The process of revising an article for publication, or even doing so for a class, may seem overwhelming. This workshop breaks down the process into different steps, and suggests the priorities you should follow as you revise. While revision requires hard work, it is something that every writer can–and must!–do.

Editing and Revising Academic Writing

If you have to write a research paper, you may not even know where to begin. This workshop discusses how by intentionally preparing yourself for the writing process, you can effectively structure your argument, write a clear and well-argued paper, and combat writer’s block.

Organizing a Research Paper

You may also find the following links helpful:

How to Structure and Organize your Paper

Starting the Writing Process

Tips for Thesis Statements

Bad and Better Thesis Statements

Recognizing and Fixing Weak Thesis Statements

Expanding your vocabulary is a task that can seem either overly simple or overwhelming. In this workshop, we discuss how to select new vocabulary to learn, what contextual items should be learned along with new words, and best practices for studying new words. We also discuss techniques for dealing with unknown vocabulary.

Enhancing Your Vocabulary

Study the Academic Word List: http://www.uefap.com/vocab/select/awl.htm;

Examine the AWL sublists:  http://www.victoria.ac.nz/lals/resources/academicwordlist/publications/awlsublists1.pdf

See if there is specialized vocabulary for your field, or check your knowledge of the General Service List :  http://www.uefap.com/vocab/select/selfram.htm

Learn basic etymologies, to help you understand new words you come across: http://eapcslc.nd.edu/files/2014/03/Etymologies-Handout.pdf

Or make your vocabulary study into a game!: https://tefltastic.wordpress.com/worksheets/eap/awl/

This workshop will assist international students in navigating email interactions. We will focus on achieving the appropriate level of respect and formality when writing to professors as well as students. Additionally, we will discuss how to deal with common situations, such as when others misunderstand or do not respond to your email.

Email Etiquette

There is always the possibility that teachers will encounter challenging situations in the classroom. International instructors may have the additional challenges of clear communication, and cultural expectations. This workshop presents strategies for preventing and dealing with these potential problems, and for promoting an effective learning environment.

Dealing with Challenging Situations as an International TA

Other helpful links:

Kaneb Center Resources for International Instructors

Tutorials in Managing Conflict (video suggestions)

Managing Controversial Discussions 1

Managing Controversial Discussions 2

 

 

This workshop focuses on how to use scholarly sources in an ethical and appropriate manner. Topics include understanding and avoiding plagiarism, paraphrasing others’ arguments correctly, and proper citation techniques.

Paraphrasing, Using Sources Effectively, & Avoiding Plagiarism

For practice identifying plagiarism, try a plagiarism quiz: http://nd.edu/~dayo/plagiarism/item1.html

For help using citation styles, see: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/2/

If you want to improve your pronunciation, there is a lot more to think about than just isolated vowel and consonant sounds! This workshop addresses what other aspects of pronunciation are important for fostering clear communication, and identifies strategies for practicing these skills.

Pronunciation Strategies and Techniques Workshop

Crafting the perfect CV for a variety of academic job can be a challenge. This workshop, directed at international students, introduces the basics of writing CVs:

• What information should be included?
• How should you organize it?
• How can you present yourself in the best possible light?
• How is a CV different from a resume?

For some help answering these questions, see: CVs

More resources:

• Perdue Owl, CVs
• Academic Index

 

Networking and Interviewing are both activities that can cause anxiety at the prospect of trying them, especially for those communicating in a non-native language. However, by using and practicing communication skills you already possess, and by planning ahead for potential situations, you can become a very effective networker and interviewee.

Networking and Interviewing for International Students

PDF: How To Improve Your Academic English