As a service to our Spanish Majors and Minors, the Department of Spanish and Linguistics has created the Taller de Escritura to assist with the complex process of learning to write in another language. You are encouraged to take advantage of this service as you prepare your compositions and presentations. The Taller can help with a variety of aspects of your writing, including Introductions/Conclusions, Organization, Incorporation of Evidence, Citations, Transitions, Slide Design in presentations, etc. While the tutors may indicate spelling and/or grammar errors in an essay, the purpose of the Taller is not to proofread your writing. Students can also schedule one-on-one meetings via our calendar. These sessions can be face-to-face or online. During these sessions, our collaborating professors go over student papers and present suggestions to improve the overall paragraph and sentence level organization and clarity, as well as micro-level grammar-related issues.

You may find additional useful information about us under the  FAQ section. If you have any further questions, please contact the Spanish Writing Center Director Ana  M. Anderson 

1. Will the Writing Specialists at the Spanish Writing Center correct my grammar?

The Writing Specialists’ main focus during Spanish writing sessions is on issues such as organization, clarity, and style, not grammar.  Writing Specialists will only point out grammatical errors if they are repetitive or interfere with comprehension.

Please understand that the main goal of your visit is to receive feedback from a reader similar to your intended audience, with the ultimate goal of strengthening your writing skills according to specific Spanish language conventions.

2. Can I bring a draft that is not complete?

You can. However, bear in mind that we can only give feedback on what you bring to us, so the further you are along in the writing process, the better able we will be to give specific and focused suggestions. Additionally, if you have already received feedback from your professor on a draft, it is advised to attempt to implement those suggestions before bringing the paper to us, to avoid duplication of efforts and so we can help you determine whether you have effectively addressed your professor's comments.

3. Can you help me find a topic for my paper?

Unfortunately, no. If you are having trouble finding an appropriate topic, please speak with the professor whose class you are writing the paper for.

4. Will you look at my entire paper?

This will depend on the length of your paper and how easily it reads.

Our Writing Specialists will do their best to provide feedback on the entire document. However, depending on the writing and the challenges the paper presents, Writing Specialists may need to engage in a discussion with you before they have finished reading the document in full. Please note that if a paper presents severe structural problems that impede comprehension, the Writing Specialist may provide you with some initial feedback to work on and end the visit before time is up.

5. What if I would like to come back after implementing a first round of feedback?

Unless otherwise specified by your professor, and contingent upon appointment availability, you can sign up for a second appointment and have your paper looked at again.

6. Can Writing Specialists gauge the quality of my paper?

Our Writing Specialists can gauge the quality of your writing but they will in no way emit judgments as to the content of your paper. This means that while we can assist you with the articulation of your ideas, we will not evaluate the quality of the ideas themselves, nor will we give grade estimates.