• Get started on a writing assignment.
• Organize your essay.
• Fine-tune a draft.
• Find resources for writing in the disciplines.
• Find resources for APA, MLA, Chicago, and CBE styles.
• Avoid plagiarism.
• Find out whether your creative writing has the desired effect.
• Figure out grammar and punctuation rules.
• Make sure important cover letters, change-of-major essays, and resumes are of professional quality.
• Study for the Praxis test required for education majors.

How can the Writing Center help you prepare for the Praxis^tm exam?

• Attend the Weekly Grammar Workshop series offered every fall.  Check e-mail and bulletin boards for announcements.
• Visit the Center for Human Development to use Plato, a computerized simulation and tutorial that will give you instant feedback.  Bring your Plato printouts to the Writing Center.  A tutor will go over the test with you to clear up any questions you have.  Tutors often provide mini-lessons on the conventions of grammar and punctuation illustrated in the computerized test.
• Meet with Writing Center tutors for one-on-one sessions to suggest test-taking strategies, discuss how the Praxis is scored, and go over sample questions and answers.  The writing portion of the Praxis is made up of three parts, so you will benefit from multiple tutoring sessions.
• Practice writing Praxis essays.  While the Writing Center can suggest writing prompts, tutors cannot score the essays written by clients.  Instead, tutors can go over scoring criteria and offer feedback.

Do we correct grammar?

Yes and no.  We do not “fix” your paper and send you on your way.  Our philosophy is to provide every client with a new piece of information or a new idea that will help his or her writing, not just on this assignment, but on all the assignments and real-world writing to come.

Do we respond to content?

Yes.  But we are smart enough to know that we do not know everything.  Most of us will ask you to talk about your assignment, your audience, and your objectives.  You have control of your paper.  We are there to help you make sure you are saying what you mean to say.

What happens once I’m at the Writing Center?

A tutor will greet you and help you sign in. The two of you will work together on your assignment.  Tutors have individual styles, but one thing they have in common is a commitment to helping you become a better writer.  Because the Writing Center’s mission is educational, we do not guarantee perfect writing; we do, however, guarantee that we will help you strive toward perfection.

If you come to the Writing Center with a need related to writing but not exactly a writing assignment, we can help.  From Praxis study materials to APA style guides, we have a room full of print and electronic resources.  Our most valuable resource is our tutors.

Do you have a Writing Center brochure?

To download a Word copy, click here.