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Tutors in
the Writing Center are always availabe to assist students; please
feel free to ask any question. Here are staff responses to some
of our most frequently asked questions. |
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Why do I haff to take this stoopid
lab, anyways? |
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Sean's
Answer: Most issues that students have with writing can be
addressed and improved upon by simply putting into action
that old saying "practice makes perfect." Born writers
are extremely rare and even they cannot improve their skills
without continuing to read and write as much as possible.
That's why we have students write so much and why we always
remind them that writing is a life-long endeavor which will
never cease to teach you something new about both itself and
yourself. |
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What happens if I forget to logout? |
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Kathryn's Answer: You will receive
one hour of time if you forget to logout using TimeKeeper. If
you worked in the lab for more than one hour, please see a tutor
for help correcting your hours. |
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Questions
About Grammar and Mechanics |
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Question: "If the subject of a
verb in the present tense is singular in the third person, why
is there an 's' at the end of the verb?" |
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Fred's Answer: While it is true that
in English most plural nouns are formed with an "s" at the end
(for example: one CHAIR, two CHAIRS), third person singular
verb forms require an "s" at the end (for example: he, she,
or it LIVES). Present tense verbs in the third person are conjugated
this way. |
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Question: "Why is
the 's' omitted from the third person singular main verb after
question words in the present tense?" For example, where does
he live? |
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Fred's Answer: A practical answer
is that the "s" is not required after the main verb because
the helping verb "DOES" contains an "s" at the end. |
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Question: "Why is it wrong to
say ‘I walking to school’ or ‘I am walk to school?’" |
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Melissa's Answer: The present progressive
must have three parts to be complete: to be (is, am, are) +
main verb (walk, eat, play) + ing (ing). I + am + walk + ing
to school. If you forget one of these, it is incomplete. |
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Questions
About English 290-- Basic College Writing |
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Question: "What is English
290?" |
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Joseph's Answer: English 290
is a basic writing lab that teaches word processing skills
and introduces you to how college "works" while strengthening
your core writing skills. The course is designed to provide
you with individualized instruction. You will spend time working
on essays, grammar exercises, and the internet. You will spend
an average of 3 hours per week on English 290. You must work
with a Writing Center tutor for at least 30 minutes each week.
You may complete 1 hour of the required 3 hours outside the
Writing Center. Please see English
290, Writing Fundamentals for more
information. |
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What happens
if each week I do not keep up with the required number of hours
for English 290? |
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Kate's Answer: Try to keep up with
your hours each week. However, if you fall behind one week,
you may make up the hours another week. |
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Question: "What if I've never
worked on a computer before and am scared of the damn things?" |
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Joseph's Answer: Fear not! The course
is set up and designed to help you overcome your fear of computers,
your "technophobia." We'll take you through the learning process
step by step. We only have friendly, patient, and helpful tutors
in the Writing Center. |
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Question: "How do I find out more
about this basic writing program?" |
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Joseph's Answer: First take the
Cabrillo College Assessment test to make certain that you
need to work at the English 255/English 290 level. If you
do, consult the Cabrillo College Catalogue, the Cabrillo College
Schedule of Classes, and the English 290 web site , English
290, Writing Fundamentals for details
about the program. The Internet address for the web site is
http://www.cabrillo.edu/services/writingcenter/290/.
You can also contact the director of the program at (831)
479-6184. |
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