students on laptops in the writing center

This spring, The Writing Center is excited to host a variety of events that explore the questions “what is good writing?” and “how can I become a better writer?” Everyone is invited.  

The workshops organized by Steven Ahola are designed for students who are learning American English, although anyone may attend. If you have any questions or concerns about an event, please email the person leading it. 

You can make an appointment with a tutor on Navigate, email, or by calling us at 763-424-0927. We hope to see you soon!  

Events

Grammar Review

Session 1: Wednesday, September 11, 11:00-11:45am
Session 2: Thursday September 12, 11:00-11:45am
Place: Zoom (Meeting ID: 592 107 8905)  
Organizer: Steven Ahola 

Freewriting Writing

Session 1: Monday, September 16, 1:00-1:45pm
Session 2: Wednesday, September 18, 2:00-2:45pm
Place: Zoom (Meeting ID: 666 027 3592)
Organizer: Ed Hahn

Freewriting is the best cure for writers’ block and anxiety. It warms up your writing “muscles,” lifts your confidence, and helps you discover great ideas. Come try it with us!

The Writing Process

Session 1: Tuesday, October 1, 11:00-11:45am
Session 2: Thursday, October 3, 11:00-11:45am
Place: Zoom (Meeting ID: 592 107 8905)
Organizer: Steven Ahola

The Classic Summary 

Session 1: Monday, October 7, 1:00-1:45pm
Session 2: Monday, October 14, 1:00-1:45pm
Place: Zoom (Meeting ID: 666 027 3592)  
Organizer: Ed Hahn 

Summaries should present a source’s key ideas, clearly and sharply, as if the ideas were jewels in a well-lit display case. Join us to learn how to write a “classic” summary that really shines.

Reducing Wordiness in Writing and Other Editing Tips

Session 1: Tuesday, October 22, 11:00-11:45am
Session 2: Wednesday, October 23, 11:00-11:45am
Place: Zoom (Meeting ID: 592 107 8905)
Organizer: Steven Ahola

Plagiarism and the Writing Process

Session 1: Monday October 28, 1:00-1:45pm
Session 2: Wednesday, October 30, 2:00-2:45pm
Place: Zoom (Meeting ID: 666 027 3592)
Organizer: Ed Hahn

This session answers the big questions about plagiarism and gives you strategies for taking control of your writing and using external sources ethically and skillfully.

Precision and Concision

Session 1: Monday, November 4, 1:00-1:45pm
Session 2: Wednesday, November 6, 2:00-2:45pm
Place: Zoom (Meeting ID: 666 027 3592)
Organizer: Ed Hahn

Writers often need to make sure that they are using the most appropriate words (precision) and as few words as possible (concision). Join us as we explore these concepts and give you strategies for writing precisely and concisely.

Verb Tenses and Subject-Verb Agreement

Session 1: Tuesday, November 19, 11:00-11:45am
Session 2: Thursday, November 21, 11:00-11:45am
Place: Zoom (Meeting ID: 592 107 8905)
Organizer: Steven Ahola

Clarity and Sophistication

Session 1: Monday, November 25, 1:00-1:45pm
Session 2: Monday, December 2, 1:00-1:45pm
Place: Zoom (Meeting ID: 666 027 3592)
Organizer: Ed Hahn

Great essays add complexity or “a twist” to readers’ understanding of something without confusing readers. Join us as we explore these concepts and give you strategies for performing this mix of clarity and sophistication.

Capitalization and Punctuation

Tuesday, December 3, 11:00-11:45am
Place: Zoom (Meeting ID: 592 107 8905)
Organizer: Steven Ahola

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