Archive

by Michael Beck, Peer Consultant, University Writing Center Most American students are taught the importance of reading and writing, but that value often translates to being able to read and write. In the Middle Ages, setting the bar at being merely literate would have been striving for excellence. However, mere literacy often eclipses striving for …

by Angela Herrman, Faculty Consultant, University Writing Center Your paper is due in two days. You’re stuck. You’ve decided to make an appointment at the University Writing Center. But you’ve quickly discovered that all of the appointments are taken today … tomorrow … and for the next two weeks. This time of year, getting an …

by Angela Herrman, Faculty Consultant, University Writing Center [I] don’t like to write, but like having written. –Frank Norris (1870-1902) You’re a student. Because you’re a student, you’re also a writer. Nearly every class you take will require you to submit written assignments. You might not consider yourself a writer—you might even thoroughly dislike writing. …

by Alexandra Makris, Peer Consultant, University Writing Center One of my favorite conventions in writing that I have learned in college is the concept of the working thesis. What is a thesis, you ask? I will explain, happily (is there any other emotion to have when explaining a thesis statement? Considering it is about 30% …

by Jennifer Price Mahoney, Faculty Consultant, University Writing Center Ah, summer. No classes. Long days. Downtime for some pleasure reading? If you’re lucky enough to have a few days off during the warm weather, you may find yourself looking for a good book. And if you’re a budding writer, you may want to read a …

by Brett Green, Guest Blogger, IUPUI Undergraduate As college students, we writers have so much going on — other classes, jobs, social obligations, etc., — that we often forget the most important steps in writing: prewriting, drafting, and revising. I would bet that if I took a poll, a majority of students who write any …

by James White, Student Consultant, University Writing Center As previously mentioned in an earlier post by one of our resident UWC badasses, George Carlin had a very famous routine that involved seven words that should never be said on television. Forty-four years later and one of the last words on his list was recently spoken …

by Sarah Evans, Student Consultant, University Writing Center Our writing consultants have sent in some of their favorite memes that keep them laughing about writing, grammar, and the English language! If you’re in a bit of a sludge after spring break or stuck by writer’s block, take a quick break and enjoy the general silliness …

by Sarah Evans, Student Consultant, University Writing Center With thousands of words available in the English language, there’s no reason not to spice up your papers with some snazzy words. What are your favorite words to use? 1. Allege: claim or assert that someone has done something illegal or wrong, typically without proof The conspirators …