Munn Writing Center @ SLU

How to Make the Most of a Tutorial

The Munn Writing Center operates on a model of interactive tutorials. Our tutors are ready to talk and work with you to improve your writing. Here are some things you can do to make this interactive experience worthwhile.

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When you visit the Writing Center for a tutorial, you should bring as many
of the following as you have:

     The original assignment sheet

     Any notes or outlines you've made (no matter how rough!)

     Any drafts you've begun (whether 5 pages, 1 page, or 1 paragraph)

     Source material (books or articles) you may be using in your paper

Remember, you can visit the Writing Center even if you have only an idea to work with.
When you sit down with a tutor, you can expect a conversation about your writing;
read more about this in What Happens in a Tutorial?
      To make this conversation
productive:

     
Have a question or request in mind about your paper when you come to the
      tutorial, such as, "Am I using my sources correctly?" or "Could you work with
      me on the organization?"  

      Don't be surprised if the tutor asks you to read a portion of your paper out loud
      (or if the tutor reads aloud to you); often we writers can hear an awkward
      sentence or incomplete thought that we didn't at first see

      Be open to the tutor's suggestions, even if in the end you decide not to adopt
      them.   Although the tutor might suggest an approach to writing or writing style
      that is not your usual kind of writing, a different perspective or different take on the
      assignment might provide you, at the very least, a fresh starting place.

      Ask the tutor to explain or repeat any comments you don't catch the first time.

If you'd like, make an appointment for another tutorial to go over the next stage of your assignment.