Writing Skills Workshops

Led by Professor Suzanne Ashe of the English Department, these workshops provide an introduction to essential writing skills that are applicable to any college course. All of these workshops provide practical information about the writing process. Students learn how to produce papers, essays, reports and exams that will get them the grades they want.

Though each session includes a formal presentation, students are encouraged to ask questions and share information about strategies that have worked for them. The materials distributed include hand-outs on writing techniques, as well as information about valuable web sites. Individual concerns are addressed at the end of each session; follow-up assistance is available at the New Writing Resource Center.

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS

SLIDING INTO WRITING: TIPS FOR BREAKING THE ICE

This workshop is designed to help you feel more comfortable with writing and to show you some simple techniques that will help you get started on any assignment. You will discover that all writing begins with the skill of observation, and you will get a chance to test your own creativity by viewing slides of some famous photographs that we will then discuss and write about.

WRITING PAPERS THE EASY WAY

In this workshop, we will be sharing a secret that all good writers already know: writing is a process. By mastering the steps in that process, you will develop reliable skills that can work for you in writing any paper. We will discuss the techniques of prewriting, drafting, revising, and proofreading, and then do a practice session with some topics you will find easy to use. Once you see how enjoyable writing can be, you will be back for more!

GUIDELINES FOR WRITING REPORTS

Many college instructors require reports at some time during the semester; employers do, too. In fact, this particular type of writing is perhaps one of the most frequently assigned tasks—and, perhaps, one of the most precision-driven ones. In this workshop, you will you get valuable information about how to create reports—and about how your teachers and supervisors will be evaluating them.

WRITING THE RESEARCH PAPER

A lot of people remember the research paper assignment as one of the most dreaded tasks of their academic careers. But it does not have to be that way. In fact, with the guidelines and resources we will be sharing with you, we believe that you will actually enjoy investigating ideas through library and Internet resources. And we will show you how to document them in MLA or APA format, using textual references and Works Cited pages.

WRITING TO SURVIVE FINALS

Let’s face it: most students experience a lot of anxiety during exam time. After all, taking finals requires you to juggle a huge amount of information and get it under control. And the stress and pressure you feel only makes it more difficult to concentrate. In this workshop, we will share with you some writing techniques that will simplify your study tasks and help you to relax so you can do your best work.

TAKING ESSAY EXAMS

Filling in the bubbles on a Scantron sheet for an objective exam can be challenging. Obviously, you must have the knowledge and information required to make precise and thoughtful choices. But, for many people, facing the emptiness of a “blue book” in writing an essay exam is even worse. This workshop emphasizes the importance of anticipating exam questions, organizing responses, and writing efficiently once you get to the exam itself. Come see for yourself how taking exams can actually be a rewarding experience!

Please direct your questions, concerns, or suggestions to Suzanne Ashe, x2814, or sashe@cerritos.edu.

Cerritos College

NWRC