Visit early in the writing process.

Coming early in the writing process allows you more time to revise your writing before the assignment is due. Waiting until the last minute to see a writing mentor will not give you the maximum benefit of what we have to offer.

Bring the assignment instructions and related rubrics.

Having a copy of the assignment instructions and any rubrics that accompany it will give the writing mentor a better understanding of how to guide you in your writing. For example, if you are in the beginning stage of the writing process, the mentor may ask you questions that will help you brainstorm ideas for the paper. If you are further on in the writing process, the mentor will help you develop your ideas further by asking you questions such as “What argument are you trying to make?” or “What evidence in your writing supports that argument?”

Come with specific questions to be addressed.

The best sessions involve active thinking and participation. The mentor wants to know where you are in the writing process and what problems you are having. Be specific in your questions. What exactly is the area that you want to improve? Sentence structure? Grammar? Developing a thesis or paragraph? Citations? Knowing your concerns allows the mentor to better guide you through those problem areas.

CorrectEnglish®

Do an online check of your grammar, punctuation, spelling, and style with the CorrectEnglish Web® program accessible through the Writing Center.