Sometimes, when writers are too close to their compositions, they cannot tell if they are making their point effectively. Here, the Writing Center staff can provide an objective eye. Consultants and writers read papers together. Consultants ask students to explain sections of their papers that are not clear. Often, students can articulate vague connections to the consultant, who can then assist the students in making their paper more unified and coherent.
Special attention is given to topic sentences, transition, organization, and the thesis statement.
In this stage, writers should be concentrating on such areas as grammar, punctuation, and format. Many students do not know that there are errors, or they don't know how to correct them. Although we stress that we are not a proofreading service, the Writing Center staff often sees students for the first time at this stage of the process. We explain the errors and ways to correct them. Staff members also suggest returning to the revising stage, if necessary.