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Writing Center FAQs

Potential topics for a writing tutorial:

  • You and your tutor carefully read your writing and respond to it thoughtfully.
  • Your tutor asks questions about your writing and your writing process.
  • Your tutor helps you brainstorm ideas to get started on a writing or oral presentation assignment.
  • Your tutor listens as you talk through your ideas.
  • Your tutor answers questions about grammar and style.
  • Your tutor talks with you to help you organize your thoughts.
  • Your tutor suggests strategies for revising and proofreading your writing.
  • Your tutor assists you with applying citation rules.
  • Your tutor watches and listenes to your oral presentation and shares feedback.

When should you go to the Writing Center?

Writers are welcome and encouraged to seek tutoring at any stage of the writing process: brainstorming, organizing, drafting, revising, and/or editing (the same goes for oral presentations!). You might consider seeking assistance early in the writing process to allow time to implement revisions, edits, or other ideas generated in your tutorial. Feel free to return to the Writing Center several times to work on the same project.

What should you bring to the Writing Center?

Please bring the assignment, as well as any prewriting, outlining, or drafts that you have already created. If you haven't gotten that far, bring your questions and ideas. The Writing Center staff is happy to print your draft for you (for free!) once you arrive for your tutorial.

What if I don't feel confident about my writing? What will the tutor think?

Writing is a learned skill, and there is always room for improvement for even the most successful writers! Writing Center tutors are trained to assist you with your project, and they genuinely enjoy helping other students. They look forward to working with you!

Things your tutor can't do:

Do the writing or editing for you. Tutoring is a collaborative conversation where the writer makes decisions and revisions.

Anything else?

Tutorials often last approximately 30 minutes. Students can make appointments in advance through their Navigate Dashboard, but walk-ins are also welcome. The Writing Center is a FREE resource for all Roanoke College students.