TCM Writing Center
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FAQ's

What is the Center?

The Technical Communications Writing Center is a free student service provided by the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology.

What does the Center Offer?

The Center gives you the opportunity to sit with an experienced 'reviewer' who can assist you with improving your writing. Reviewers can help you while you are developing your document. They can help you plan, organize and revise your documents to more effectively address audience, purpose, and context. Reviewers do not copy-edit or proofread papers, but they can help you learn ways to copy-edit and proofread your won work. Reviewers are especially prepared to help students with writing assignment s from Engineering and Technology faculty, but can assist with other writing tasks, including scholarship applications and resumes.

When to come, what to bring?

Come in early while your paper is still in the idea stage. Reviewers can help you understand the assignment, brainstorm ideas, and clarify them. Bring the assignment, syllabus, instructor comments, and class notes on the project.

Come later when you have a draft. Reviewers can let you hear a reader's response, help you identify potential problems for readers, and suggest ways to improve your documents.

Where is the Center, and what hours is it open?

The Center is located on the 2nd floor of the ET building in Room 232. You may sign-up on a sheet posted on the bulletin board outside ET232 for a 30-minute appointment during regular hours. The hours for the Center are located on the TCM Writing Center home page and are apt to change every semester.

How to make the most of your meeting with a reviewer?

• Think about what you want to get out of the review session.
• Make sure you have your assignment and any work you have already done with you.
• Review what is required by your assignment. Carefully consider whether your draft meets the instructor's requirements.
• If you have specific questions, make a note so you will be sure to ask the question when you meet with the reviewer.