Effective argumentation is a core requirement of many writing assignments across the disciplines. Yet students are often unsure how to write a clear and compelling academic argument. It isn't the same as arguing with your partner or your parents! In this 50-minute session, learn the particular rules governing academic argument as well as tips for developing and defending a solid argument in your written assignments. 

Have you been asked to write a critical analysis but aren't sure how to approach it? Each discipline has its own requirements, but some common strategies can help. This workshop begins with suggestions for effective reading and summarizing, then covers a range of analytical questions and general techniques to help you transition from summary to critical analysis.

"Too wordy. Redundant. Be concise." If you've ever received these kinds of comments on your papers--or if you just want to take your style to the next level--this workshop is for you! Learn techniques you can use right away to help you pare your prose and write with greater clarity, succinctness, and power. 

Your choices as a writer depend on what you have already written and what you are going to write next. In this way, the structure of a single sentence both contributes to and depends on the context in which it occurs and the sentences around it.  Learn how to improve the clarity, logic, and flow of your writing by understanding this relationship between grammar and discourse.
 

Congratulations--you've drafted your paper! What's next? This workshop overviews a technique of revising higher-order concerns, then looking at the finer details of your piece. You'll also learn more about common errors that can trip up even strong writers. 

Learning Outcomes: 

• Distinguish between Higher and Lower Order writing concerns;
• Learn revision strategies that help you focus on higher order concerns first;
• Gain insight into common types of writing errors and learn to spot them in your own writing. 

Do you put off doing schoolwork because it stresses you out, only to find that putting it off has made it even more stressful? Or do you just have trouble tearing yourself away from activities you enjoy more than schoolwork? Either way, come learn some strategies to help you get down to work.

Professors and TAs often talk about the need to think critically, but few actually explain what critical thinking is or how to do it. We will go through what critical thinking is, and what questions to ask to promote critical thinking, right from the first time you read a piece.  Through activities and resources, you will gain insight and skills that will help you build this crucial skill.

Do you know that public speaking is many people's number one fear? If you, too, feel anxiety having to do presentations, this workshop is for you. In this workshop, participants will experience practical exercises to promote relaxation and confidence in presentations. Participants will also be provided with some directed feedback on a mini-presentation (text provided). Finally, we will consider how we can "use" the nervous energy that can attend public speaking.

Whether your midterms are still coming up, or if you want to recover from disappointing midterm results, this workshop will teach you which study strategies are shown by research to be the most effective, as well as how to manage your time when writing exams and deal with common types of questions:  multiple choice, problem solving, essay and short answer.

Is this your first term taking a university-level Quantitative class?  Or have you found out from previous experience that they are harder than you thought?  Either way, attend this workshop, developed by a college math instructor, to learn how to gain the deep understanding needed to solve even the trickiest exam problem.

Focusing on the period immediately before and during exams, this workshop will touch on preparation and then discuss time management during exams, as well as common types of questions:  multiple choice, problem solving, essay and short answer.

Panicky about deadlines and upcoming exams? Or are you in avoidance mode now and the stress will hit you later? Either way, come learn how to deal with exams ... and with your own worst "crunch time" habits!

Let's Talk! is a weekly workshop that gives students for whom English is an additional language an opportunity outside of class to improve their English conversation skills, learn strategies for academic success, and have fun meeting people.

Participants will develop their conversation and listening skills through a variety of topics, such as stereotypes, slang and idioms, social media, Canadian and global culture, presentation skills, pronunciation, and story-telling.

Academic English Grammar and Writing for Multilingual Learners is a co-curricular course offered by the Student Learning Commons (SLC) and has been carefully designed to help you succeed as a multilingual learner of English. 

The course combines grammar for academic purposes, critical thinking, and academic writing for university. The syllabus focuses on developing an appropriate academic voice to help you express yourself correctly and appropriately in academic writing as a member of the SFU academic community.  Students will do regular in-class writing, learn how to develop a critical stance, and write a research paper  and a give a presentation.

The course is not formally graded, but you will complete several reading and writing tasks, all of which will be graded and used to provide personalized feedback. Open to both undergraduate and graduate students.

The required workbook is Grammar for Academic Purposes by Steve Marshall. Students have the option of purchasing the online version ($23.95) or the book ($32.95; on the first day of class I make an order for the number of students who would like a book and books will arrive in a few days).

Fall 2018 Term

September 19-November 30, 2018

Wednesdays and Fridays, 10:30 AM-12:20 PM

Library Room 7200

This co-curricular short-term course provides the rules, learning strategies, and contextualized practice in the stress, rhythm, and melody of English words, phrases, and discourse. Students will also learn how a Canadian accent differs from American, British, and Australian varieties of English by analyzing popular TV shows.

Drop in to ask to practice your English conversation, get help with your presentation, or improve your grammar.  Communications skills is a weekly workshop facilitated by EAL Peer Neha A., a graduate student pursuing a Masters degree in Teaching English as an Additional Language.

Learn how speaking in message units can add weight and authority to your class presentations.

Your choices as a writer depend on what you have already written and what you are going to write next. In this way, the structure of a single sentence both contributes to and depends on the context in which it occurs and the sentences around it.  Learn how to improve the clarity, logic, and flow of your writing by understanding this relationship between grammar and discourse.