Hello all,

I have added a link about brainstorming techniques to our resource
section entitled "Parts Of An Essay." Sometimes beginning an essay can
be a difficult task and knowing where to begin creates frustration.
The brainstorming techniques provided in the link should help you
begin to focus your thoughts.

From UNC - Brainstorming for composition

Best of luck!

posted by Katie K.

Lists of rules and restrictions for grammar seem to be endless. How in
the world can one be expected to know every single rule?! It is even harder
for us folk who have had only a single grammar course in our many years of
education.

Take a breath…it will be okay!

Even though it is impossible to remember the thousands of rules that are
combined to write pages upon pages to create grammar textbooks, you can
still achieve grammar proficiency in your writing.

A List for Grammar Success:

1- Relax.
Learning to recognize common grammar mistakes takes time. But
as Mad Eye Moody once said, “you must be vigilant!” Always keep in mind
that one of your goals for writing is to be grammatically correct.

2- Have a grammar guide.
If you’re unable to remember all those rules,
you’ll need some kind of reference to figure them out when you become
stuck. I suggest staying away from boring definitions in handbooks –
personally, the make me shiver with fear. Go out and grab a reference
guide that is fun to read. I suggest the following:
Words Fail Me, Patricia T. O’Conner
Woe is I, Patricia T. O’Conner
Torn Wings and Faux Pas, Karen Elizabeth Gordon
The Transitive Vampire, Karen Elizabeth Gordon

posted by Kyle J.

Fellow students:

Great papers are often set apart from good papers because of common issues, like grammar. The slightest improvements can set an already fine paper at a higher caliber.

The vast amount of time spent composing a paper is too valuable to be deemed meaningless because of a few grammatical issues. Here are some guidelines to look over before handing in to your professor your blood, sweat, and tears, or your paper - Term Paper Writing 101.

Happy writing!!

posted by Melina P.

Dear EC students,

Now that we're about one month into classes, the vast majority of you are
dealing with essays. It doesn't matter if they're for education, music, or
biology: now that it's time for you to write, you're on our turf.

(And we're here to help.)

The Writing Center is here to serve you, and it's up to you to stop by our
office in the Frick Center and give your writing that extra edge. Don't
let your experience level get in the way--whether you're not sure how to
work with your topic or you're putting on the final touches, every piece
of writing benefits from someone else's perspective.

Come with your writing, leave with some knowledge.

posted by Kevin P.

Hello:

We've added a new section to the resources page titled "Parts of an Essay." We'll be inserting online resources that will help you out with common parts of "typical" essays and research papers.

Currently there are two links to the University of North Carolina on writing introductions and conclusions. They're quick reads that could make a world of difference in your writing.

We hope these resources continue to help you battle those composition woes!


posted by Katie K.

Good news for all:

Write, the Elmhurst College Online Writing Lab and the Writing Center information are both now just a couple clicks away. By clicking on the "Elmhurst Students" section of the home page for Elmhurst College, you will now see a link to this website labeled "Writing Center."

We hope this makes your navigation here easier.


posted by Kyle J.

-Dreading that first composition paper?
-Are you working on a personal statement for graduate schools?
-Does that resume need to be perked up a bit?

Well the Writing Center at Elmhurst College can help you out with all of the above and more! We're officially open for the year so feel free to drop by or set up an appointment by contacting us.

We're open 9am-8pm* Monday through Thursday and 9am-2:30pm* on Fridays. Hope to see you soon!
(*=hours subject to change)

posted by Kyle J.