What we do:
The mission of the Writing Center is not to produce better writing but to produce better writers. We offer free, one-hour consultations to all JCU students on:
• the various stages of the writing process (brainstorming, choosing and narrowing a topic, developing research questions, formulating a thesis, building an argument, drafting, and revising);
• organization, clarity and style;
• evaluating and integrating source information;
• MLA/APA documentation and formatting;
• grammar;
• writing statements of purpose/personal statements, cover letters and résumés/CVs.
The Writing Center does not proofread or correct papers; instead, we promote a collaborative effort between tutor and tutee that results in effective writing. We believe that the best writing comes from discussion, critical thinking, and revision, and we help students articulate, develop, and clarify their ideas. We provide support for any type of writing project, in any discipline, for writers at any level—beginning to advanced.
Location:
The Writing Center is located on the ground floor of the Guarini Campus, below the Registrar's office and just above the Frohring Library.
Summer Hours: Monday Through Friday by appointment only, 9-12 am and 2-3 pm
How to make an appointment:
Email the Writing Center at
writingcenter@johncabot.edu.
Tips:
• Be flexible. Giving several options for appointment times will make it easier to schedule an appointment.
• Plan in advance. Contacting the Writing Center a few days or a week before you would like to come will give you more options for appointment times.
• Specify whether you prefer a 30 or 60 minute session. Appointments are usually scheduled for one hour, but if you feel you need less time, please let us know.
On the day of your appointment:
Please come to your appointment well-prepared. Bring assignment guidelines, drafts, and/or graded papers with professors’ comments, and come with specific questions in mind.
Please arrive ON TIME for your appointment. Students who arrive late may lose their appointment if another student drops in in the meantime.
Cancellations:
If you must cancel your appointment, please email the Writing Center at least 24 hours in advance so that another student can be scheduled at this time. Students who fail to do so and/or who repeatedly cancel may lose the option of making appointments at the Center.
Student Resources:
On Paragraphs
Writing the Paper - Paragraphs
Topic Sentences
Transitional Words and Phrases
Essay Writing
Developing Strong Thesis Statements
Writing Effective Thesis Statements for Essays
Writing the Paper - Introductions
Writing the Paper - Conclusions
How to Write an Outline
Four Main Components for Effective Outlines
Research Papers
Writing a Research Paper
Quoting, Paraphrasing, Summarizing
Quoting, Paraphrasing, Summarizing (Purdue)
Using Sources
Evaluating Information Found on the Internet
Avoiding Plagiarism
Plagiarism: What it is and How to Recognize and Avoid It
MLA Formatting
APA Formatting
Grammar
Grammar Lessons, Exercises, and Rules
Guide to Grammar and Writing
Punctuation Made Simple
Language Toolbox
Editing and Proofreading Strategies for Revision
Revising and Editing
Writing Personal Statements
Writing a Statement of Purpose
CVs and Resumes
Cover Letters
Podcasts
Grammar Girl: Quick and dirty tips
A Way with Words: A radio program for language-lovers.
Faculty Links
Ten Tips for Designing Writing Assignments
Colorado State University Teaching Guide: Designing Writing Assignments