This booklet, compiled by Wesleyan writing tutors, contains tips we wish we had known when we started our first paper at Wesleyan.

First of all, you can write a good paper. No one expects you to say something brilliant or new. Instructors assign papers to find out how carefully you have been thinking about the course readings and discussions.

If you aren’t feeling confident about getting started, go talk to people you know. Talk to your classmates, professors, or friends. Always keep in mind that your professors want to help you do your best work. If your course has a writing tutor, call the tutor or meet with him or her during office hours. And if you already feel confident about your writing, talking with your writing tutor or course instructor will only help you to further develop your ideas.

Both experienced writers and new writers use the Writing Workshop regularly.

Even faculty members and grad students bring papers here.

We provide help for you at all the different stages of the writing process. Before you begin writing, we can help you organize your ideas. Once you have started your paper, we can help you edit your drafts and review your finished work.

If you find that you would like to work with a tutor regularly, ask to be paired with a Writing Mentor, a personal writing tutor who will help you with every paper. Call the Writing Workshop (x2440) for information about the Writing Mentor program.

You can also check our web site at: www.wesleyan.edu/writing/workshop

We look forward to working with you!

- The Wesleyan Writing Tutors

Please note: This booklet is only a brief survey. We suggest you buy a copy of the Little, Brown Essential Handbook for Writers, a small guide that fits on your mouse pad. It has complete instructions for documenting sources along with sections on grammar, style, syntax, and punctuation. (Isn’t it time you learned how to use the comma?) Look for the Handbook in the textbook section of the bookstore on the Writing Workshop shelf. There are also copies in the reserve room at Olin Library.

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