Vol. 1  Issue 2
October 2003

A Newsletter Published by the SIUE Writing Center

News From the Coordinator                                                            By Chad Verbais

Perfection is not something easily attained.  I know this from experience, and from the fact that no one has ever been able to achieve such a feat - although there have been several who may have come close (see any number of early American Shaker chairs or buildings, the Bulls 95-96 season, or Jerry singing Black Muddy River as his last song ever in St. Louis).             Read More

Ms. Grammars
By Joanne Brew-Fisher, Asst. Coordinator

There are a number of good reasons for teaching grammar, but for me one particular reason found in ESL literature concerning grammatical choices and awareness of error wins the argument.  Read More

Virginia's Vocab Corner--Part II
By Virginia Bunn

Have you ever noticed that when you utilize an expansive vocabulary, you feel more intelligent?  A well-developed vocabulary can enable you to feel like an educated, well-rounded individual.  Boost your confidence level by implementing the following words into a conversation with another student, a supervisor at work, or an instructor.  Remember, you are judged by how you speak and write!              Read More

Clichés: Another Perspective
By Nancy Kelly-Martin

College writing instructors abhor and mark clichés as simplistic and ineffectual.  Is it time to rethink the role and value of clichés?  Instead of reflexive rejection, perhaps it is worthwhile for us to take a reflective look at clichés in student writing and a self-critical look at our own feedback:  Are we guilty of responding in clichés? Read More

Center Characters

Brief (and sometimes funny) bios of people involved with work here in the Writing Center.  This month find out more about Richard Gaines, Daniel Lewis and Bill Rable.  Read More