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WELCOME July 3, 2008

Posted by arussell in : Consulting with us, International Students , comments closed

Welcome to Valparaiso University’s Writing Center. This summer we’ll be embarking on a common project with students in China who are studying to be students at Valpo this coming school year. We’re so excited and happy to meet you and look forward to getting to know you and your writing.

Cheers!

Summer Reading and Writing June 27, 2008

Posted by arussell in : Creative writing, International Students, CORE , add a comment

There are two things I do every summer:
1) I ride my bike
2) I read

So for the rainy days, what is your reading list? A friend of mine who is doing a Fulbright recently emailed me his reading list which included a large variety of texts. There was everything from biographies and histories to science and theology to novels. Why not give it a try? Look through the sections of the library and pick out a variety of books that are fun, challenging, perhaps a bit unusual or out of your normal field.

Together, my sister and I will be reading a book in Spanish this summer to help us keep in touch and keep in touch with our language skills while we’re out of classes.

But what happens to our writing during the summer? Mine tends to get a little rusty as I don’t work on essays or formal arguments for 3 months. I’m inspired by a friend of mine who is working to compile a history for a summer writing project. He found a topic of interest that was also important to his family and has started to gather the materials for a research project.

Perhaps try a hand at writing short papers after each of your summer readings. Here’s the assignment:

In one to two pages, write a short seminar on the text. Here are some questions to get you started
What was the author’s thesis? How did he/she support that thesis? Did the author use evidence well/poorly? Are you convinced by the author? Why or why not?

If you want someone to look at your seminar and give you feedback, send it in or ask a friend who has been reading with you.

ENJOY

Summer Hours May 19, 2008

Posted by jhicks in : Consulting with us, International Students, Uncategorized , add a comment

Are you in summer school? The Writing Center will be open this summer, weekdays, with a few exceptions here and there. You can either reach us through writing.center@valpo.edu, or stop by the Christopher Center for on-the-spot help or to to sign-up for an appointment.

Check out our blog pages or our categories–you will find a lot of help on many topics.

Use of Figurative Language in Arabic and English–A clip March 25, 2008

Posted by jhicks in : International Students, Multimedia , comments closed

In 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.

 
icon for podpress  Original Volume Recording with the SnowBall: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 
icon for podpress  Enhanced Recording with the SnowBall: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Consulting Online September 21, 2007

Posted by jhicks in : Consulting with us, International Students , comments closed

An 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.

International Chat with the WC! September 20, 2007

Posted by arussell in : International Students , add a comment

Newsflash from the Blue Light:

The Writing Center does more than just writing - we like to talk, too! On Tuesday afternoons at 4pm, the Writing Center hosts an International Conversation Group in Meier Hall, Room 142. Led by WC consultant Alison Russell, 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. Also, if you are an undergraduate or graduate student who has studied abroad, this is a perfect way to maintain your international connections and give back to the international community.

Playing games, debating “hot topics” in the news, 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 Tuesday afternoon! Come once, come twice, or come every week: everyone is welcome to join in the fun.