Whether you are ready to get a head start on your next assignment or don’t know where to begin, or maybe you want an extra set of eyes to look over your work, York University’s Writing Centre is the place to go! In today’s #YUBlog post, we’re taking you through five ways the Writing Centre can help you with assignments.
Most of us think we can only go to the Writing Centre with a complete draft. This is not true. You can ask them for help at any stage of your writing, including brainstorming!
One-on-one Virtual Appointments
The free one-on-one virtual appointments are a great starting point.
During the 50-minute one-on-one appointments, writing instructors can help you develop research, writing, editing and citation skills. However, they will not edit your drafts. They will propose revisions that support your development as an effective writer and editor.
Before booking an appointment, you must sign up with an email and password on the Writing Centre’s website.
New feature alert: You can now filter the “display options” based on instructors and the format of the appointment.
Pro tip: When booking an appointment, it is a good idea to upload your assignment sheet and a draft (if you have one – this is not mandatory) for the instructors to help you better.
Accessibility Specialist: To request more information or to book appointments directly with the Accessibility Specialist, write to James Robertson at jroberts@yorku.ca.
Drop-in sessions
If you have a quick question, try one of the drop-in sessions! No need to register or make an appointment – just click and go. Experts are available Monday through Friday during the fall and winter terms.
Online Paper Submission
Don’t have time for a meeting? Submit your draft online to get feedback. The process is quick and simple:
- On the appointment booking page, select “Online Paper Submission” from the drop-down menu on the right.
- Select an instructor to book the submission time.
- Upload your assignment instructions and draft at least three hours before your appointment.
You will receive feedback within 24 hours of your appointment time.
Workshops
The Writing Centre hosts virtual workshops about writing a thesis, constructing arguments, paragraphing and more! Browse their calendar to find the one you need.
The Multilingual Studio
The Multilingual Studio offers a welcoming space for multilingual students to develop reading, writing and critical thinking skills.
Two ways I approach the Writing Center
- I go in for a brainstorming session when I have too many ideas about the assignment topic and need to narrow it down. I make sure that I know my primary text and the assignment guidelines well, and sometimes I do a bit of secondary research. This helps me have a productive conversation with the instructor.
- If I have a rough draft, I book an appointment to strengthen my thesis and arguments, check the flow and cohesion of the paper and get general feedback from the instructor. This step usually helps me identify what’s missing from my paper.
Pro tip: If you’re short of time and need quick guidance/refresher on writing thesis statements, organizing your arguments, drafting and editing and citations, check out the videos on the Writing Centre’s resources page.
These strategies are a great starting point if you’ve never accessed the Writing Centre. As you work with them, you will figure out what suits you best, and then you can customize your writing process accordingly.