What will Tutors do and not do for Student Writers?

  • Tutors will help at all points in writing.

    • Writers can talk to a tutor about a writing assignment before even beginning to write it.
    • Writers can show tutors notes, idea lists, and other explorations.
    • Writers can bring in rough drafts for help on how to revise to make sure the drafts make sense to a reader.
    • Writers can bring in almost-finished papers for help with polishing.

  • Tutors will help with organization and development.

    • Writers can ask for help in figuring out what they want to say.
    • Writers can talk to a tutor about developing more ideas to write about.
    • Writers can bring in a paper that has all their ideas and ask for advice on reorganizing those ideas for a better flow.
    • Writers can meet with a tutor about using transitions to tie ideas together.

  • Tutors will help with style and mechanics.

    • Writers can ask about improving sentence length and variation.
    • Writers can get help in shaping an argument.
    • Writers can seek advice on a piece's tone, diction, and voice.
    • Writers can get help in writing proper bibliographies.
    • Writers can talk to a tutor about evaluating and incorporating outside sources.
    • Writers can ask for help on formatting papers.

  • Tutors will help with grammar and punctuation.

    • Writers can ask for help on how to proofread and copy-edit.
    • Writers can go to a tutor for explanations of handbook terms.
    • Writers can ask a tutor to look over specific corrections they have made.

  • Tutors will not do the work for the writer.

    • Writers may not drop off their papers for tutors to fix. This also means writers cannot just sit and be uninvolved in a tutor session.
    • Writers cannot avoid the work of writing, revising, or editing by working with a tutor.

  • Writers CAN expect the tutor to help them write more effectively themselves.

  • Writers CAN expect the tutor to be knowledgeable about writing issues that may be challenging.

  • Writers CAN expect the tutor to be an attentive, respectful, and helpful outside reader of the work.

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