The Very Quick Guide to Organizing your Paper August 24, 2009
Posted by jhicks in : CORE, Content, Essay Planning, International Students , add a commentMany students organize papers in a deductive organization. This means the first paragraph has a clear statement of the thesis, including its major premise and significance. The rest of the paper presents paragraphs of evidence. A good thesis sentence has a key phrase that can be used throughout the essay.
Ideally, many paragraphs begin with a sentence that sums up the major point of the paragraph. The topic sentence will use key phrases from the thesis sentence.
The conclusion will further discuss the significance of the thesis. The conclusion might make a prediction related to the thesis, suggest ideas for further analysis at another time, or add one more thought-provoking point related to the thesis.
Use of Figurative Language in Arabic and English–A clip October 1, 2008
Posted by jhicks in : International Students, Multimedia , comments closedIn this clip recorded with the Snowball mic, a writer whose first language is Arabic and three writing consultants ponder use of figurative language.
This version of the clip was enhanced with Audacity to equalize the volumes.
This is the unenhanced clip; speakers were at various distances from the Snowball mic.
Original Volume Recording with the SnowBall: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download Enhanced Recording with the SnowBall: Play Now | Play in Popup | DownloadInternational Chat with the WC! September 29, 2008
Posted by arussell in : International Students , add a commentNewsflash from the Blue Light:
The Writing Center does more than just writing – we like to talk, too! On Thursday afternoons at 4pm, the Writing Center hosts an International Conversation Group in Mueller Hall, Room 112. Led by WC consultant Troy Morris, this group is perfect for International/Interlink students who would like to improve their English conversation skills, as well as native English speakers who enjoy chatting and learning about others’ cultures.
Playing games, discussing cultural norms, and chatting in small groups are some of the highlights of group meetings. The conversation is always relaxed and interesting. Group meetings are an easy opportunity to get to know more Valpo students!
Try us out next Thursday afternoon! Come once, come twice, or come every week: everyone is welcome to join in the fun. More more information, mail to writing.center@valpo.edu.
Consulting Online September 21, 2007
Posted by jhicks in : Consulting with us, International Students , comments closedAn online appointment works well either in the first draft or nearly finished. Your reader will send you an overall response and also make comments in the margin or text. You’ll find questions about ideas and content, suggestions for additions, and tips for corrections in style or usage. When will you hear from us? Usually within 24 hours, but keep in mind our consultants take a break on the weekend until Sunday evening.
The down side of online consultations . . .we can’t talk with each other. The best ideas come from conversation–tossing around ideas, jotting down notes, and making corrections. To try it out, send to writing.center@valpo.edu . Be sure to explain the assignment and include questions you have. International students: please come in to meet in person for your first consultation.