University Writing Center Blog

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 …

by Alexandra Makris, Student Consultant, University Writing Center Sometimes it seems that the world could be split into those who read and those who do not. Of course, it could be further split into more complicated groupings, such as the “I enjoy reading, but I have a busy life” and the “I don’t like to …

by Patrick Stutz, W496 Seminarian [Disclaimer: procrastination is a dangerous activity. Attempt at your own risk. By reading on, you assume full liability for poor procrastination outcomes and hereby waive your rights to blame the author. The views described herein do not reflect the opinion, values, or views of the University Writing Center. Viewer discretion …

by Megan Gudeman, Peer Consultant, University Writing Center School’s finally back in session, which means homework is also hot on its heels. I know I already had a couple multi-page reports that were due the other day, and classes have only just begun. As we all begin to get our syllabuses and look over calendars …

by Jennifer Price Mahoney, Interim Director, University Writing Center In 1972, comedian George Carlin released a now-famous routine called “The Seven Words You Can Never Say on TV.” When the routine was broadcast, uncensored, by a radio station in California, an indecency lawsuit was launched that cast a spotlight on public language; testimony included examples …