If you have questions about the course material or problems with an assignment, do not be afraid to seek extra help from your instructor or others at your school.
Writing centers
Most colleges have writing centers (sometimes called writing labs) staffed with instructors or experienced students, often called writing tutors or consultants. They can assist you at various stages of the writing process. The tutors are typically trained to help in the following areas:
It is important to remember that writing center tutors provide guidance, not proofreading services. With their help, you can learn to analyze assignments and evaluate your own writing. They are not there just to “fix” your mistakes. The more prepared you are for your visit and the more willing you are to discuss your writing problems, the more productive your time with the tutor will be.
Before you visit the writing center, think about specific problems you are having with your assignment. Maybe you don’t know what the assignment is asking you to do. Maybe you have a lot of sources but don’t know how to organize them. Maybe you’re stuck on one paragraph. Make a list of specific problems, and try to organize them into several questions you can ask the tutor. Bring materials related to your assignment to show the tutor as useful background: the assignment itself, an outline if you’ve made one, notes, drafts, and source materials. Be prepared to discuss your writing actively—to ask the tutor questions and to respond to questions the tutor asks you.
The chart below can help you prepare for a visit to the writing center.
Instructor’s office hours
In some cultures, visiting an instructor’s office may be considered disrespectful. However, instructors in the United States usually encourage students to visit them during their office hours. Check your course syllabus to determine when your instructor is available. If you are confused by an assignment or uncertain about any course material, don’t be afraid to ask your instructor for help.
Helpful Web sites
Many online writing centers and ESL Web sites provide helpful information and exercises for practice. Here are a few of them.
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This site, sponsored by the Internet TESL Journal, provides quizzes, tests, exercises, and puzzles submitted by ESL teachers.
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This well-known site offers several resources for students: grammar lessons, quizzes, and a discussion board where you can post questions and receive advice from students and teachers around the world.
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Using clear examples and detailed explanations, this site includes comprehensive coverage of everything from punctuation to research. It also includes quizzes on various grammar and writing issues.
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This site has a wide variety of exercises—from the everyday to the academic—that provide audio files for listening and quizzes to test understanding.
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This news and information site allows users to read along as they listen to audio files of articles about English grammar and usage. The site also includes word games and quizzes.
Before your visit
To benefit from the time with your tutor, you must prepare and plan ahead.
the assignment provided by the instructor (it may also help to have other course materials, such as the syllabus or any writing samples)
a printout of your essay draft
copies of any sources you have cited in your paper
previous papers with instructor comments and grades
During your visit
Understand the limitations of the visit. Tutors can make suggestions to improve your paper, but they will not rewrite it for you. Also be aware that, because of time limitations, your tutor may not have time to review your entire paper. During your session, be sure to make the most of your time with your tutor.
After your visit
Remember that you are the author, and it is your decision whether or not to make the changes suggested by the tutor. After your visit, reflect on your discussion with the tutor.