick things up a
notch.
Unlike in class, in a one-on-one writing center conference, a tutor can
take an hour to hear you out. We’ll take things one step at a time, share
writing experiences, talk about what we've seen other writers do--the
possibilities are limitless. Best of all, being tutored at the Writing Center
will cost you nothing.
What is a
tutoring session like?
Your tutor and you will read your paper and your assignment. Once you and
your tutor decide on the area of the essay that you wish to address, you
will spend fifty minutes working together on your common goal.
As a sympathetic reader, the tutor will ask questions and provide suggestions
that will help you reflect on your ideas and concerns. If you make
conversations with peer tutors a habit, you will grow both as reader and
writer.
Can I become a tutor?
Yes. Some of our best tutors were tutored at the Writing Center before they
joined our staff.
Tutoring is rewarding, challenging and fun. It's a great way to develop
skills in writing, communication and leadership. You can get involved by
taking English
222, which is open to students of all majors.
To take the course, you need to be a sophomore with an A or a B in a course
that required extensive writing and be willing to enjoy the company of the
most diverse group of people on this side of the Chicago river.
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Disclaimer: The Writing Center is committed to accommodating the
needs of its clients provided that such accommodations maintain the
standards of academic integrity established by the university.
Discrimination on the basis of race, class, religion, gender, or ability is
prohibited.
Contact the webmaster for questions or
comments about the website.
Copyright © 2006 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
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