March 7, 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.

Word Choice: Beyond the Thesaurus

By Devyn M., Tutor

Word choice is important when writing a document in order to sound intelligent and well informed. It is not, however, usually the most important factor of most documents. Ideas are usually much more important, but if your ideas are strong, then it may be a good decision to take a detailed look at your word choice. Don't be too hard on yourself, though. There are a few easy ways to fix your word choice if you are struggling to come up with a better word.

Personally, I always go to a thesaurus first if I am struggling to think of a word to replace another. Thesauruses are nice because they give synonyms and antonyms for different words that you might use in your document. Don't just pick any word from the list; if you can't seem to find a word that is able to replace the original, I suggest rewording the sentence. Sometimes changing the sentence structure can help you think of a better word or allow you to use a word you thought wouldn't work in the original sentence.

Working with a tutor on word choice can be helpful. With a tutor's experience and your creativity, it is usually simple to find words that fit. Come to the Writing Lab to learn more about ways you can improve your word choice.

Writing Lab News & Events

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Closed for Spring Break
All Writing Lab locations will be closed March 12th – 16th. We will reopen for our normal hours on March 19th.

Workshop: Integrating Sources into Writing Assignments
March 21, 1:30 - 2:30 PM
This workshop provides you with methods for integrating sources into your writing assignments through quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing. More Information »

Staff Spotlight

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By Elenil D., Tutor

My name is Elenil, and I am a freshman in my first year of tutoring here at Purdue. I was a tutor at my high school's own Writing Lab for two years before coming to Purdue, although I have learned seeing a freshman as a tutor is evidently odd to some. I am an athletic training major, just to make things even more out of the ordinary; despite that, English has and always will be my first love and strong suit. Being a writing tutor has become an integral part of my life, in that doing so allows me to be exposed to different forms of writing outside the realm of styles that I am familiar and/or comfortable with. Before I became a tutor, I stuck to a fairly concrete way of writing, both for academic and creative projects and was not open-minded to any styles of writing outside of what I knew. Since then, I have noticed and learned to appreciate that every single individual writes (or even tutors) in their own way, and something different can be learned from different individuals. I encourage you to make an appointment in the Writing Lab as every appointment is a new learning opportunity for everyone!

From Our Partners

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From the Dissection Lab
March 19 - 23
Patti and Rusty Rueff Gallery, Pao Hall

A & D Faculty and Students Respond to Poet Mariannes Boruch's Cadaver, Speak. (Reception on March 20th, 4:30-6:30 pm) More Information »

Keiynan Lonsdale: Intersectionality and Media & Love, Simon
March 21, 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Hiler Theater (WALC)

Keiynan Lonsdale is a multi talented actor who made his U.S. film debut in Insurgent (2015), and went on to star in Allegiant, and Disney’s The Finest Hours. He is furthering his acting career in the 2018 film Love, Simon. More information »

Lunch and Learn Series, Part 3: Implementing Strategies for Improving LGBTQIA+ Student Success At Purdue
March 28, 12:00 - 1:00 PM
WALC 3132

This lunch and learn is the third in a three part series that invites the Purdue community to engage in a campus-wide discussion about LGBTQIA+ student retention and academic success. This discussion-based lunch and learn will provide attendees with opportunity to learn about best practices for supporting LGBTQIA+ students and strategies to improve academic success for LGBTQIA+ Purdue students. You do not need to attend previous lunch and learns in this series to attend this lunch and learn.

Free and open to all!
Lunch will be provided.

More information »

Writing Tip of the Week

"I read the writing of my colleagues, friends, and classmates when relevant."

-Hadi B., Tutor

Book of the Week

Basic American Grammar and Usage, an ESL/EFL Handbook by Marcel Danesi

Recommended by Devyn M., Tutor: "This is a great resource for those wanting to brush up on simple grammar concepts."

You can find this book in the Writing Lab's library. Just ask the front desk.

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As always, please share this information with anyone who might be interested.

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