Fellow Writers:

Often times it is best to write about subjects important to the writer. This could include anything from beloved literature to contentious issues in current society. This can truly solve the problem of being at a loss for words, since something so passionate to the writer can facilitate much thought; however, this is not without problems. Often times support to these claims are omitted, since the writers can rationalize their arguments in their heads.

In a clear, position paper, readers validate the writer’s argument not because of the writer’s own personal opinions but because of sufficient outside support. Claims are easy enough to make; however, to really make an argument legitimate there has to be evidence for the claims.

For example, in a literary analysis, one could make the claim, “In his novels, Mark Twain is critical of racist behavior and attitudes.” In this case, the sentence is a fine statement to make; however, it must be substantiated by providing sufficient evidence from the text or outside literary criticism.

Readers cannot just trust the writer’s authority without any detail to strengthen the argument. The writer’s opinion means nothing, unless there is clear reasoning that strengthens the argument.

Also, writers need not be afraid of presenting opposing viewpoints, as long as the writers can disclaim the opposing arguments, indicating their holes or faulty reasoning.

For further understanding of this reasoning, refer to the Toulmin Model of Logic. This model shows how warrants, or assumptions, connect claims to the data, or evidence.

Happy Writing!!

posted by: Melina

Befuddled writers:

Sometimes it can be very difficult to decide whether to use the word
"which" or "that," even for the best of us. The following information and
links will help you to learn how, when, where, and why we use the words
"which" and "that."

The words "which" and "that" are relative pronouns. They are both used to
introduce relative clauses. There are two types of relative clauses:
restrictive clauses and non-restrictive clauses.

The word "which" should only be used in a non-restrictive clause.
Non-restrictive clauses add information that is not integral to the
meaning of the sentence.
HINT: Non-restrictive clauses are always set off by commas, dashes, or
parentheses.

The word "that" is only to be used in restrictive clauses. Restrictive
clauses are integral to the meaning of the sentence.
HINT: Restrictive clauses are NOT set off by commas, dashes or parentheses.

For more information on the proper usage of "which" and "that" please
visit the following links:

http://www.haverford.edu/classics/courses/omni/which&that.pdf

http://www.getitwriteonline.com/archive/103103.htm

http://www.kentlaw.edu/academics/lrw/grinker/LwtaThat_Versus_Which.htm

posted by: Katie K.

Writing kinfolk,

Well, we sure have seen a lot of you around the last couple weeks!

I'm guessing that midterms had something to do with the influx at the good
ol' Writing Center. We're glad to help, and we also want to spread the
message that:

**!!!!THE WRITING CENTER IS OPEN EVERY WEEK!!!!**

That's right--for all those papers that fall in between finals and
midterms, you can get help with them as well. Maybe the big essays all fall at the same time of the year, but don't discount that extra eye even for 2-3
page assignments. If the tutors help you tighten up your writing on the
small scale, mammoth term projects will be that much easier to execute at
the end of the semester.

The door is open.

posted by Kevin P.

Punctuation is one of the most expressive parts of the English language system. The difference between an exclamation point and a period is great, possibly altering the meaning of the whole sentence.

According to Lynne Truss, author of the acclaimed Eats, Shoots and Leaves, one must be aware of the power and importance of punctuation. Truss notes of “the French 19th-century novelist Victor Hugo, who – when he wanted to know how Les Miserables was selling – reportedly telegraphed his publisher with the simple inquiry ‘?’ and received the expressive reply ‘!,’” which was truly self-explanatory.

Punctuation is powerful, and when used correctly, it can speak volumes!

Happy writing!!

posted by: Melina P.

Ahhh - the comma.

The comma is your buddy, your guide, your composition BFF (best friend forever). But beware. This tricky little bugger can lead you astray. Take the following sentence for example:
"Brad said Kyle is a huge fool."

But when you place the camouflaged comma where it needs to be you get this:
"Brad, said Kyle, is a huge fool."

Now that's better!

Stay tuned into the blog for more tips about comma usage, because it is quickly becoming my personal composition crusade!

posted by Kyle J.

Dear writers everywhere,

It's time to discuss that long-forgotten thorn, the tense. Since the beginning of writing instruction, every student has been beaten over the head with standard rules of punctuation. Commas, semicolons, periods--even when we mess them up, the guidelines are there to help.

But who ever said anything about tense shifts?!

You know those little buggers. The past and present. The difference
between "go" and "went." The problem is that, all too often, the only
advice we receive is:
ALWAYS stick to past tense.

At the college level, it's important to know that the past tense isn't
always the best. When describing the immediacy of an event, there's no
substitute for present tense--for an example, read the following
passages to see which is a more absorbing description:

Present Tense

"Before I can stop him, he pins me up against the brick wall at
knife-point and violently tugs at my blouse--but the sirens catch him
off-guard and I manage to kick the knife deep into his belly, then grab
and twist the knife as I pull it from his gut and I watch helplessly as
my hand--now completely out of my control--cuts the blade deep inside
of him until his spastic feet no longer jerk."

vs. Past Tense

"Before I stopped him, he pinned me up against the brick wall at
knife-point and violently tugged at my blouse--but the sirens caught
him off-guard and I kicked the knife deep into his belly, and then I
grabbed and twisted the knife while pulling it from his gut and watched
helplessly as my hand--then completely out of my control--cut the blade
deep inside of him until his spastic feet stopped jerking."

The difference is there. Since we often aren't taught to switch tenses,
however, they tend to occur without intent. Tense uses come down to preference, but the most important guideline is to PAY ATTENTION: when the writer switches back and forth with little notice, it is very difficult for the reader to follow.

For futher discussion on the topic of tenses, stop by the Writing
Center and discuss with the tutor on duty.

posted by Kevin P.

We’ve all had paper assignments, which we grudgingly complete. These particular assignments may be more difficult to start or finish, since care or energy may be lacking; however, many assignments leave room to personalize one’s argument, without showing a bias or losing credibility.

Anne Lamott, author of Bird by Bird, truly empathizes with those who are having writing difficulties. In Bird, Lamott argues that “you need to put yourself at their [papers’] center, you and what you believe to be true or right.” She says, “The core, ethical concepts in which you most passionately believe are the language in which you are writing.” This moral position is “not a message” but a “passionate caring inside you,” according to Lamott, which can then merit the audience’s attention.

We may too often write for the grade or just to get by, which may leave us discouraged and dreading completing the task. Though we are often called to write papers that leave little room for creativity, there are those exceptions that allow us to find our voice and write for ourselves and our audience. Writing from cares inside can truly enable one to enjoy one’s work and reap the most benefits.

Finding that voice may be difficult, but when it is found, writing becomes a welcomed challenge.

Happy writing!!


posted by Melina P.