From Sean Kelly, Director of the Writing Center
The online paper submission tool can be an effective way for undergraduate and graduate students at Wilkes University to find assistance with their writing, especially during the summer months, when the F2F Writing Center is closed.
However, the online (asynchronous) format is best suited for graduate students. We encourage undergraduate students to make connections while also receiving support with their writing in a quiet, welcoming space when possible (during our Fall and Spring hours) and to also feel empowered to choose which method is best for them.
Be as specific as possible
Where do you need support? On the submission form, you’ll be asked to choose from a variety of common issues in writing.
Planning
Not sure where to start? Bring your rubric and let’s discuss what you’ve been thinking about or how to find the topic that’s best for you. Outlining helps to navigate writing projects of any size.
Development of Argument
You know you need to pick a side, but which one? We can help you explore the structure of arguments and how they function in academic writing so you feel confident as the author of your papers.
Organization
Can’t get your ideas sorted out? Find yourself running out of steam before you’re halfway through? Here’s where we can help outline, review your thesis or consider a new topic.
Textual Support
You need a quote, but from who? Your support acts as evidence, whether it comes from a poem or an encyclopedia. How do you know which words are best and who’s saying it best? We can show you how to utilize outside texts to work alongside your writing.
Grammar & Mechanics
Everyone struggles with grammar! We can help you sort it out.
Citation
Who said what and when? What happens if I’m citing a movie? Do I need to list all six of the authors? All of this can be reviewed to avoid accidental plagiarism and maintain format standards.
Ask Useful Questions
The topics included here are meant to spark your thinking about what you are seeking help with. The goal is for students (you!) to articulate the specific issues you want the consultant to address.
For example, with “development of argument,” you might explain what you are trying to accomplish in your argument and why you are unsure about your approach. Rather than simply answering “grammar and mechanics,” you might highlight sentences that you are unsure about and ask specific questions about them.
For citation issues, “I’ve looked at the model, but I still don’t understand how to cite a work with no author in APA.” This allows your peer consultant to target their response toward specific issues. Ultimately, the peer consultant’s goal is to help you learn the skills and approaches that will empower you to write and write well.
Form Submission Examples
Here are two examples of students’ actual responses to the question: “In what specific areas would you like feedback on your draft (planning, development of argument, organization, textual support, grammar and mechanics, citation)?”
- Answer 1: “grammar and mechanics, citation”
- Answer 2: “I need help with my thesis statement and conclusion. I also want to ensure that the paper's organization and flow are good. Did I provide a good enough argument?”
While answer 1 simply lists items from the parenthetical list of possible topics, answer 2 engages the consultant with specific concerns and questions about the writing process. The consultant may not be able to cover everything requested by the second student. They will likely be more effective in guiding the student in the writing process.
The second answer begins a conversation about the writing process:
- What is a thesis statement?
- What makes a thesis effective?
- What makes a conclusion effective?
- What could be done (from a reader’s perspective) to make this conclusion more persuasive?
- What do we mean when we say that a paper “flows”?
- In the context of writing, what does the idea of “flow” correspond to (organization, transitions, paragraphing, coherence, etc.)?
- What additional evidence might be needed to strengthen this argument?
Follow Up Appointments
You are encouraged to follow up with your consultant with additional questions or follow-up appointments. Consider how quickly this question can be answered:
- Is an email brief enough?
- Can I have this meeting over a quick Zoom call?
- Should I schedule another appointment?