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Workshop Topics

The Writing Center offers workshops on a variety of topics. In alphabetical order:

Analyzing Essay Prompts

Learn how to analyze prompts quickly and accurately for timed-writing situations. This workshop focuses solely on prompts. Our Essay Exams workshop offers tips and tricks for developing responses.

APA Style: Creating a Reference Page

APA style is required in many majors, not just psychology. This workshop provides easy tips about creating a reference page that will be in compliance with the latest guidelines.

APA Style: Paraphrasing and Quoting

APA style is required in many majors, not just psychology. This workshop provides easy tips about in-text citation to ensure that your paper will be in compliance with the latest guidelines.

Basic APA Style

APA style is required in many majors, not just psychology. This workshop provides basic information on in-text citation formats and reference lists to ensure that your paper will be in compliance with the latest guidelines.

Basic Latin and Greek Roots

If you saw the word "heliotrope," would you know what it meant? Improve your vocabulary, comprehension, and reading speed by learning Latin and Greek roots. Come and enjoy the fun exercises. 

Basic MLA Style

You've heard a dozen warnings about plagiarism, and now you have a research paper due! If you've forgotten the details of citing sources and writing footnotes - or never had a systematic lesson - this is the place to sharpen your skills. (Be sure that MLA style is acceptable to your instructor. Other workshops will cover other styles, such as APA.)

Body Paragraphs

Learn how to write well-developed, well-written body paragraphs that support a thesis statement and clearly explain quotes or other arguments. You will receive an accompanying packet of handouts on essay form.

Common Grammar and Punctuation Errors

We'll clear up your confusion about the most common grammar and punctuation errors. You will receive a list of rules to refer to later. Activities will be instructive and fun.

Essay Exams

Tips and tricks for figuring out what the essay prompt requires and how to frame your response. Analyze and discuss sample exam questions in a variety of content areas, then briefly outline essays that are designed to score high grades.

      Click to download the PowerPoint presentation: 
      How to Excel on Essay Exams.ppt

The GLYFADA Method of Writing (Two Sessions)

Learn a formula for creating coherent, organized, unified essays. This method will help you get started on any writing task, and it will build your confidence in your writing skills.

Latin and Greek Roots - Vocabulary Words from Mythology

You will have fun learning how such words as "echo," "bellicose," and "tantalize" come directly from stories in mythology.

Netiquette

All e-mails are not created equal. An e-mail to an employer or faculty member should be written in a different style and tone than one to a friend. This workshop will teach you appropriate "net etiquette."

Nominalization: Verbs with Muscle

This workshop will change your writing forever. Learn how to avoid nominalization (turning strong verbs into nouns) and drastically improve coherence and conciseness in your papers.

Paraphrasing

Paraphrasing can be both an effective way to show comprehension of an original text and an important technique to avoid plagiarism. In this workshop, we analyze and discuss effective ways to paraphrase. Participants also engage in individual and/or group practice to help them improve this valuable skill.

Punctuation

Punctuate your papers for success! This workshop will guide you through the rules of proper punctuation.

      Click to download the PowerPoint presentation:
      Punctuation.ppt
      Punctuation Power.ppt
      Punctuation the Write Way.ppt

Writing under Pressure: Time Management

Success on a timed-writing assignment depends not only on your composition skills but also on your ability to manage your time properly. This workshop will teach you time management strategies for each stage of the writing process. 

 


Did you know

SJSU Writing Center
One Washington Square
San José, CA 95192-0172
408.924.2308
Located in Clark Hall, Suite 126

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