March 28, 2018

The Weekly Writer is published each Wednesday while classes are in session. As always, please share this information with anyone who might be interested.

Grammar Touch-up: Verb Tense Consistency

By Devyn M., Tutor

While working with any document, it is important to keep your verb tenses consistent. This not only shows professionalism, but it also makes a document easier to understand. There are a few tips that we have at the Writing Lab for getting better at using verb tense.

First, read your text aloud before submitting it. By simply reading a paper or story aloud, you can catch errors. If something sounds off, you will hear it while reading and be able to make a correction. Along with this, imagine you are talking to a friend or whatever audience you are addressing while reading your document. If the verb tense makes sense for those who are hearing your message, than you know that your paper is correct.

Second, check your tense around areas where dialogue is present, if you are writing a story or piece of fiction. People often slip up when they write dialogue because the tense of the dialogue may not be the same as the narration part of the story. Remember that dialogue does not necessarily have to match the tense of the narration.

These are two great strategies for improving your ability to write with the correct verb tense. For more practice, come to the Writing Lab and have a tutor look at a document to give you more information about verb tense.

Writing Lab News & Events

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Workshop: Revising and Proofreading Drafts
April 4, 1:30 - 2:30 PM
Proofreading is an essential skill for writers of all levels. In this workshop, we'll cover techniques that can help you make sure your writing is consistent, clear, and error-free. More Information »

Workshop: Professional Email Communication
April 18, 1:30 - 2:30 PM
This workshop will focus on the fundamentals of professional communication, particularly in school or work-related settings. More Information »

Staff Spotlight

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By Elizabeth M., Tutor

My name is Elizabeth Murray and I am a junior studying Law & Society. I currently intern at the Public Defender's office in Tippecanoe County, and I am working towards becoming a lawyer—a profession where acute writing skills are imperative. I enjoy looking at the evidence and formulating an argument in my papers; a lot of my writing experience at Purdue has included investigating different public policies and evaluating their outcome. As a tutor, I enjoy helping students establish their position and support it with relevant, organized evidence. I like to ask a lot of open-ended questions during my tutorials in order to gather information and make clients feel comfortable talking about their writing. Helping other students with their writing has made me more critical towards my own writing, because I feel that as a tutor I should be an "expert." However, we all have things to learn and clients are always helping me consider new and different perspectives on writing. I look forward to working with all clients and hope to meet you soon!

From Our Partners

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"Arrow+Soul=ArrowSoul Art" Presentation
March 28th, 2:00 - 3:30 PM
NAECC (NACC)

NAECC Artist in Residence: Saba
The NAECC presents a three day residency program designed to expose the Purdue community to diversity in Native American artwork. More Information »

Reception - NAECC Artist in Residence: Saba
March 28th, 4:00 - 6:00 PM
NAECC (NACC)

Join us in welcoming our featured artist, Saba. Meet the artist and enjoy some light refreshments. More Information »

Spring Lunch and Learn Series: "Defining Filipino"
March 29th, 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Asian American and Asian Resource and Cultural Center

Hosted by Purdue Filipino Association (PFA). Workshops include a free lunch for Purdue students, staff, and faculty. More information »

Painting Workshop with NAECC Artist in Residence: Saba
March 29th, 4:00 - 6:00 PM
NAECC (NACC)

Saba will lead a painting workshop with the Purdue community. To reserve your spot, RSVP to naecc@purdue.edu. More Information »

Trans Day of Visibility Panel Discussion
March 29th, 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Krannert Auditorium

Trans Day of Visibility is dedicated to celebrating the trans community and highlighting its resiliency in the face of incredible oppression. More information »

Dance-Athon 2018
March 29th, 7:00 - 8:00 PM
Co-Rec MP2

Intensive hip hop dance workshop with instructors TBA. More information »

2017-2018 Purdue University Literary Reading series
March 29th, 7:30 PM
Krannert Auditorium

The 2017-2018 Purdue University Literary Reading series presents poets Vievee Francis and Matthew Olzmann. Sycamore Review will host a joint Q&A at 4:30pm in WALC 1132. More Information »

Dance-Athon 2018
March 30th, 7:00 - 10:00 PM
Co-Rec MP2

There will be panel discussion, workshop, and dance-athon competition! More information »

Safe Zone Training
April 4th, 2:00 - 5:00 PM
Register for location

Join the Purdue Safe Zone community by participating in this interactive workshop focused on building a safe, affirming, and welcoming campus for members of the LGBTQ community. More information »

Richie Menchavez, "Asian American Music: Then, Now, & Forever"
April 4th, 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Krannert Auditorium

Richie Menchavez is the creator and founder of TRAKTIVIST - the premiere platform to discover, promote, and archive music made by Asian Americans. More information »