Tutorials and Paper Conferences

Students should understand that the writing process minimally requires four tutorials of one-hour in length for completion of an entire writing assignment. To complete a writing assignment in the writing center, a visitor to the center should commit to attending four one-hour tutorials. However, you can drop in to work on a day to day basis.

The sequence is as follows:

Day 1

• Discuss the assignment
• Review syllabus and/or assignment sheet
• Analyze and discuss the reading(s)
• Brainstorm and free-write
• Clarify "working thesis"
• List the works to be cited

Day 2

• Review first draft and/or outline
• Acknowledge strengths of draft
• Writer reads paper aloud and writes notes for revision
• Clarify meaning and support of particular sections
• Check use of direct and indirect quotes to support statements

Day 3

• Review second draft and revised outline
• Writer reads paper aloud and writes notes for revision
• Assist writer in responding to counter-arguments and other perspectives
• Assist writer with other necessary revisions
• Complete and check list of works cited
• Begin assisting writer in proofreading and editing
• Writer independently proofreads and edits remainder of the paper

Day 4

• Proofread and edit 2-3 pages or 1/3 of coherent, final draft
• Polish final draft

Tutees are expected to be present for every visit scheduled for completion of the writing assignment.