Workshop Descriptions

The Toulmin Model of Argumentation
This workshop will reinforce your understanding of the argumentation vocabulary (claim, grounds, warrants) used in the Muir Writing Program.
Monday, April 8, 4:00-5:00 p.m. OR Tuesday, April 9, 5:00-6:00 p.m.

Selecting a Research Topic
What’s the difference between a high school research report and a college-level source-based argument? We’ll discuss the importance of topic selection for argumentative research papers, and provide strategies for generating an appropriate and fruitful focus for your investigation.
Monday, April 15, 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Building an Argument
In this workshop, we’ll focus on crafting an effective claim and developing a credible argument for the first graded essay in WCWP 10A.
Tuesday, April 16, 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Preparing an Annotated Bibliography
We’ll review what should and should not be included in an annotated bibliography, and we’ll provide suggestions for doing more than merely reporting on source content.
Wednesday, April 17, 4:00-5:00 p.m. OR Thursday, April 18, 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Writing a Personal Statement for Medical School and the Health Professions
We’ll introduce general guidelines for effective application essays, explore the basic elements that should be included, and review successful and not-so-successful essay examples.
Wednesday, April 24, 4:00-5:00 p.m. OR Thursday, April 25, 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Writing a Synthesis Paper
We’ll focus on developing and supporting a thesis that synthesizes two sources, and we’ll discuss how to move beyond a standard comparison/contrast approach.
Wednesday, May 1, 4:00-5:00 p.m. 

Résumés and CVs
We’ll explain the differences between job-oriented résumés and academic CV’s, and we’ll provide guidelines for successful preparation of both kinds of documents.
Tuesday, May 7, 4:00-5:00 p.m. 

Writing a Cover Letter
This workshop will include an overview of general cover letter format, as well as suggestions about how to tailor cover letters for specific openings or opportunities.
Thursday, May 9, 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Preparing for the GRE Analytical Writing Section
We’ll examine the two different essay formats used on the GRE, review essay organization and structure, and discuss strategies for success under time pressure.
Monday, May 13, 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Summarizing and Paraphrasing Source Material
Writing responsibly includes knowing how to appropriately integrate source material into your own essays. We’ll provide concrete strategies for developing summaries and paraphrases that accord with the principles of academic integrity.
Monday, May 6, 4:00-5:00 p.m. OR Tuesday, May 14, 4:00-5:00 p.m.

The Research Paper: Putting the Pieces Together (for Academic Enrichment Programs)
We’ll discuss strategies for creating a coherent research paper, focusing on the smooth integration of all necessary components.
Monday, May 20, 4:00-5:00 p.m. OR Tuesday, May 21, 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Editing Basics: Common Errors and How to Avoid Them
Do commas go inside or outside quotation marks? Is it “alright” or “all right”? Join us as we explore key points of style and mechanics.
Thursday, May 23, 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Writing an Abstract
We’ll address the challenge of distilling a fully-developed research paper into a clear, concise, and compelling abstract.
Tuesday, May 28, 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Preparing for the Basic Writing Exit Exam
As the final exam draws near, we’ll present ways to approach the reading passages and to develop competent essay responses while working under time pressure.
Monday, June 3, 4:00-5:00 p.m.