Confused by commas? Stumped by semicolons? The Writing Center can help you find and fix punctuation mistakes.
If you're struggling with punctuation, Writing Center tutors can help by…
- explaining the basic “comma rules” and helping you identify comma errors, such as comma splices.
- explaining how semicolons, colons, and ellipsis are used.
- identifying run-on sentences and helping you use proper punctuation to fix them.
- showing you where and how to use punctuation when citing something in MLA or APA style.
- providing help sheets, reference books, and online resources.
- helping you locate errors on your own by reading the paper aloud with you.
- giving you time to proofread your paper for punctuation on your own. Many students are able to work alone to fix errors once they know what to look for.
- offering suggestions for proofreading your papers on your own, including reading it aloud to yourself or someone else.
As a reminder, tutoring sessions typically...
- last 30 to 45 minutes.
- focus on one or two writing issues.
- help to develop and focus ideas as you talk one-on-one with a tutor.
- identify aspects of the paper you need to improve on your own.
- conclude with a short evaluation form.
- respect the confidentiality of your visit; a tutor will send a report form to your instructor only at your request.
Written by: Chris Taylor